Berliet VXB-170
| Industry | Automotive, defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1899 |
| Fate | Merged with Saviem to form Renault Trucks |
| Successor | Renault Trucks (currently Arquus) |
| Products | Armored vehicles, trucks |
The Berliet VXB-170 is a four-wheeled armored vehicle designed mainly for internal security operations. Initially developed and manufactured by Berliet, production continued under Renault Trucks (currently Arquus) following the merger of Berliet with Saviem. Although it offered a more economical option, it was ultimately outperformed by the Saviem Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB) in the French Army's procurement competition. Fewer than 200 units were produced before manufacturing was discontinued.
History
Originally introduced as the BL-12 prototype in 1967 for military transport purposes, the vehicle was adopted by the French Gendarmerie in 1972. However, the French Army opted for the Saviem VAB instead. After Berliet and Saviem merged into Renault in 1974, the VXB-170 became redundant within the combined product range, leading to the termination of its production soon after fulfilling the Gendarmerie's requirements.
Referred to as the Véhicule blindé à roues de la Gendarmerie (VBRG), this model was predominantly utilized for internal security duties.
Design
Powered by a V8 engine delivering 170 horsepower, the VXB-170 can reach speeds up to 80 km/h. It is capable of negotiating gradients as steep as 60% and side slopes up to 30%. The vehicle is equipped with a compact turret mounting a 7.62mm machine gun.
Variants
The VXB-170 was adapted for various applications, including:
- Internal security—operated by the Gendarmerie in four configurations: standard, command, bulldozer blade-equipped, and winch-equipped models
- Reconnaissance and patrol missions
- Light combat roles
Current operators
- - Between 1974 and subsequent years, 155 VXB-170 units were acquired for mobile forces of the French Gendarmerie. As of 2018, approximately 70 remain active within metropolitan France, Corsica, and overseas territories. Known locally as "VBRG" (Véhicule Blindé à Roues de la Gendarmerie), these vehicles are commonly armed with a 7.62 mm AANF1 machine gun alongside a 56 mm ALSETEX Cougar grenade launcher. Certain versions are fitted with bulldozer blades or winches. The VBRG has seen deployment in Kosovo, Ivory Coast, and various locations within France and its overseas regions.
- - 12 units were purchased; reports indicate 15 remained operational as of 2019.
- - Currently operates 12 units.
Former civilian operators
- - Previously operated by police forces with a fleet of 10 vehicles now retired from service
Former evaluation-only operators
- - One unit was tested during development of the Ratel prototype
See also
References