Post by ukron on Nov 21, 2023 14:21:12 GMT
With geopolitical tensions rising, France rearmed and belatedly turned to the motorization of its infantry. This led to the development of the Lorraine series of tracked transporters (based on the Chenillette 37L), including the Lorraine 38 VBCP from Dietrich et Compagnie de Lunéville.
As its name suggests, the VBCP (Voiture Blindée de Chasseurs Portés) was designed to transport 12 men and a trailer to the front, accompanying armored units on the battlefield.
But by spring 40, only one prototype had been completed.
Renault, for its part, was banking on a fairly innovative machine, a forerunner of contemporary troop transport: the DAJ1, a fully armored vehicle (25mm of armor on the front and sides) with a rear exit for the 10 men transported.
In addition, the driver is protected from machine-gun fire by an armored bell, ensuring good visibility.
One source mentions a production date of September 1940, based on the Renault DAE supply vehicle; this VBCP 40R could also have been available in an anti-aircraft or even anti-armor version.
Sources: Francois Vauvillier - The encyclopedia of French tanks and armoured vehicles 1914-1940, Histoire & Collections, published in 2014, ISBN: 978-2-35250-322-4
Batailles et Blindés issue 90 "France 1941".
As its name suggests, the VBCP (Voiture Blindée de Chasseurs Portés) was designed to transport 12 men and a trailer to the front, accompanying armored units on the battlefield.
But by spring 40, only one prototype had been completed.
Renault, for its part, was banking on a fairly innovative machine, a forerunner of contemporary troop transport: the DAJ1, a fully armored vehicle (25mm of armor on the front and sides) with a rear exit for the 10 men transported.
In addition, the driver is protected from machine-gun fire by an armored bell, ensuring good visibility.
One source mentions a production date of September 1940, based on the Renault DAE supply vehicle; this VBCP 40R could also have been available in an anti-aircraft or even anti-armor version.
Sources: Francois Vauvillier - The encyclopedia of French tanks and armoured vehicles 1914-1940, Histoire & Collections, published in 2014, ISBN: 978-2-35250-322-4
Batailles et Blindés issue 90 "France 1941".
