SND Lagarto

The SND VMP (Modular Personell Vehicle ) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Pelaxian defence industry company SND.

The main feature of the Lagarto is its modular design, which allows the incorporation of different turrets, weapons, sensors, or communications systems on the same carriage. Designs exist for different APC vehicles (armoured personnel carrier) and IFV versions (infantry fighting vehicle), communications versions, ambulances and different fire support versions, armed with large caliber mortar and gun systems. The vehicle has a very good level of mine protection and can withstand explosions of up to 10 kg TNT. The Lagarto has protection levels up to 30mm APFSDS frontal arc. Another important feature is the very good mobility (combining speed, agility, and crew comfort) in rough terrain, enabled by the sophisticated but rugged hydropneumatic suspension adjusting each wheel individually.

History
The Lagarto stems from an investigation, made by the Pealxian Army HQ in 1995, on different armored vehicle concepts for an all branches modular vehicle platform. In 1996, SND Vehicles began to develop different concept vehicles, and found the 8×8 one to be most suitable as a replacement for their 6×6 Urutu, BMR Pegaso and MOWAG Piranha. The Pelaxian Armed Forces ordered an official concept study in 1999, which was ready by 2000. SND continued to develop the vehicle and the first Lagarto prototype was ready for testing in November 2001. Two evaluation samples were ordered by the PAF in December 2001, and were delivered in 2003. Later the same year, the Army ordered 24 AMOS-equipped Lagarto for delivery 2006–09. The PAF also said that they were looking to order some 1000 APC units, equipped with remote-controlled weapon stations, later placing an order for 620 IFV variants only. In 2004, the Lagarto became the first 4th generation combat vehicle of its kind to enter serial production.

In December 2011 the Pelaxian Army placed an order for 500 units of the VMP APC variant and 150 units of the FSV variant.

The design was based on experience gained from building the Urutu and on customer feedback on that vehicle. It was entirely designed in 3D virtual environments before construction and subsequent successful testing of the prototype showed that it fulfilled all the expectations.

The vehicle was initially designed in 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10 variants, but the 10×10 variant was later dropped.

Vartiants

 * VMP APC: Standard variant with a Protector remote weapon station or a manned 12,7 MM turret.
 * VMP AMOS: Self-proppeled 120mm double mortar platform.
 * VMP FCM: 120mm mortar carrier.
 * VMP IFV: Infantry fighting vehicle variant equipped with a 30 mm HITFIST turret, offering high-tech weaponry for combat effectiveness.
 * VMP RECON: Reconnaissance variant for all source intelligence is designed to perform tasks by reconnaissance units. This variant would be equipped with automated battlefield reconnaissance system, consisting integrated subsystems: observation, detection of risk factors, communication and IT.
 * VMP FSV: Fire Support variant designed to provide support to other types of military units equipped with the CT-CVTM 105 mm turret.
 * VMP TRV: Engineering variant designed to support military units operating the VMP IFV.
 * VMP CV: Command Vehicle variant.
 * VMP MED: Medevac variant designed to transport soldiers from the battlefield. The vehicle is fitted out with first aid medical equipment for treating wounds and maintaining basic life functions.

Operators

 * Pelaxia
 * Burgundie
 * 163 VMP IFVs with the chambered in 25mm
 * 55 VMPXP RECON armed with the chambered in 12.7 millimetres
 * 37 VMPXP TRV
 * 26 VMPXP MED