Auverland Type A3/A3L

     Notes: This is a light 4x4 vehicle used by the French Army (1^st Regiment of Infantry), the Gendarmerie, and the French Air Force.  The Type A3 is the basic version, while the A3L is the stretched version.  Most have a small winch (1-ton capacity) mounted on the front bumper.  There is a weapon mount on a post behind the front seats; this usually mounts an AAT-52, but no weapon is provided. The A3L often mounts a 106mm recoilless rifle or a Milan ATGM.  The Type A3 or A3L come in soft- and hard-top versions; the hardtop is removable, and the windshield may be folded down in either case.  Production began with the A3 equipped with the 92-horsepower Peugeot XUD 9A turbodiesel, but continued from Oct 95 with the 95-horsepower XUD9 TF turbodiesel engine, coupled with a Peugeot BA 7/5 manual transmission.

Auverland A3F

     Notes: This is a development of the A3, rigged out as a fast attack-type vehicle.  The basic A3 has been modified with a beefed-up suspension, rigid axles, strengthened drive train, a roll-bar frame, and run-flat tires.  The roll bar may mount a variety of weapons, ranging from Minimis to 20mm autocannons, while weapons such as recoilless rifles or light ATGM may be mounted in the rear of the vehicle.  A common use of the A3F is to tow and tote ammunition for heavy mortar teams; the A3F may tow 605 kilograms, or 1.59 tons if the trailer or piece has brakes. The A3F may be loaded in heavy lift helicopters or airdropped. The A3F is powered by the 95-horsepower Peugeot XUD9 TF turbodiesel engine, coupled with a Peugeot BA 7/5 manual transmission.

Auverland A4

     Notes: This is a modification of the A3.  It is a hard-top 4-door light 4x4 vehicle used for liaison duties.  Most of the automotive components and many of the structural components are identical to those of the A3.  Configurations include SUV-like versions and extended cab pickup versions. Much of the particulars of the A4 are the same as the A$. The A4 is powered by the 95-horsepower XUD9 TF turbodiesel engine, coupled with a Peugeot BA 7/5 manual transmission.

Citroën FAF A

     Notes: This is basically a standard civilian vehicle (the Citroën A-Type) with a minimum of modifications to suit it for military service.  The base vehicle has been modified to give it a 4x4 suspension, upholstery and floor mats which do not wear out as fast, and a switch starter instead of a key, along with things such as rifle racks, radio mounts, and other such accouterments.  The front windshield can be folded forward and the canvas top removed.  The rear bench seat folds forward to increase cargo room if necessary.  Rear area commanders and teams in lower-priority areas use these vehicles.  The FAF A is strong enough to be airdropped. A copy of the FAF A, called the La Dalat, was produced by Vietnam until 1975.  The Greek firm of Namco produced a copy called the Pony until 1983, and this version was exported to several countries, with 30,000 being built. A copy was built in Iran, called the Mehari (without the accent), about 9000 were produced in the 1970s. Various versions with kit bodies were also produced by several countries, particularly in Africa. Most of these copies were civilian versions, but some were also taken into military and government service. Engines varied, but most stuck close to the original models. The 4x2 and one of the 4x4s used a Citroën four-cylinder developing 28.5 horsepower, while an improved version used a 34-horsepower engine. Transmissions could be manual or automatic.

Citroën Méhari Armée

     Notes: All branches of the French Armed Forces, as well as the French police, used this light vehicle. The Méhari was procured during the transition between the Jeep Hotchkiss and Peugeot P4. The Méhari has an all-steel chassis with a plastic body; the bodywork requires almost no maintenance, as it does not rust. There are two seats and a cargo area at the rear, behind the front seat are simple foldable bench seats; when folded the cargo space at the rear is actually quite large.  The Méhari has a soft top and is not normally equipped with a weapon mount.  The vehicle can be parachuted and stacked inside some cargo aircraft, by folding the windshield down and folding down the soft top. Suspension is 4x2, as the Méhari is not intended for intensive off-road adventures and is meant primarily to be a liaison and rear-area command car. The engine is an AK2 2-cylinder gasoline engine developing 29 horsepower at an astounding 5000 RPM.

Hotchkiss M201

     Notes: This vehicle is virtually identical to the Willys Jeep of World War 2, and was built from 1955 to 1966, and served the French military into 2000.  It is also known to the French as the VLTT (Vehicule de Liaison Tout Terrain).  These vehicles have largely been replaced by France by later vehicles, but are still in service with reserve forces and by Belgium and several North African countries.  France normally uses them as liaison or radio vehicles, but she has modified some for use as 106mm recoilless rifle carriers or missile carriers armed with Entac or Milan missiles; some were even modified to carry a GSR dish in the rear.  The engine is a four-cylinder modification of the Willys Go Devil engine developing 60 horsepower; in 1962, production switched to the 65-horsepower engine of the Peugeot 603 automobile.  The M201 was modified to be a lot tougher than the base Willys Jeep (US forces during World War 2 could literally wear out a Jeep in a month), but the body of the M201 is almost a clone of the Willys MB.

LOHR Fardier FL-500/501

     Notes: This vehicle is a light jeep used by France, Spain, Tunesia and Argentina.  It was replaced by the Auverland vehicles above in French service, but is believed to still be operating in the Argentine Military, while it can’t be assured that the Fardiers in Spain and Tunesia are still in service.  Some FL-500 vehicles mount a Milan ATGM.  These vehicles are common with French and Argentine airborne units and the Foreign Legion.

     The chassis of the Fardier is built of welded tubes, with the engine in the middle and the driver on the front left.  Each axle has a transmission unit, with coil-spring suspension for the wheels. There are disk brakes on each wheel; the suspension is 4x4 and the Fardier can tow 800 kilograms. A C-130 can carry up to six configured for paradropping, or up to 12 as general cargo. A Puma helicopter can sling-load a Fardier and a 120mm heavy mortar (the typical item the Fardier would be towing). The engine of the Fardier 500 is an AK2 2-cylinder gasoline engine developing 29 horsepower at an astounding 6750 RPM.

The engine of the Fardier 501 is a Citroen 602cc Flat Twin. This engine provides 36 horsepower, decent for the weight of the vehicle and the light cargo and towing the Fardier would be doing. The Fardier does not have locking differentials, but it does have a limited-slip differential on each axle. The cargo deck is installed above the chassis and is a simple flat steel deck.

Peugeot 504 Dangel

     Notes: This is a standard French civilian pickup truck modified to 4x4 format and fitted with bows, a canvas cover, and bench seats in the cargo bed, and some other modifications to suit it for military use.  It is essentially built as a kit to be assembled by other manufacturers (most notably Peugeot), and details can vary from Dangel to Dangel. The Dangel was based on the Peugeot 504 station wagon (due to it having a rear deck already). Additional differences between the military and civilian base include the replacement of the civilian radio with a military radio, a 24-volt electrical system, and some reinforcement of the vehicle and the fitting of military standard tires. A winch is in the front of the vehicle with a capacity of 2 tons.  In addition to a cargo/troop carrier, there is a hard-bodied ambulance version. The gasoline engine is a Peugeot 95-horsepower; the diesel engine is also from Peugeot and has 64 horsepower.

     The Dangel was particularly popular in Africa, where there were many Peugeot 504 cars, trucks, and station wagons already. Unfortunately, spare parts for the Dangel were not made in quantity, and that, coupled with the lack of popularity of pickup trucks in France, meant that spare parts were always rare.

Peugeot P4

     Notes: This is one of a number of light vehicles used by the French military. The P4 is a vehicle is standard configuration, constructed from sheet metal, and is of 4x4 suspension.  The P4 comes in gasoline-powered and diesel-powered versions.  There is a weapon mount on the roll bar behind the front seats; however, no weapon is provided.

     This vehicle has sort of a composite construction; the engines of the Peugeot 504 and the transmission of the Peugeot 604 are installed on the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. The electrical system and the body are designed for the P4, but even the body is derivative of the Mecedes Gelandewagen. The first prototypes were completed in 1978, and tested in a rally race in Southern Algeria, satisfactorily. The gasoline engine used is a Peugeot XN8 78-horsepower model; the diesel engine model is powered by an XD3 developing 70 horsepower. Both are four-cylinder I-4s.

     The VPS variant was designed for French special operations forces. It uses a long wheelbase and has an armored floor and beefed-up suspension for protection against mines and IEDs. The P4 VIPAIR is a version with a mount for Mistral SAMs; it will not be detailed further here. The P4P is an armored version; it is used by the French Navy to patrol around ships and facilities. It has a 150-horsepower turbodiesel engine. It is also used by GIGN. The P4P is available in an XWB (eXtended WheelBase) variant with a wheelbase of 3.12 meters, along with the 2.4 meters or 2.85 meters wheelbases.

     The French Army ordered 13,500 P4s, and construction continues for both military and civilians. Other users include Cameroon, Chile and Ukraine.

*Floor AV is 4Sp.

Renault B110 Turbo

     Notes: This is a light tactical truck built on a 4x4 chassis, used by France.  The B110 uses a front-mounted cab with a large sloping windshield.  The cab has room for the driver and two passengers.  There are many versions of this vehicle, such as troop/cargo carrier (with a canvas-covered cargo bed), ambulance, platform truck (for transporting bulk cargo), and a van.  The B110 comes in two models: the lighter B1110-35D, and the larger B110-45D. They have SOFIM 8140 106-horsepower turbodiesels in them, with a 5-speed manual transmission. A Flamestart system is present in the engine to help start the vehicle in cold weather. A peculiar note on the B110 Turbo is the gearshift: the gears are inverted from a normal gearshift pattern. This takes getting used to, but allows for a PTO to power a winch or other equipment.

Renault TRM 1200

     Notes: This is a light truck designed for road use.  France, Algeria, Morocco, and other undisclosed countries use it.  The TRM may be found with a van-type arrangement, or with a standard cargo bed with tarpaulin cover.  Seats in the cargo area may be down the center (back-to-back), or along the sides.  Variants include an ambulance, command post, dump truck, fire truck, and light recovery vehicle.  Some of these vehicles have a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 2 tons. The cabover cab may be all-metal, or have a soft top with a folding windshield. The TRM 1200 is made in left and right-hand drive versions. The engine of the TRM 1200 is a Renault 712 diesel developing 72 horsepower. The TRM 1200 can tow 1 ton cross-country.

SAMO SWB/LWB

     Notes: The SAMO SWB (Standard WheelBase) is standard multi-purpose vehicle of the French forces as well as those of a number of African nations.  The SAMO is a 4x4 jeep that can be used for a number of duties, including weapons carrier. The SAMO LWB (Long WheelBase) is a stretched version of the SWB.  Some versions carry a HOT ATGM, a 106mm recoilless rifle, or a 20mm autocannon turret. Towing is 800 kilograms cross-country, or 3 tons on roads.

     In the mid-1980s, Auverland replaced the former SAMO SWB and LWB vehicles with a new version, called the Autoland.  It looks quite similar to the two former SAMO vehicles, but is internally very different, and is also smaller.  It comes in two versions, the SC-11 and the Serie A, and both of those vehicles come in SWB and LWB models.  The SC-11 and Serie A differ primarily in the engines used; both have a choice of three engines, but the engines available to the Serie A are more powerful than those for the SC-11, including a 90-horsepower turbocharged diesel for the Serie A.  Both may have a hard or soft top and doors, and both may have a weapon mount behind the front seats, whether on a post for the soft top version or on the roof for the hard top.  A front-mounted winch is an option.  Though their Load figures are unimpressive, the SC-11 may tow up to 1.94 tons and the Serie A up to 2.35 tons.

     SAMO was bought by Auverland in the early 1980s, and these vehicles are now produced under the Auverland name.  The Autoland was a design upgrade initiated after the Auverland takeover of SAMO.

SIGAL M25

     Notes: At first meant exclusively for alpine-type regions, the M25 was later developed into a vehicle capable of traversing other marginal terrain such as swamps, deserts, and tropical regions.  Though only a little over a dozen were actually bought by the French armed forces, many others were sold to civilian concerns. 

     The M25’s body is constructed primarily from light alloy instead of heavier steel.  The cab is in the front of the vehicle, over the compact engine; the cab may be tilted backwards for access to the engine and transmission.  The cab seats two, with more passengers or cargo carried in the enclosed rear; the rear of the cargo body has its own large door.  On the roof of this rear section is a hatch (meant as an emergency escape, but also usable as a lookout hatch).  The cab and rear section are heated; the windows are heated and have a defroster.  There are two windows on each side of the rear section and one in the rear door; the cab has a large one-piece windshield and two windows in each door (at the top and bottom of each door).  For military use, these windows may be made of ballistic glass.  The engine is a 150-horsepower turbocharged design which can also provide power to tools and other accessories as necessary.  The transmission is automatic and hydrostatically assisted; the steering is likewise power assisted.  The tracks are made from rubber, with light alloy blade-like track shoes which are fitted with small spikes to help in icy weather.  The tracks also have anti-tilt features, useful since the tracks are 895mm wide.  The rear of the vehicle has a tow hook, and a winch may be fitted to the front or rear as an option.  Another option is a front-mounted dozer or snowplow blade. 

SOFRAME VLA

     Notes: This vehicle was developed in response to a French Army requirement for a light vehicle to be transported in or under helicopters.  It is made from aluminum and polystyrene and has an automatic transmission.  It is a small vehicle with large tires and is affectionately called the “Playmobil” by the soldiers using it. There is room for a driver and commander, with passenger/cargo space in the rear well.  The VLA can be parachuted, and may be stacked two high for transport.  There is a weapons mount on the roll bar, but no weapon is provided.  The cargo area may mount various weapons, such as a TOW or Milan ATGM. Alternately, the VLA can be kitted out as a light ambulance. Though its wartime utility is obvious, the VLA has no crumple zones, and it is not perceived safe for operation in peacetime (though it operates anyway). The VLA has permanent all-wheel drive and a Peugeot XUD 9A turbodiesel governed down to 71 horsepower.

     While not used by France, the VLA is used by the Royal Netherlands Army. The Dutch call the VLA the Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig, or LSV. The replacement process has only recently started and the LSV soldiers on.

SOVAMAG TC10 DT

     Notes: France and Mauritania use this French-made vehicle.  It was originally designed by Sovamag, which became a part of Auverland, which became a part of Panhard. It is a 4x4 vehicle that looks like a large jeep.  It is a very rugged vehicle; one reviewer remarked that “it is built like a Rhinoceros.” The cab has seats for the driver and passenger, and there is a rear cargo bed.  The TC10 DT usually mounts fairly heavy weapons, such as an M2HB, 20mm Giat autocannon, or 106mm recoilless rifle.  The mount for these weapons is on the roof of the cab, and someone standing in the cargo bed mans the weapons.  The TC10 DT is powered by an Iveco/Sofim 2.8-liter diesel developing 103 horsepower. Standard equipment includes two 40-liter cans for drinking water, and a rack of three jerry cans at the rear for fuel.  Other models include van bodies, missile carriers, workshops, tankers, and fire engines. 

SUMB 1500kg

     Notes: The SUMB is a light truck used by the French Army.  The layout is standard, with the engine at the front, cab behind it, and rear cargo area.  The cab and cargo area are covered with a tarpaulin, though later radio fittings required an all-metal cab.  Bench seats are fitted down the center of the cargo area, back-to-back.  The front bumper has a winch with a 2-ton capacity and 60 meters of cable.  The wheels can be locked, if necessary, when using this winch.  Variants include cargo/troop carrier, shovel, and communications vehicle. The SUMB was built from the late 1950s to late 1960s, but by the 1980s, there was a great difficulty sourcing spare parts, and in the 1990s, the SUMBs were rebuilt, with the 115-horsepower diesel engines in the stats below and rebuilt suspensions.

ACMAT VLRA TPK 4.15

     Notes: The SM3 version of this light French truck has drop sides, drop tailgate, and troop seats down the center facing outwards.  Its chassis is strengthened for airdrops and LAPES operations.  The STL version is the same, but is not strengthened for air delivery, and has a higher suspension for use in brushy terrain.  Both vehicles have a 100-liter tank for drinking water, and both have canvas covers that can be rolled up to open up the sides while still keeping the sun off your head.  Most parts are in common with the 4.20 SM3/STL truck.  No weapon mounts are provided with the basic vehicles.  A version of this vehicle mounts the LAU-97 multiple rocket launcher (see Belgian MRLs).  The entire VLRA series is in use by France and by most African nations, as well as Ireland; some 30 countries use the VLRA TPK line of trucks. The entire VLRA TPK line has excellent parts commonality between their light and medium trucks. Power is provided by a Perkins 6.354.4 developing 138 horsepower, coupled with a manual transmission. The brakes are power assisted, but steering is not.

     The FSP is a patrol version of the VLRA TPK 4.15 SM3 with drop sides and five weapon mounts.  There is a heavy weapon mount in the center of the cargo area that can mount an ATGM, SAM, machinegun, grenade launcher, or recoilless rifle.  There are two other lighter weapon mounts on both sides of the vehicle (NLT/NMT equivalent).  The vehicle is otherwise the same as the SM3, but heavier.