Jaguar Armored reconnaissance vehicle

[Zarvan]

The Jaguar is a small and fast vehicle, intended for active combat role



Country of origin France
Entered service Expected in 2020
Crew 3 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 25 t
Length ~ 7.3 m
Hull length ~ 5.5 m
Width ~ 3 m
Height ~ 2.6 m
Armament
Main gun 40 mm cannon
ATGW MMP
Machine guns 1 x 7.62 mm
Ammunition load
Main gun ?
ATGW ?
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine Renault DXi7 diesel
Engine power 400 hp
Maximum road speed ~ 110 km/h
Range 800 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step ~ 0.6 m
Trench ~ 1.2 m
Fording ~ 1.2 m


The Jaguar is a new French armored reconnaissance vehicle. Since the early 2000s the French Army was looking for a replacement for their AMX-10RC, ERC-90 Sagaie armored reconnaissance vehicles/tank destroyers and VAB HOT anti-tank missile carriers that are used since the late 1970s. An Engine Blinde de Reconnaissance et de Combat (EBRC) program was initiated, which called for a new reconnaissance and combat vehicle that will replace the older armored vehicles. The new Jaguar reconnaissance vehicle was developed by a temporary consortium of French companies, comprising Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense and Thales to meet this requirement. AnotherPanhard SPHINX armored reconnaissance vehicle was developed to compete for the same EBRC requirement. It appeared a couple of years earlier. However it was not selected by the French Army. A mockup of the Jaguar was first publicly revealed in 2016. It is planned that a total of 248 Jaguars will be delivered to the French Army since 2020. In 2017 Belgium announced their plans to purchase 60 Jaguar reconnaissance vehicles for delivery in 2025.

When it comes to armored reconnaissance vehicles France has its own approach designing and building these vehicles. Historically France was building light wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicles with powerful guns, that were used for reconnaissance, fire support and could even engage hostile tanks. These wheeled vehicles are lightly armored, but highly mobile, have good cross-country mobility and are amphibious. However the Jaguar has a slightly different design than vehicles it replaces. It is also a small, fast and well armed vehicle, intended for active combat role. However it is heavier, better protected and is armed with a smaller gun than its predecessors. The new Jaguar is better suited for unconventional warfare and low intensity conflicts. Even though it lacks powerful gun of the AMX-10RC or ERC-90 Sagaie it still packs a formidable punch. It is armed with a 40 mm cannon, which will easily defeat most armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and other targets. The Jaguar is capable of fire support and rapid intervention. It can be also used for convoy escort, patrol missions, and territorial defense tasks.

The Jaguar armored reconnaissance vehicle was developed alongside Griffon armored troop carrier with 6x6 configuration. It is also a product of the temporary consortium, which comprises of Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense and Thales. Both armored vehicles share 70% of their components. The Griffon was also ordered by the French Army for delivery in 2018.

The Jaguar is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. Driver is seated at the front, commander and gunner are seated in a two-man turret. Engine compartment is at the rear.

The Jaguar will be armed with a fully-stabilized 40 mm automatic cannon. It has a maximum effective range of 1 500 m. The gun has a dual-feed system and a rate of fire of around 180 rounds per minute. It can fire a full range of 40 mm ammunition, such as the APFSDS-T, TP-T, TPRR-T, GPR-PD-T rounds, and GPR-AB-T, A3B programmable airburst rounds. Vehicle can fire accurately while on the move.

It is planned that there will be also a remotely-controlled weapon station with 7.62 mm machine gun. Jaguar will be also fitted with French MMP medium-range anti-tank missiles, mounted on either side of the turret. These are fire-and-forget type missiles with a maximum range of 4 000 m.

This reconnaissance vehicle has a welded aluminum armor hull with add-on armor kit. The Jaguar provides better protection for its crew than the older vehicles. All-round ballistic protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. Also the Jaguar has a V-shaped hull, which provides protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices. It seems that this vehicle withstands blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT anywhere under the hull. Vehicle is also fitted with an NBC protection system.

This armored vehicle is fitted with some defensive systems, such as laser warning system and missile detection system.

The Jaguar will carry various sensors for surveillance and observation.

This reconnaissance vehicle is fitted with a battlefield management system, which allows the troops and combat vehicles to share information on the battlefield.

The Jaguar uses automotive components of commercial 6x6 off-road truck. It was designed for simple maintenance and servicing. This armored vehicle is powered by a Renault DXi7 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 400 hp. It is a standard commercial truck engine, however it has been adapted to use a wider range of fuel. Engine is located at the rear. The engine is mated to an automatic transmission. Vehicle has 6x6 configuration with full-time all-wheel drive. It is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, run-flat tyres, and has good cross-country mobility. Unlike the AMX-10RC, ERC-90 Sagaie and VAB HOT, the Jaguar lacks amphibious capability.

This reconnaissance vehicle can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules or larger military cargo aircraft.

http://www.military-today.com/apc/jaguar.htm