Auverland Type A3/A3L
Notes: This is a
light 4x4 vehicle used by the French Army (1st 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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
A3 (92 hp) |
$2,575 |
D, A |
540 kg |
1.9 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
A3 (95 hp) |
$2,590 |
D, A |
540 kg |
1.91 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
A3L (92 hp) |
$2,954 |
D, A |
950 kg |
2.65 tons |
2+5 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
A3L (95 hp) |
$2,964 |
D, A |
950 kg |
2.66 tons |
2+5 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
A3 (92 hp) |
350/176 |
97/49 |
80 |
34 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
A3 (95 hp) |
361/182 |
100/50 |
80 |
35 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
A3L (92 hp) |
264/133 |
73/37 |
80 |
34 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
A3L (95 hp) |
270/136 |
74/38 |
80 |
35 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$2,527 |
D, A |
1.06 tons |
2.51 tons |
2+1 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
283/142 |
79/40 |
80 |
35 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Auverland A4
Notes: This is a
modification of the A3. It is a
hard-top 4-door light 4x4 vehicle used for liaison duties.
Most of the automotive components and many of the structural components
are identical to those of the A3.
Configurations include SUV-like versions and extended cab pickup versions. Much
of the particulars of the A4 are the same as the A$. The A4 is powered by the
95-horsepower XUD9 TF turbodiesel engine, coupled with a Peugeot BA 7/5 manual
transmission.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$3,225 |
D, A |
950 kg |
2.5 tons |
2+3 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
284/143 |
79/40 |
80 |
35 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
4x2 |
$2,102 |
G, A |
400 kg |
1.09 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
4x4 (28.5 hp) |
$2,335 |
G, A |
400 kg |
1.25 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
4x4 (34 hp) |
$2,343 |
G, A |
400 kg |
1.27 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
4x2 |
259/52 |
71/14 |
66 |
12 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
4x4 (28.5 hp) |
184/93 |
51/26 |
66 |
12 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
4x4 (34 hp) |
207/106 |
58/30 |
66 |
15 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$2,303 |
G, A |
405 kg |
990 kg |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
290/58 |
80/16 |
25 |
13 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
60 hp Engine |
$2,380 |
G, A |
400 kg |
1.52 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
65 hp Engine |
$2,390 |
G, A |
400 kg |
1.52 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
60 hp Engine |
293/148 |
81/41 |
49 |
27 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
65 hp Engine |
310/156 |
85/43 |
49 |
29 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
FL-500 |
$1,403 |
G, A |
500 kg |
1.18 tons |
1 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
FL-501 |
$1,420 |
G, A |
500 kg |
1.38 tons |
1 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
FL-500 |
200/101 |
56/28 |
25 |
13 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
FL-501 |
209/105 |
58/29 |
25 |
16 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Gas |
$3,199 |
G, A |
1.11 tons |
3.11 tons |
2+8 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Diesel |
$3,123 |
D, A |
1.11 tons |
3.11 tons |
2+8 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Gas |
238/119 |
65/34 |
90 |
42 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Diesel |
175/88 |
49/25 |
90 |
19 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
SWB, Gas |
$2,457 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.82 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
SWB, Diesel |
$2,437 |
D, A |
750 kg |
1.9 tons |
2+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
LWB, Gas |
$2,756 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.99 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
LWB, Diesel |
$2,536 |
D, A |
750 kg |
2.07 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
VPS |
$2,736 |
D, A |
750 kg |
2.47 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
P4P, SWB |
$3,120 |
D, A |
750 kg |
2.3 tons |
2+2 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
P4P, LWB |
$3,429 |
D, A |
750 kg |
2.82 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
P4P, XWB |
$3,684 |
D, A |
750 kg |
3.26 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
SWB, Gas |
312/158 |
87/44 |
75 |
34 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SWB, Diesel |
274/138 |
77/38 |
75 |
21 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
LWB, Gas |
289/146 |
80/41 |
75 |
34 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
LWB, Diesel |
255/129 |
71/36 |
75 |
21 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
VPS |
222/112 |
44/31 |
75 |
21 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF1
HS1 HR1* |
P4P, SWB |
454/229 |
127/63 |
75 |
45 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
P4P, LWB |
379/191 |
105/53 |
75 |
45 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
P4P, XWB |
334/168 |
93/46 |
75 |
45 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
*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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
B110-35D |
$3,983 |
D, A |
725 kg |
3.51 tons |
3+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
B110-45D |
$7,610 |
D, A |
1.73 tons |
4.51 tons |
3+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
B110-35D |
233/118 |
64/33 |
67 |
39 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
B110-35D |
192/97 |
53/27 |
67 |
39 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$4,107 |
D, A |
1.33 tons |
3.95 tons |
2+12 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
160/81 |
44/22 |
70 or 120 |
21 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
SAMO SWB, 80 hp Gas |
$2,630 |
G, A |
1.2 tons |
2.6 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SAMO SWB, 67.4 hp Diesel |
$2,597 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
2.6 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SAMO SWB, 85 hp Diesel |
$2,640 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
2.6 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SAMO LWB, 80 hp Gas |
$2,830 |
G, A |
1.8 tons |
3.4 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SAMO LWB, 67.4 hp Diesel |
$2,797 |
D, A |
1.8 tons |
3.4 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SAMO LWB, 85 hp Diesel |
$2,840 |
D, A |
1.8 tons |
3.4 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SC-11 SWB, 83 hp Gas |
$2,637 |
G, A |
900 kg |
2.33 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
SC-11 SWB, 67 hp Diesel |
$2,597 |
D, A |
900 kg |
2.32 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
SC-11 SWB, 85 hp Diesel |
$2,640 |
D, A |
900 kg |
2.33 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
SC-11 LWB, 83 hp Gas |
$2,837 |
G, A |
970 kg |
2.57 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SC-11 LWB, 67 hp Diesel |
$2,797 |
D, A |
970 kg |
2.56 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
SC-11 LWB, 85 hp Diesel |
$2,840 |
D, A |
970 kg |
2.57 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Serie A SWB, 90 hp Gas |
$2,653 |
G, A |
870 kg |
2.85 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Serie A SWB, 72 hp Diesel |
$2,610 |
D, A |
870 kg |
2.77 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Serie A SWB, 90 hp Diesel |
$2,653 |
D, A |
870 kg |
2.8 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Serie A LWB, 90 hp Gas |
$2,853 |
G, A |
1.04 tons |
3.08 tons |
2+6 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Serie A LWB, 72 hp Diesel |
$2,810 |
D, A |
1.04 tons |
3 tons |
2+6 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Serie A LWB, 90 hp Diesel |
$2,853 |
D, A |
1.04 tons |
2.96 tons |
2+6 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
SAMO SWB, 80 hp Gas |
239/121 |
67/34 |
55 |
36 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SAMO SWB, 67.4 hp Diesel |
206/104 |
58/29 |
55 |
20 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SAMO SWB, 85 hp Diesel |
249/126 |
69/35 |
55 |
26 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SAMO LWB, 80 hp Gas |
194/98 |
54/27 |
55 |
36 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SAMO LWB, 67.4 hp Diesel |
169/86 |
47/24 |
55 |
20 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SAMO LWB, 85 hp Diesel |
201/102 |
56/28 |
55 |
26 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SC-11 SWB, 83 hp Gas |
269/135 |
74/38 |
88 |
37 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SC-11 SWB, 67 hp Diesel |
226/114 |
63/32 |
88 |
20 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SC-11 SWB, 85 hp Diesel |
272/138 |
75/38 |
88 |
26 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SC-11 LWB, 83 hp Gas |
248/125 |
69/34 |
88 |
37 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SC-11 LWB, 67 hp Diesel |
210/106 |
58/30 |
88 |
20 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
SC-11 LWB, 85 hp Diesel |
251/126 |
70/35 |
88 |
26 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Serie A SWB, 90 hp Gas |
243/122 |
68/34 |
97 |
40 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Serie A SWB, 72 hp Diesel |
209/106 |
60/30 |
97 |
21 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Serie A SWB, 90 hp Diesel |
246/124 |
69/34 |
97 |
27 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Serie A LWB, 90 hp Gas |
229/115 |
63/32 |
97 |
40 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Serie A LWB, 72 hp Diesel |
196/99 |
54/27 |
97 |
21 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Serie A LWB, 90 hp Diesel |
235/119 |
65/33 |
97 |
27 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$4,595 |
D, A |
998 kg |
3.75 tons |
1+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
266/186 |
74/52 |
90 |
56 |
Stnd |
T2 |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$2,676 |
D, A |
800 kg |
2.2 tons |
2+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
248/125 |
69/34 |
100 |
26 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$3,158 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
3 tons |
2+8 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
261/131 |
72/36 |
105 |
31 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Gas 100 hp |
$4,639 |
G, A |
1.5 tons |
5.17 tons |
2+6 |
3 |
Headlights |
Open |
Diesel 100 hp |
$4,639 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
5.15 tons |
2+6 |
3 |
Headlights |
Open |
Diesel 115 hp |
$4,675 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
5.21 tons |
2+6 |
3 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Gas |
167/84 |
47/23 |
130 |
44 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Diesel 100 hp |
168/84 |
47/23 |
130 |
30 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Diesel 115 hp |
183/93 |
51/26 |
130 |
34 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
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.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
SM3/STL |
$4,920 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
5.65 tons |
3+12 |
3 |
Headlights |
Open |
FSP |
$5,220 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
5.8 tons |
3+12 |
3 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
SM3/STL |
199/100 |
56/28 |
240 |
41 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
FSP |
194/98 |
54/27 |
240 |
41 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |