Hello!

Which French units would be using VABs (2009 Formation of TF Lafayette onwards) Would all infantry units ride in them?

Thanks!!

Alex

Hello Alex,
Basically in Afghanistan the VAB is the standard APC. Some have been upgraded with the M151 remote weapon station, some are still armed with the old CB127 cupola with a M2HB MG and some have the even older AANF1 (7.62mm) MG.
Most of them if not all got the add-on armor package.
So you'll have to check your own documentation to see the possible combination.
Here is a link to some recent pictures
http://maquette-garden.forumactif.com/t21144-photos-prises-en-afgha-cet-aprem

Along with the VAB,infantry units crew the brand new VBCI, the 8-wheel IFV which replaces the AMX10P.

Concerning the units, I have to search a bit more to give you a precise answer. But all types of infantry units have served in Afghanistan (paratroopers, mountain troops, motorized infantry, mechanized infantry).
HTH
Olivier

These are some pictures I took of a French VAB's from a convoy just in from Kapisa hanging out at Bagram in 2010.

Thanks guys! Those photos will come in handy!!

One thing I though was interesting, French .50 cal ammo still comes in the WWII style stamped ammo cans as opposed to the modern kind most other nations seem to use.

Hmm..I was looking at using a few of the Blast Models sets, they have what look like US .50 cal cans mounted along the sides of the vehicle...

Frenchy

Look at the turret on the VAB on the very first picture I posted.

Interesting! I noticed that when you pointed it out... I guess more what I was asking is would this set be correct as well - modern style ammo cans

http://www.phpshopxml.com/blamod.shop/CID/8aa3bab25685ec9adc9adf6311b4fe2c/function/itemPageDisplay/shopItemCode/BL35143K

You can see the very same boxes in one of the Afghanistan pics Olivier has mentioned in his post :



The first on the left is a 20mm ammo box (maybe from a 20mm gun-fitted VAB) :



and the two others look like US boxes.

Frenchy

Awesome, thanks for the help guys!

Hello, I've also seen a few VAB with an improvised turret cover to protect the gunner against the sun.

The sand color pieces on the VAB photo N°3; 5; 7 from Steve serve to fix the LEMIR system(Leurre Massique mécanique InfraRouge).

LEMIR system: