Sherpa Light
Renault Sherpa Light | |
---|---|
![]() A Renault Light Scout APC on display. | |
Type | Light tactical vehicle |
Place of origin | France |
Service history | |
In service | 2006 - Present |
Used by | See Operators |
Production history | |
Designer | Renault Truck Defense |
Designed | 2006 - Present |
Manufacturer | Renault Truck Defense (Former) Arquus (Current) Avibras (Brazil) MACK Defense (North America/Oceania)[1] Pindad (Indonesia) |
Specifications | |
Mass | 7.7 to 9.8 t |
Length | 5,900 mm (232.3 in) |
Width | 2,200 mm (86.6 in) |
Height | 2,100 mm (82.7 in) |
Crew | 4 or 5 |
Armor | CEN 1063 and STANAG 4569 |
Main armament | up to 12.7 mm (machine gun) and 40mm (grenade launcher) |
Engine | Euro 3 or 5 215 hp (160 kW) |
Suspension | rigid axles |
Operational range | 800 to 900 km |
Maximum speed | 110 to 120 km/h (68–75 mph) |
The Sherpa Light is a family of 4x4 tactical and light armored vehicles developed by French company Renault Trucks Defense (RTD). Available in unarmoured or armoured variants (ballistic, mine and IED kits), the Scout is ideally suited for tactical missions such as scouting, patrol, convoy escort and command and liaison. It is able to transport up to 4 or 5 soldiers or a total payload of up to 4 tonnes.[2]
The Sherpa family is also available to customers in North America and Oceania via Mack Defense.[3][4]
History
The Sherpa 2/3 was officially unveiled to the public at Eurosatory 2006 in Paris.[5][6] with first production models made in 2007.[7][8] In 2010, it changed the name from Sherpa 2 and 3 to Light.[9][10]
The Sherpa Light was shown in Asia in the BRIDEX 2011 convention alongside the VAB Mk II in Brunei on July 28, 2011.[11]
In October 26, 2011, Pindad showed off an Indonesian-made version of the Sherpa known as the Elang during a public exhibition event.[12] The vehicle was made in limited quantities and only used by the 201st/202nd/203rd Mechanized Infantry Battalions of the Indonesian Army.[12][13]
Mack Defense unveiled the Mack Sherpa Light Scout for the first time at the 2014 Association of the United States Army AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition (AUSA) event in Washington DC.[14] In 2017, Mack promoted the Sherpa Special Forces variant at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, Florida.[15]
In April 2014, Avibras has entered the TUPI to be assessed at the Brazilian Army Assessments Center (CAEx).[16][17] Based on the Sherpa Light Scout chassis under cooperation between Avibras and Renault,[18] it is meant to be marketed to the Brazilian Army for a new Wheeled Multirole Light Armored Vehicle under the Viatura Blindada Multitarefa - Leve de Rodas (VBMT - LR; Lightweight Wheeled Multirole Protected Vehicle) program against the Iveco LMV with a contract decision before the end of 2015.[19][20]
In 2015, MACK-made Sherpas were presented to the National Guard of Ukraine for potential purchases and evaluation.[21]
In 2016, requirements from French Special Operations Command resulted in the development of the Poids Lourd Forces Spéciales for rapid response operations.[22][23] The PLFS was first shown at the Eurosatory 2016 exhibit on June 13, 2016.[24] It was officially certified by the Direction générale de l'armement on January 31, 2017.[25] In Brazil, the TUPI lost a potential contract for the Brazilian Army's VBMT-LR program when the Brazilian Army announced on April 14, 2016 that the Iveco LMV will be selected as the new 4x4 vehicle,[26] followed by another announcement on September 1, 2016 that 1,464 LMVs will be purchased instead.[27]
After RTD was rebranded as Arquus on May 24, 2018,[28] research and development continued on the Sherpa, which led to the creation of the Sabre[29] as its first Arquus-branded product when it was unveiled at the 2019 Special Forces at the Defense Exhibition (SOFINS) exhibit.[30]
On May 19, 2020, Arquus announced the successful production of the 1000th Sherpa Light vehicle.[31]
Variants
French Variants
The following variants are made by Renault Trucks Defense, and later by Arquus.[32]
Pre-2010
- Sherpa 2: Basic version with four seats and loading capacity of 2.5 cubic meters and 2 tons.[5][33]
- Sherpa 3: Basic version with two seats, no armored cabin and loading capacity of 3.5 tons.[6][5][33]
- Sherpa 3A: Same as the Sherpa 3, but with an armored cabin.[6]
- Sherpa 3 Grand Volume: Long chassis body with space for 10 persons.[6]
- Sherpa 3 Special Forces: Light attack vehicle in special forces operations.[8]
- Sherpa 3 High Intensity: For special forces units operating in recon roles.[6][8]
Post-2010
- APC: 3 door version which can carry up to 10 persons while having capability to have weapons mounted on top.[34][35]
- Assault Ladder: Designed for counter-terrorist forces which have modular platform with hydraulic ramp and ladders up to 8.5 m.[36]
- Scout: 4 door vehicle designed for Reconnaissance, Patrol, Surveillance and Command Post with maximum of 5 persons.[37] The windshield and doors can have ballistic windows.[30] Sold through MACK Defense as the Sherpa Scout.[38]
- Special Forces: Light attack vehicle with provisions to mount weapons on top while capable of mounting armored and mine protection kits.[39] It can seat two persons in front, one at the rear for a gunner and another for one more person at the rear.[30] Sold through MACK Defense as the Sherpa Special Forces.[40]
- Poids Lourd Forces Spéciales or Special Forces Heavy Weight: Customized vehicle made on request based on French special forces requirements.[22][41] Known to have a combat and logistics version.[41] Can be outfitted with two radios and a self-recovery winch while having at least more seat for another person, having a seat capacity for 5 persons.[41] Has a stronger engine at 265 hp.[25]
- Sabre: A further developed variant of the SF vehicle,[29] Arquus unveiled it to the public at the 2019 SOFINS exhibit.[30] Similar to the PLFS, except that it can mount more radios/other C4ISR equipment when required.[30]
- Station Wagon: 5 door version of Scout designed for Reconnaissance, Patrol, Surveillance, Systems transport and Internal security with maximum of 5 persons.[42][43]
- Weapon System Carrier: Designed to operate with mounted weapon on vehicle flatbed.[44][45] Sold through MACK Defense as the Sherpa Carrier.[46]
- Armored Ambulance[30]
- Internal Security Vehicle[47]
Foreign Variants
- Mack Sherpa: American badged version of the Sherpa, first unveiled in 2014.[14]
- Mack Sherpa Hawkeye 105mm: A Sherpa Carrier with a Mandus Group-mounted 105mm howitzer.[48]
- Avibras TUPI: Brazilian-made version unveiled in 2014 for the Brazilian Army's VBTR-LR program.[19][a] It was to be equipped with either an ARES Aeroespacial & Defesa REMAX remote-controlled weapon station or W&E Platt MR550 shielded ring mount armed with a 7.62x51 mm or 12.7x99 mm machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.[19]
- Pindad Elang: Indonesian-made version of the Sherpa Light in collaboration with Renault.[12]
Operators
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Sherpa_2_operators.png/300px-Sherpa_2_operators.png)
Australia: Corrections Victoria Security and Emergency Services Group (SESG) use two Mack badged vehicles for high risk prisoner transport that can accommodate up to four prisoners.[49][50] The vehicles were manufactured in Australia under Volvo according to CV requirements with a contract of $AUD 900,000 for one van.[51]
Brazil: Three Sherpa Light APCs in service with the Federal Police of Brazil for BRL5 million.[52][53]
Chile: Used by Carabineros de Chile's GOPES, first purchased in 2014.[54]
Egypt: Sherpa Scout/Light Station Wagon used by both the Egyptian Army and the National Police forces, received in 2012.[53][55] As of 2013, all vehicles are already in operational service.[56]
France: GIGN is equipped with Sherpa APCs equipped with assault ladders with 2008 vehicles in service under Gendarmerie Nationale.[53][57] French special forces equipped with the PLFS – Poids Lourd des Forces Spéciales, based on the Sherpa 2 chassis.[58] 202 PLFS vehicles first ordered in 2015.[25]
India: National Security Guard[59] and Central Industrial Security Force.[60]
Indonesia: 12 Light Scouts,[61] 6 Armored Light Scouts,[62] and several Weapon System Carrier/Station Wagon variants for MBDA MPCV System.[63] It was reported in 2011 that Renault collaborated with PT Pindad to manufacture some of the Sherpas for the Indonesian military.[53]
Kuwait: 240 Sherpas sold to Kuwait National Guard in 2015.[53][64] Sherpa Scouts sold to the Kuwaiti military in 2016 under a €270 m contract.[53]
Kosovo[32]
Lebanon: Internal Security Forces[65]
Mexico: The MACK Sherpa Scout is used by the Mexican Naval Infantry.[66][67] It was first unveiled to the public in 2016, part of a purchase made in 2014.[68] 15 MACK Sherpa Scouts are to be deployed with Mexican Navy forces stationed in Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and the Mexican-Guatemalan land border.[68] The vehicles will also be used by the Mexican Navy's Unidad de Operaciones Especiaes (Special Operations Unit) and the 27th Infantry Battalion.[69]
Morocco: In June 2020, Morocco had a contract with Arquus for 36 Sherpas in Light Scout and APC configurations for Moroccan special forces units.[70]
Qatar: In 2011, an order was made for five Sherpa Light APCs for the Internal Security Forces.[71] Another order for five more Sherpa Lights made in 2013.[53]
Saudi Arabia: Pressed 100 Sherpa Light vehicles into service in 2014, which was part of a $USD3 billion contract in military aid to Lebanon.[53]
See also
Notes
References
- ^ As of October 2017, using the Wayback machine on the official MACK Defense website indicates that it no longer shows the Sherpa family.
- ^ ARG. "Renault Sherpa 2 Light Utility Vehicle | Military-Today.com". www.military-today.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-15. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
- ^ "Armored Cars: Renault Sherpa". 31 January 2016. Archived from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
- ^ https://sotatalousseura-fi-bin.directo.fi/@Bin/a6669c15439b7a5fc3ddc07326e47b1c/1571276489/application/pdf/177947/Volvo Trucks presentation Sotataloudellinen seura 25112013.pdf
- ^ a b c https://web.archive.org/web/20060823141940/http://www.achats-industriels.com/dossiers/241.asp
- ^ a b c d e "Sherpa 3A Renault Trucks Defense Armoured vehicle personnel carrier". Army Recognition. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-14.
- ^ http://www.military-today.com/trucks/renault_sherpa_2.htm
- ^ a b c http://www.military-today.com/trucks/renault_sherpa_3.htm
- ^ "Renault Sherpa". 15 January 2016.
- ^ https://www.joint-forces.com/features/20513-vehicle-focus-arquus-sherpa-light-family
- ^ https://www.armyrecognition.com/bridex_2011_daily_news_actualites_pictures_video/renault_trucks_defense_last_range_of_wheeled_armoured_with_vab_mark_ii_and_sherpa_at_bridex_2011.html
- ^ a b c https://www.airspace-review.com/2018/07/12/mengenal-komodo-berkulit-baja-dari-bandung-bagian-1/
- ^ https://www.airspace-review.com/2018/07/13/mengenal-komodo-berkulit-baja-dari-bandung-bagian-2-evolusi-sang-reptil-purba/
- ^ a b https://www.armyrecognition.com/ausa_2014_show_daily_news_coverage_report/mack_defense_to_present_sherpa_light_scout_and_armoured_wheeled_loader_l_180_at_ausa_2014_0610145.html
- ^ https://www.armyrecognition.com/sofic_2017_online_show_daily_news/mack_defense_sherpa_special_forces_4x4_vehicle_at_sofic_2017.html
- ^ https://www.avibras.com.br/site/en/media-en/news/149-avibras-is-one-of-the-finalists-in-the-light-wheeled-multi-task-armored-vehicle-acquisition-process-by-the-brazilian-army.html
- ^ https://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/bae_systems_joins_the_race_for_the_future_brazilian_armored_vehicle_vbmt-lr.html
- ^ "DefesaNet - Guarani - TUPI - AVIBRAS detalha sua proposta". Archived from the original on 2017-11-15. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
- ^ a b c https://web.archive.org/web/20151214110554/http://www.janes.com/article/53129/brazilian-army-downselects-companies-for-4x4-programme
- ^ Administrator. "Tupi Avibras 4x4 multirole armoured vehicle technical data sheet specifications pictures video 12507153 - Brazilian army Wheeled armoured and vehicle UK - Brazil Brazilian army military equipment UK". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 2017-11-15. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
- ^ https://fakty.com.ua/ua/ukraine/suspilstvo/20150923-1562196/
- ^ a b https://www.monch.com/mpg/news/special-forces/1082-sofins-2017-rtd-shows-vlfs.html
- ^ https://www.monch.com/mpg/news/special-forces/1082-sofins-2017-rtd-shows-vlfs.html
- ^ http://www.journallessentinelles.com/eurosatory-premiere-sortie-pour-le-plfs-76037
- ^ a b c https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2017_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/first_renault_trucks_defense_plfs_special_forces_heavy_vehicles_into_service_with_french_army_11102172.html
- ^ Barreira, Victor (15 April 2016). "Brazilian Army selects Iveco LMV as its new 4x4 vehicle". IHS Jane's. Archived from the original on 2016-05-19. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- ^ Barreira, Victor (1 September 2016). "Brazil to acquire 1,464 LMV protected vehicles". IHS Jane's. Archived from the original on 2016-09-04. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20180911152634/https://www.janes.com/article/80350/renault-trucks-defense-renamed-arquus
- ^ a b https://www.arquus-defense.com/arquus-unique-know-how-serve-special-forces
- ^ a b c d e f https://www.joint-forces.com/features/20513-vehicle-focus-arquus-sherpa-light-family
- ^ https://www.joint-forces.com/defence-equipment-news/32408-arquus-announces-1000th-sherpa
- ^ a b https://www.armyrecognition.com/french_army_france_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/sherpa_light_scout_4x4_tactical_armoured_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video_10507153.html
- ^ a b https://web.archive.org/web/20071020044759/http://www.renault-trucks-defense.com/J46PAYS/web/ImageServlet?imageCode=124853&codeSite=J46RTDEFENSE&etat=1
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20161028004825/http://www.renault-trucks-defense.eu/Defense/SHERPA-LIGHT/APC
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20161104144358/http://www.renault-trucks-defense.eu/Security/SHERPA-LIGHT/APC
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160815002223/http://renault-trucks-defense.eu/Security/SHERPA-LIGHT/APC-Assault-ladder
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20161102194721/http://www.renault-trucks-defense.eu/Defense/SHERPA-LIGHT/Scout
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20191017014635/http://www.afohab.com/sherpa_scout.pdf
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160817074853/http://renault-trucks-defense.eu/Defense/SHERPA-LIGHT/Special-Forces
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20191017013844/http://www.afohab.com/sherpa_special_forces.pdf
- ^ a b c https://www.armyrecognition.com/french_army_france_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/plfs_renault_special_forces_vehicle_data_pictures_video_12807172.html
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160920064551/http://www.renault-trucks-defense.eu/Defense/SHERPA-LIGHT/Station-Wagon
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160815062855/http://renault-trucks-defense.eu/Security/SHERPA-LIGHT/STATION-WAGON
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20150302072006/http://www.renault-trucks-defense.eu/Security/SHERPA-LIGHT/CARRIER
- ^ https://www.armyrecognition.com/french_army_france_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/sherpa_light_sf_special_forces_4x4_armored_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_information_pictures_video_12007153.html
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20191017014540/http://www.afohab.com/sherpa_carrier_brouchure.pdf
- ^ https://www.joint-forces.com/features/27830-arquus-sherpa-light-internal-security-vehicle
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20191017014610/http://www.afohab.com/sherpa_carrier_105mm.pdf
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/FernoAustralia/posts/1547720968721463
- ^ Minister for Corrections (21 June 2019). "New High-Tech Prisoner Transport Vehicles On The Road". Premier of Victoria (Press release). Retrieved 23 June 2019.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20191017054508/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/armour-plated-high-tech-and-900k-each-paddy-wagons-go-mad-max-20190621-p5201t.html?js-chunk-not-found-refresh=true
- ^ "PF compra três blindados de R$ 5 milhões para as Olimpíadas". 15 October 2015. Archived from the original on 16 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h https://web.archive.org/web/20191015110629/https://oidagroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017-08-02_OIDASI_CS2-RTD.pdf
- ^ Infodefensa.com (4 May 2017). "Carabineros de Chile muestra por primera vez su Renault Sherpa antiterrorista - Noticias Infodefensa América". Archived from the original on 12 May 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
- ^ "Egyptian defence ministry orders Renault Trucks Defense Sherpa Light Scout and MIDS vehicles". 2011-10-21. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012.
- ^ http://www.defaiya.com/news/Regional%20News/MENA/2013/02/22/46-sherpa-station-wagons-delivered-to-a-middle-east-country
- ^ "La nouvelle bête d'assaut du GIGN". defense.blogs.lavoixdunord.fr. Archived from the original on 2017-07-18. Retrieved 2017-05-23.
- ^ Frédéric, Lert (13 February 2017). "French Special Forces receive their first new PLFS vehicles". Bordeaux: IHS Jane's. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ "NSG commandos get new counter-terror machine". 2013-10-28. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
- ^ "At Delhi airport, Sherpa can withstand explosives, neutralise terror suspect". 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Renault APCs set for Indonesian army". Archived from the original on 2011-01-17. Retrieved 2012-09-14.
- ^ Raditya, Rendy (2017-03-06). "Enam "SHERPA 2" Perkuat Indobatt". Militer.or.id. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
- ^ "Renault Sherpa Light: Rantis Pengusung Rudal Mistral RCWS Arhanud TNI AD – Indomiliter.com". Retrieved 2019-06-25.
- ^ Martin, Guy. "Kuwait – French summer sales - defenceWeb". www.defenceweb.co.za. Archived from the original on 2017-11-10. Retrieved 2017-11-10.
- ^ https://milinme.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/lebanese-sherpas/[better source needed]
- ^ "Plano Brasil – Infanteria de Marina Mexicana apresenta seu veiculo blindado 4×4 Mack Sherpa Scout". www.planobrazil.com.
- ^ "Mexican military parades variety of new equipment - IHS Jane's 360". 21 September 2016.
- ^ a b https://www.estadomayor.mx/67261
- ^ https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2018/07/18/noticia-mexico-sherpa-scout-vehiculo.html
- ^ https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/morocco_orders_arquus_sherpa_light_4x4_tactical_vehicles_for_its_special_forces.html
- ^ https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/qatar-orders-27-military-vehicles-from-renault/
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Renault Sherpa 2 at the Wayback Machine (archived 2008-10-14)
- Renault Sherpa 3A at the Wayback Machine (archived 2009-04-16)