VBL (inbrafiltro)

Last updated
VBL Gladiador
Vtr Bld Gladiador.png
Gladiador I
TypeWheeled all-terrain vehicle
Place of originFlag of Brazil.svg Brazil
Production history
Designed2002
ManufacturerGrupo Inbra
Specifications
Mass3.5t
Length3.80 m (4.00 m long version)
Width2.02 m
Height1.70 m
Crew2-3 (Gladiiador I), 5 (Gladiador II)
Armour STANAG level 1 (protection against 7.62×51 NATO rounds and shrapnel); level 2 (Gladiador II)
Main
armament
depends on the version
EngineEngine 2.5 liter TDI diesel with intercooler, of 115CV the 3.800rpm, with torque of 29.0 mkgf 1.600rp
hp ( kW)
Power/weighthp/t
Suspension0.35 m ground clearance
Operational
range
640 km (can be extended to 1000 km with external gas tanks)
Maximum speed120 km/h

The Light Armored Vehicle (VBL) - Group project Inbrafiltro - is a 4x4 military vehicle designed by brazilian security company Grupo Inbrafiltro for military and police adoption.

Contents

Based on the Land Rover Defender, it was designed to fulfill the Brazilian Army requirements for protection and mobility, but was never adopted by the military.

History

The VBL was first revealed in 2002, when its first iteration was presented at the SAE 2002 congress. In 2008, an updated VBL was unveiled, drawing the attention of Brazilian police forces. At LAAD 2009, Inbrafiltro presented a mockup called BLSR (veículo leve sobre rodas, light wheeled vehicle), and at LAAD 2011, it received the name VBL "Gladiator". [1] In the same year, the Military Police of Paraná State received a model for testing. [2]

In partnership with Agrale, an updated VBL participated in the VMBT-LR competition by Brazilian Army to acquire a new 4x4 vehicle (that eventually led to the acquisition of the Iveco LMV) in mind. [1] [3]

Produced within the premises of Inbrafiltro, the VBL, the 3.5 ton class has the monobloc built in ballistic steel plate and is equipped with a shield against 7.62 NATO ammunition. As a modification of the Land Rover Defender, the vehicle is designed to have good operational mobility, and can be equipped with different types of equipment, depending on the configuration required by the customer.

The model was designed to have an autonomy of 640 km of highway and 400 in rough terrain, without a trailer and without using additional fuel tanks. The maximum load is around 1600 pounds, capable of transporting the driver and five soldiers. [4]

The VBL had the capacity for chemical, biological or radiological defence and low thermal signature, radar and noise. Another feature includes nocturnal mobility and ability to be transported airbone by the C-130 aircraft used by the Brazilian air force. The car has six smoke grenades launchers arranged on the sides of the vehicle. [3]

At LAAD 2015, the company presented an updated version called Gladiator II, with STANAG level 2 armor and able to use remotelly controlled weapons such as the REMAX 3. Of the 24 million Reais involved in the development of the Gladiador II, 19 million came from Finep. [5]

Its first customer was the Military Police of Rondônia, with the first unit being delivered in 2021. [1]

Operators

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Bastos Jr., Paulo Roberto (2021-11-26). "Gladiador II, o mais moderno blindado policial brasileiro". Tecnodefesa (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  2. ↑ "Gladiador é apresentado pela Polícia Militar". Tribuna do Paraná (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2011-08-12. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  3. 1 2 "Gladiador – InbraFiltro apresenta ao Exército Brasileiro". DefesaNet (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2014-05-14. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  4. ↑ "Grupo Inbra". www.grupoinbra.com.br. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  5. ↑ "Gladiador II | Finep e Inbra Terrestre Assinam Financiamento". DefesaNet (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2015-10-19. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  6. ↑ "Polícia Militar deve reforçar segurança na fronteira com veículo blindado". Paraná (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
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