Model Car Amphibious Military Vehicle V.A.B. - Solido (French Manufacturing) - Box N°EK3382
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This miniature of the amphibious military vehicle V.A.B. from the Solido brand represents one of the most iconic armored vehicles of the modern French army. Referenced under number EK3382, this faithful reproduction testifies to the French know-how in military vehicles and precision modeling.
A true military collectible, this miniature fits perfectly into the world of contemporary military history enthusiasts and armored vehicle fans. It constitutes a choice piece to enrich any collection dedicated to the French armed forces.
Miniature Characteristics
- Model: Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (V.A.B.)
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: EK3382
- Origin: French Manufacturing
- Scale: To be confirmed
- Type: Amphibious Military Vehicle
- Protective casing included: Yes
The V.A.B. in French Military History
The Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé was developed in the 1970s by the company Saviem (future Renault Trucks Defense) in collaboration with Panhard. This ambitious project aimed to provide the French army with a versatile vehicle capable of operating both on land and in water, addressing the new tactical challenges of the modern era.
Introduced in service from 1976, the V.A.B. stands out for its remarkable amphibious capability and exceptional modularity. Capable of transporting up to ten equipped soldiers, this light armored vehicle weighing 13 tons can reach 92 km/h on the road and 7 km/h in water. Its modular design allows for the adaptation of different armaments according to missions: machine guns, 20mm cannons, or anti-tank systems.
With more than 5000 units produced, the V.A.B. enjoyed remarkable international commercial success. Exported to about fifteen countries, it participated in numerous French military operations, from Chad to Mali, through the Balkans and Afghanistan, proving its operational reliability.
The French Defense Industry in the Modern Era
The creation of the V.A.B. fits into the context of modernization of the French defense industry in the 1970s. This period marked France's desire to maintain its military independence while developing exportable equipment for international markets.
The history of this vehicle reflects the evolution of the French industry, from Saviem to Renault Trucks Defense, then to Nexter Systems and today KNDS France. This industrial continuity testifies to French excellence in armored vehicles, a tradition that dates back to Renault tanks of World War I and continues with current programs like the Griffon and Jaguar from the Scorpion program.
A Technical Amphibious Feat
One of the most impressive characteristics of the V.A.B. lies in its natural amphibious capability. Unlike many military vehicles that require special equipment to cross waterways, the V.A.B. can directly immerse and navigate thanks to its perfect watertightness and hydrojet propulsion.
This capability was particularly appreciated during operations in French Guiana, where the numerous waterways of the Amazon rainforest posed major obstacles. Crews found it amusing that their armored vehicle could serve as an improvised ferry to transport equipment or even civilians during humanitarian missions.
A military anecdote recounts that in 1978, during exercises in Camargue, a V.A.B. was caught in a sudden rise of the Rhône. Far from panicking, the crew used the vehicle's aquatic capabilities to reach the opposite bank, turning a potentially serious incident into a spectacular demonstration of the armored vehicle's amphibious performances.
This exceptional versatility made the V.A.B. a symbol of French ingenuity in military design, even inspiring civilian designers for the development of all-terrain vehicles intended for emergency interventions.
Complete Your Military Miniature Collection
This V.A.B. Solido miniature occupies a strategic place in the world of military vehicle collectors. It integrates perfectly into collections dedicated to military vehicles and ideally complements series dedicated to contemporary armed forces.
For enthusiasts wishing to recreate a complete park of the French army, this miniature harmoniously combines with other Solido references representing Leclerc tanks, AMX-10 RC, or logistical vehicles. Collectors will also appreciate the complementarity with military heavy trucks miniatures to create realistic dioramas.
This piece will appeal to both collectors specialized in military history and fans of 1970s miniatures, the period of the V.A.B.'s introduction into service. It also serves as an excellent choice to introduce young enthusiasts to the history of French defense, combining the pleasure of modeling and the discovery of national military heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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