The Brazilian VBTP-MR Guarani vehicle was made possible by Iveco of Italy and developed to replace the aging line of EE-11 Urutu vehicles in service with the Brazilian Army.
Iveco of Italy has delivered an all-modern Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) solution to the Brazilian Army through the joint "VBTP-MR" - the vehicle recognized locally under the "Guarani" name. The system was designed to an Army specification calling for a replacement for the aging EE-9 "Cascavel" and EE-11 "Urutu" line of vehicles of similar form and battlefield function (the vehicles detailed elsewhere on this site). The VBTP-MR brings along with it all the modern comforts and safety for the crew as well as features such as a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and strong drive power. 6x6 and 8x8 forms make up the standard configuration of the family from which several variants have been planned to serve in specialized battlefield roles.
The 16.7 ton vehicle sports a length of 23 feet, a width of 9 feet and a height of 7.7 feet. The base operating crew numbers two (driver and commander) and there is seating for up to nine combat-ready personnel in the passenger compartment. The wheeled nature of the design lowers production and procurement costs and is in line with the growing global trend shifting to wheeled vehicle types over "track-and-wheel" models.
Beyond the multi-wheeled configuration supporting cross-country and road travel, the VBTP-MR sports a hydropneumatic suspension system for ride comfort. Road speeds reach nearly 70 miles per hour with ranges out to 370 miles. Power is served through an Iveco "Cursor 9" series diesel-fueled engine of 383 horsepower.
The basic APC model is defensed by machine guns and personal weapons carried by the occupants whereas the definitive fighting form introduces a remote-controlled turret armed with a 30mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II series autocannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The turret is of Israeli design (Elbit Systems) and is manufactured locally under license. A 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) supplies local air defense and can be used against light-armored threats as well. Smoke grenade dischargers provide a self-screening action for the vehicle and crew.
Beyond the aforementioned models, the VBTP will also appear in more dedicated battlefield forms such as a Command and Control (C2) variant, armored ambulance, tank-killer (proposed), and mortar carrier (120mm caliber). This lineup showcases the versatility of the Italian design.
The Brazilian Army is slated to received over 2,000 VBTP-MRs into 2030 with deliveries having begun in 2012 through an initial 200-strong batch. The system will also be used by Brazilian Marine forces.
The Lebanese Army is the only recognized export customer of the vehicle to date (2016).
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
Specifications
IVECO Latin America - Brazil / Italy Manufacturer(s)
INFANTRY SUPPORT
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
22.6 ft (6.9 meters) Length
8.9 ft (2.7 meters) Width
7.7 ft (2.35 meters) Height
36,817 lb (16,700 kg) Weight
18.4 tons (Light-class) Tonnage
1 x Iveco "Cursor 9" diesel fueled engine developing 383 horsepower. Drive System
68 mph (110 kph) Road Speed
373 miles (600 km) Road Range
APC Version Standard:
1 x 30mm Mk 44 "Bushmaster II" autocannon in Elbit remote-controlled turret.
1 x 7.62mm FN MAG Medium Machine Gun (MMG) in coaxial position.
1 x 12.7mm M2HB Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)
AMMUNITION
Not Available.
VBTP - Base APC version
VBCI - Fighting vehicle version with 30mm main armament.
VBE-CP - Command Post vehicle
VBE-MOR - 120mm mortar carrier
VBE-REC - Turreted 105mm main gun
VBE-TK - Turreted 120mm main gun for tank destroyer role.
VBE-CDT - Fire Control vehicle
VBE-COM - Command and Control vehicle
VBE-WRK - Mobile workshop vehicle
VBE-REL - Relief vehicle
VBTE - Battlefield ambulance variant
Images
1 / 1
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.
