8x8, the wait is over

The programme of Wheeled Tank Combat Vehicle (VCR in Spanish) 8x8 has as main aim to obtain a combat system which includes the new technical solutions to face the evolution of threats and which will become the key for this new organic structure of the Spanish Army. It contemplates a family of: armoured, wheeled, middleweight, polyvalent, versatile, with a high capacity of protection, lethal nature and operational movility vehicles, (thanks to a reduced expense of fuel and its ability to move using different types of grounds). They also have a bigger strategic movility, due to the fact that they can be projected easily through the air because of its weight, which allows a rapid deployment in any stage in a short period of time. At the same time, they provide superiority to the middle units during the military confrontation. They also stand out because of their modularity and versatility, which allow the compatibility, collaboration and incorporation of future updates and subsystems as a consequence of the technological advance, as well as its integration with the plans and programmes that the Army already has.

Its objective is to replace, in a progressive way, the historical BMR, TOA and VEC, and the vehicles used for the protection towards mines and improvised explosive devices, such as the Lince and the RG-31.

Design phase and development

Development of the six technological programmes:

• PT-1: Increase of safety
• PT2: Situational conscience
• PT3: Vehicle of Artillery Advanced Observant (VCOAV)
• PT4: CIS systems' integration
• PT5: Drive motor Group
• PT0: Integration of the systems and the towers in the platform.

These programmes are set in the manufacture of five Technological Demonstrators which include these technologies:

• D1. VCR-Basis
• D2. VCR- PC Cía.
• D3. VCOAV – ACA (Field Artillery)
• D4. VCR-VEC PC Sc (Cavalry)
• D5. VCR-ZAP (Engineers)

Duration: 2015-November 2018