BMX-01 Armored Personnel Carrier (France)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-15

The BMX-01 is a French armored personnel carrier was developed by Renault Trucks Defense. Development of this armored vehicle was funded by French defense procurement agency. It was developed to meet requirement of the French Vehicule Blinde Multi-Roles (VBMR) program, which called for a new multi-purpose armored vehicle to replace a part of ageing VAB armored personnel carriers, that are used by the French Army in large numbers. The BMX-01 was first observed in 2013. A demonstrator was first publicly revealed in 2014. The BMX-01 was just a forerunner of the Griffon armored personnel carrier, which was a final production vehicle and is 80% similar to the BMX-01 demonstrator. However the Griffon was developed by a temporary consortium of French companies, comprising Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense and Thales.  Deliveries of the Griffon are scheduled to begin in 2018. Until 2025 the French Army plans to acquire a total of 1 722 Griffon armored vehicles in several different variants.

   It is possible that the BMX-01 used technology of the VAB Mk.3 armored personnel carrier, that is another product of Renault Defense, and has 6x6 configuration.

   The BMX-01 has a welded steel hull with modular add-on armor kit. Add-on armor is fitted only when maximum level of protection is required. All-round protection with add-on armor is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. The BMX-01 offers significant protection protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull that deflects blasts away. Mine protection of the BMX-01 is similar to that of dedicated mine resistant ambush protected vehicles. Essentially the BMX-01 fills the gap between armored personnel carriers and mine resistant ambush protected vehicles. It is better suited for unconventional warfare and low intensity military conflicts than the VAB armored personnel carrier. The BMX-01 is also fitted with NBC protection system.

   This armored personnel carrier has a crew of 3 and can carry 8 fully-equipped soldiers. Dismounts enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors. Also there are roof hatches for emergency exit. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 4 700 kg.

   It was planned that the baseline armored personnel carrier version for the French Army will be fitted with remotely controlled weapon station, armed with 12.7 mm machine gun, or alternatively a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

   This armored vehicle uses automotive components of commercial 6x6 off-road truck. It was designed for simple maintenance and servicing. The BMX-01 is powered by a commercially available 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. The engine is mated to an automatic transmission. Vehicle has 6x6 configuration with full-time all-wheel drive. Both front and rear axles are steered. Unlike the VAB, the BMX-01 lacks amphibious capability.

   The French Army VBMR program called for several different variants, including baseline armored personnel carrier, 120 mm mortar carrier, anti-tank missile carrier, armored ambulance, command vehicle, logistics vehicle and forward artillery observation vehicle. However armored personnel carrier version was planned to be the most numerous.