Vextra
Summary
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Light Armoured Vehicle |
| Sub-type | 8x8 Light Support Tank |
| Manufacturer | GIAT Industries |
| Number built | None units |
Technical specifications
| Crew | 4 personnels |
| Range | 800 km |
| Mass | 28.0 tons |
| Height | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Width | 3.36 m (11.0 ft) |
| Length | 8.56 m (28.1 ft) |
| Max. speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Engine | SCANIA V-8 Diesel Engine with 600 hp |
| Weapon 1 | 1 GIAT 105mm rifled barrel (49 shells) gun |
| Weapon 2 | 2 7.62mm machine guns |
Further Reading
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Historical operators
Description
GIAT Industries, now Nexter Systems, developed the Vextra in the early 1990s as an armored reconnaissance, fire support, and anti-tank vehicle. Revealed in 1997, the platform was based on preceding French armored vehicle designs and the Vextra infantry fighting vehicle prototype. Although marketed to the French Army and international customers, the vehicle did not enter production or active service.
The Vextra utilizes an 8x8 wheeled chassis and features aluminum armor for ballistic protection, a material choice also used on the AMX-10P infantry fighting vehicle. The vehicle is operated by a four-person crew, including a commander, driver, gunner, and loader. Its primary armament is a GIAT G2 low-recoil 105mm gun housed in a GIAT TLM 105mm three-man turret. This gun is compatible with NATO-standard 105x617mmR ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. The vehicle carries 35 shells for the main gun, 12 of which are stowed in the turret. Secondary armament includes two coaxially mounted 7.62mm machine guns and the Galix close defense system, consisting of 80mm launchers located at the front and rear of the turret.
Propulsion is provided by a Saab-Scania diesel engine. The vehicle’s mobility is supported by 16 wide-dimension tires and a hydropneumatic suspension system. This suspension uses fluid-filled spheres to absorb shock, facilitating movement across difficult terrain. For situational awareness and command, the Vextra is equipped with the Fast Information, Navigation, Decision and Reporting System (FINDERS). This system displays color digital maps with the positions of host, allied, and hostile vehicles, alongside designated targets and communication options.
The Vextra underwent trials in France and conducted firepower testing in the United Arab Emirates. Despite these evaluations, the vehicle received no production orders. Other configurations of the platform included an infantry fighting vehicle variant equipped with a one-man turret and a 25mm autocannon.