Véhicule Blindé Léger facts for kids
The Véhicule Blindé Léger, or VBL, is a special kind of light military vehicle. Its name means "Light Armored Vehicle" in French. It has four-wheel drive, which means all its wheels can power it forward. This makes it great for driving on tough ground. The VBL is mainly used for reconnaissance, which means scouting ahead to gather information. It has been an important part of the French army since 1990. Many other countries, like Gabon, Qatar, and Serbia, also use the VBL. Even the US Army used a version of it called the M11 for checking dangerous materials. In November 2012, Russia bought 500 of these vehicles.
The VBL was designed and built in France by a company called Panhard.
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What is the VBL?
The VBL is a small, fast, and armored vehicle. It is built to protect soldiers inside from bullets and small explosions. Because it is light, it can be moved easily. It can even be carried by helicopters or dropped from planes. This makes it very useful for armies that need to move quickly.
Key Features of the VBL
The VBL has several important features that make it good for military use.
Armored Protection
The VBL's body is made of strong armor. This armor helps to keep the soldiers inside safe. It can stop bullets from small arms and protect against some types of mines. This protection is very important in dangerous areas.
Four-Wheel Drive System
Having four-wheel drive means the VBL can go almost anywhere. It can drive on muddy roads, sandy deserts, or rocky paths. This ability to travel over different types of land is key for reconnaissance missions.
Ability to Travel in Water
One special thing about the VBL is that it can drive in water. It has a propeller at the back, like a boat. This allows it to cross rivers or small lakes without needing a bridge. This feature makes it very versatile for different missions.
Different Versions and Uses
Over the years, many different versions of the VBL have been made. Some are used for scouting, while others carry weapons like machine guns or anti-tank missiles. Some versions are even used for special tasks, like checking for dangerous chemicals. This shows how adaptable the VBL is for various army needs.
Who Uses the VBL?
The VBL is a popular vehicle around the world.
French Army Use
The French Army has used the VBL for a long time. It is a key part of their light armored forces. They use it for scouting, protecting convoys, and supporting infantry soldiers.
International Users
More than 25 countries have bought and used the VBL. This shows how reliable and effective the vehicle is. Countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East all use it. For example, the Mexican Army uses VBLs armed with machine guns. The Greek Army also uses them for their defense.
US Army M11 Version
The US Army used a special version of the VBL. They called it the M11. This version was used for finding and identifying dangerous materials, like chemical or biological threats. It helped keep soldiers safe by checking areas before they entered.
Russian Purchase
In 2012, Russia bought 500 VBLs. This was a big deal because it showed that even large armies saw the value in this French-made vehicle. It highlights the VBL's reputation for being tough and effective.
Images for kids
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Internal view of a VBL
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VBL standard
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VBL MILAN
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A Portuguese VBL deployed in Kosovo, 2000.
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A FN MAG-armed VBL of the Mexican Army in 2010.
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A Hellenic Army VBL in 2007.
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A Gabonese VBL with a CTM-105 ring-mount, in 2009.
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VBL Mark 2 at a Russian arms show in 2013.
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The propeller of the VBL enables it to drive in water.
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The VBL can be hooked to helicopters. Here a Portuguese VBL and an American UH-60 Blackhawk.
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A French VBL packed on a pallet in order to be para-dropped.
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See also
In Spanish: Véhicule Blindé Léger para niños
