Petit Véhicule Protégé
| Industry | Defence, military vehicles |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Armoured vehicles, including the Petit Véhicule Protégé (PVP) |
The Petit Véhicule Protégé (translated as "Light Protected Vehicle" and also known as the Panhard PVP) is a lightweight, multipurpose armoured 4x4 utilized by the French Army and produced by Panhard. It is alternatively referred to as the Auverland A4 AVL (Armoured Vehicle Light) and serves as the successor to the Peugeot P4.
Its primary roles include transporting personnel, serving as a weapons platform, and conducting reconnaissance, detection, and communication missions.
History
An initial procurement of 314 units was commissioned in 2004, with deliveries commencing in February 2008 and concluding production in July 2012. Approximately 100 of these vehicles were outfitted with WASP light remote weapon stations. The French DGA had plans for an additional purchase of 300 vehicles.
The original military budget for 2009-2014 aimed to acquire 1,500 PVPs but was subsequently decreased to 1,233 in 2010 and further reduced to 1,133 by 2012. Ultimately, the Army received 1,073 vehicles at a total expenditure of €242.7 million (approximately US$325 million), which equates to a unit price of €167,000 (around US$220,000), or €226,000 (about US$300,000) when including development costs.
Design
The PVP incorporates a modular architecture that permits the addition of extra seating for personnel or conversion into a light utility truck. Its armour is composed of steel and aluminium, providing level 2 protection according to STANAG 4569 standards for both crew and engine compartments. The vehicle’s underbody is reinforced to withstand antipersonnel mine blasts (specifically DM 31 type).
Variants
- PVP HD (Heavy Duty) – A larger variant featuring level 3 armour protection, five doors, expanded cargo capacity (2-ton payload and 7.9 m³ internal volume), with a gross vehicle weight rating of 7.6 tonnes.
- PVP XL (Extra Large) – This version offers an internal volume of 9.4 m³, a gross weight of 12 tonnes (supporting a payload of 3 tonnes), seating for up to ten occupants, and standard level 3 armour.
- PVP APC – Customized for the French Army with an elevated roofline by 150mm to fit six soldiers; this model was developed in 2010.
- Gavial – A proposed five-door configuration featuring pneumatic suspension intended for licensed manufacture by Rheinmetall. It was presented to the Bundeswehr but was ultimately not selected.
- Colt – Manufactured under license by Ashok Leyland since 2012, this includes variants derived from the original PVP as the Colt Light Tactical Vehicle, the PVP HD as the Colt Light Armoured Vehicle, and also the Colt Airmobile.
Operators
- – Chilean Marines and Grupo de Operaciones Policiales Especiales have received 15 units.
- – The French Army along with the elite police unit RAID operate a fleet of 1,073 vehicles.
- – Maintains an unspecified quantity of PVPs in service.
- – Took delivery of 16 vehicles between the years 2012 and 2015.
- – Received six units in 2008 for deployment with MINURCAT forces.
External links
- PVP A4 AVL Data Sheet
- Photographs of the Petit Véhicule Protégé, French Ministry of Defence
- Petit Véhicule Protégé on defense-update.com
- Auverland A4 AVL