VBCI-2 (MCT30)

VBCI-2 (MCT30)

VBCI-2 (MCT30)

Description

The VBCI-2 (MCT30) is a cutting-edge infantry fighting vehicle that represents a significant evolution in armoured warfare. Developed by the French company Nexter, the VBCI-2 was created as an export version of its predecessor, the original VBCI, which was unveiled in 2008. The VBCI-2 incorporates a range of advanced technologies, including enhanced protection systems, and improved mobility. Its most distinctive feature is the integration of the formidable MCT30 turret, armed with a 30 mm autocannon and a suite of secondary weapons, making it highly capable in engaging both ground and aerial targets. The VBCI-2's adoption of advanced communication and sensor systems has significantly improved situational awareness and battlefield coordination.

It was introduced in Update "La Royale". The VBCI-2 (MCT30) boasts a formidable array of combat capabilities that place it at the forefront of modern armoured vehicles. Armed with the powerful MCT30 turret, which houses a 30 mm autocannon and supplementary armaments, the VBCI-2 possesses exceptional anti-aircraft and anti-vehicle capabilities. This enables it to engage a wide spectrum of threats with precision and versatility. The integration of advanced targeting systems, fire control technology, and stabilization mechanisms enhances its accuracy while on the move or stationary, ensuring effective engagement in dynamic combat scenarios. Furthermore, its enhanced protection systems offer substantial defense against various types of low to medium calibre weaponry. The VBCI-2's advanced sensor suite, including LWS and thermal imaging, augments situational awareness, granting its crew the ability to detect and engage targets across different terrains and weather conditions. These combat capabilities culminate in a platform that excels in both offensive and defensive operations, making the VBCI-2 a pivotal asset in modern mechanized warfare.

General info

Survivability and armour

While the VBCI-2 (MCT30) exhibits a range of advanced features, a nuanced approach characterizes its survivability. The vehicle's armour, while providing protection against various threats, might be considered less robust when confronted with highly potent anti-tank weaponry. This consideration underscores the VBCI-2's reliance on agility and mobility as key elements of its survival strategy. Additionally, the vehicle's unmanned turret, a notable feature, contributes to its survivability by reducing crew exposure to enemy fire. By leveraging its well-engineered mobility and the unmanned turret, the VBCI-2 can minimize its exposure to potential threats and rapidly change positions on the battlefield. Its ability to traverse diverse terrains efficiently enables it to exploit cover, evade incoming fire, and seek advantageous firing positions. This dynamic approach to survivability, blending mobility with tactical awareness and the advantages of an unmanned turret, allows the VBCI-2 to excel in hit-and-run tactics and swift manoeuvres, proving that a balance between armour, mobility, and advanced technology is pivotal in combat.

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
• Aluminum alloy AMS 4050 A (hull roof, suspension)

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	12 mm Upper 12 mm Lower	12 mm Top 12 mm Bottom	12 mm	35 mm
Turret	30 + 10 mm Turret front 30 mm Gun mantlet	30 + 10 mm	30 + 10 mm	30 + 10 mm
Cupola	30 + 10 mm	10 mm	30 + 10 mm	30 + 10 mm

Notes:

• Wheels are 10 mm thick

Mobility

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade				930			__.__
Realistic				531			__.__

Armaments

Main armament

30 mm Bushmaster 2 Mk.44						Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	450 (75)	200	-10°/+40°	±180°	Two-plane	57.1	79.1	96.0	106.2	113.0	13.00	11.50	10.60	10.00
Realistic						35.7	42.0	51.0	56.4	60.0

Ammunition

• Default: APDS · HEI-T · HEI-T
• MK266: HEI-T
• MK258: APFSDS

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
	10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
HEI-T	9	8	6	5	3	3
APDS	87	86	81	75	70	65
APFSDS	116	115	110	104	99	93

Shell details
Ammunition	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)	Ricochet
						0%	50%	100%
HEI-T	1,080	0.36	0.1	0.1	54.4	79°	80°	81°
APDS	1,480	0.19	-	-	-	75°	78°	80°
APFSDS	1,430	0.1	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
6	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Pintle	2,000 (200)	575	-20°/+60°	±180°

Usage in battles

The VBCI-2 (MCT30) stands as a versatile and potent asset, with its capabilities extending beyond traditional ground warfare. In armoured combat, the VBCI-2 excels in a range of roles, including reconnaissance, and offensive operations. Armed with the MCT30 unmanned turret, equipped with a 30 mm autocannon and supplementary weapons, it possesses exceptional anti-vehicle capabilities, effectively engaging and neutralizing threats both on open terrain and in urban environments. When facing armoured targets, the utilization of MK258 APFSDS rounds enhances its anti-armour capabilities, penetrating protected adversaries. However, it's important to note that the APFSDS rounds may prove lacklustre when confronting Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) frontally due to their formidable armour. Nevertheless, its ability to target the sides and rear of MBTs remains formidable, potentially resulting in their destruction.

Notably, the VBCI-2's combat capabilities extend into anti-aircraft warfare. The advanced sensor suite, including Infrared Search and Track (IRST) technology and thermal imaging, enables the vehicle to detect and track aerial threats, while its rapid-firing autocannon can engage low-flying aircraft and drones. For engaging aircraft, the use of MK266 HEI-T rounds provides effective anti-aircraft firepower, deterring and countering airborne threats with precision.

Furthermore, the VBCI-2 serves a significant role in mechanized combat as a support vehicle. Its mobility allows it to rapidly manoeuvre across varied landscapes, providing repair assistance to other armoured units. The vehicle's ability to swiftly move through flanks, while offering protective cover and fire support, enhances the cohesion and effectiveness of combined arms operations.

In summary, the VBCI-2's combat uses in armoured scenarios are manifold. It excels in reconnaissance, and offensive roles, owing to its potent weaponry and agile mobility. Its anti-aircraft capabilities offer air defense augmentation, bolstering the protection of mechanized units. Additionally, the VBCI-2's role as a support vehicle enhances the overall effectiveness of mechanized combat operations by providing rapid response, support, and auxiliary functions. Through its adaptability, firepower, and versatility, the VBCI-2 remains a cornerstone of French top-tier armoured forces, capable of fulfilling diverse combat roles in the evolving landscape of warfare.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Great mobility
• Access to APFSDS rounds with good penetration values
• Full APFSDS belts
• High turret rotation speed
• Frontally located Engine and Fuel Tank can absorb shots

Cons:

• Rather poor armour
• Slower rate of fire than 25 mm and 20 mm autocannons
• Crew can easily be knocked out
• Ammunition stored in easy-to-detonate racks
• Wheeled vehicle, speed can drop off in mud/snow and no neutral steering
• Vulnerable to overpressure damage

History

Development

In the early 1990s, the French government started the VBM (Véhicule Blindé Modulaire — Modular Armoured Vehicle) as a replacement for its older IFVs. Soon the project caught the attention of Germany and the United Kingdom, nations that were also operating aging IFVs like the German Marder. The first prototype was unveiled in 1996 and was called X8A. However the joint program was abandoned and France continued the project on their own with 700 units ordered in 2000.

The program quickly advanced, with testings between 2003 and 2004 in agility, mobility and electronics. 5 prototypes were tested under real conditions in 2004 and 2005, the tests resulted in major modifications to the unmanned DRAGAR turret, thus the project was delayed while this issue was fixed. The VBCI was also considered as an APC and a mortar carrier, and was also tested by the British for the FRES program.

Service

The first batch finished deliveries in 2010, while the second one was delivered in 2012. The IFV has seen some improvements as well as action in Africa, in peacekeeping missions by France in some of their old colonies. In 2014 the first modification pack was unveiled, a 32 ton modification, with more internal volume, redistributed crew and electronics, improved steering and slightly better protection. The French Armed Forces announced their intentions to proccure this vehicle starting in 2015, to this day new units are being delivered or upgraded.

Variants and Export

The VBCI 2 was the improved variant of the VBCI, with a more powerful diesel engine capable of 600hp, improved crew comfort and new vision cameras. This version was developed mainly for export, the weight was increased to 32 tons and a prototype with a two man turret with a 40mm cannon was tested

The United Kingdom and Qatar showed interest in the VBCI. The UK considered the VBCI for its MIV program, that was meant to replace the aging Warrior IFV, but the Boxer was selected over the VBCI in 2019. Meanwhile, Qatar, who is an important customer of French weapon systems, made public its intentions to obtain 490 Nexter VBCI vehicles. However the lack of unmanned turrets on the market delayed further negotiations. In 2018 however, the turrets were provided by Kongsberg, as well as remote weapon stations in case that the negotiations were succesful.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the VBCI-2 (MCT30) from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

Unmanned Turret Tanks: Showcasing New Tech discusses the VBCI-2 (MCT30) at 05:07 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the vehicles;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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• topic on the official game forum;
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