VAPE
| Company type | Military vehicle project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense |
| Founded | 1970s |
| Headquarters | Argentina |
| Products | Amphibious wheeled reconnaissance vehicles |
The Vehículo Anfibio Pesado de Exploración (VAPE, translated as "Heavy Amphibious Exploration Vehicle") was an amphibious wheeled reconnaissance platform developed in Argentina during the 1970s. Commissioned by the Argentine Army, two prototype models were manufactured by the French companies Renault and Panhard. Beyond its reconnaissance function, the VAPE was also intended to provide infantry support and fulfill anti-tank missions.
History
Argentina ceased armored vehicle production following the manufacture of 16 Nahuel tanks in 1940. The Plan Europa of 1960 sought to reactivate domestic production of armored vehicles, which resulted in licensed assembly of French AMX-13 light tanks at the Astarsa shipyard beginning in 1968. By the decade of the 1970s, Argentina had become Latin America's second-largest arms manufacturer, producing naval vessels, military aircraft, and rifles, while aspiring to create homegrown armored fighting vehicles.
In 1974, the German firm Thyssen-Henschel was awarded a contract to develop the medium tank TAM and an infantry fighting vehicle. Then, in January 1979, a state-owned enterprise commissioned Renault and Panhard to construct prototypes of reconnaissance vehicles for export under the VAPE initiative. Simultaneously, these companies developed the armored personnel carrier known as VAE.
Due to Argentina’s limited road network, the VAE/VAPE platforms, alongside the TAM/VCTP vehicles and DINFIA IA 38 aircraft, were engineered as rapid and lightweight military systems tailored for local operational environments.
The agreement planned for a production run of 1,000 units to be assembled at TENSA facilities located in Córdoba. Between 1979 and 1980, Renault and Panhard delivered their respective 6×6 prototypes for evaluation at the CITEDEF. Despite positive testing outcomes, financial difficulties during the period of military dictatorship—focused on internal unrest—resulted in termination of the program.
Design and specifications
The VAPE is characterized by a forward control cabin coupled with a centrally positioned combat compartment. Its fully sealed hull is fabricated from armor steel resistant to bullets and shrapnel. The vehicle accommodates a crew of three: commander, driver, and gunner. The turret is situated behind the engine within the hull’s center section and is equipped with a 90mm GIAT F4 cannon installed in an Argentine SAMM-TAMSE-TENSA AR90 turret. This armament carries 20 rounds with an initial muzzle velocity of 1500 m/s. Complementing this main weapon are two 7.62mm machine guns supplied with 1,000 rounds total, along with smoke grenade launchers mounted on each side of the turret. Additional features include NBC protection systems, climate control via air conditioning, and onboard fire suppression equipment.
Variants
- VAPE-1 (6×6) – Variant produced by Renault.
- VAPE-2 (6×6) – Variant manufactured by Panhard.