SND Lagarto
The SND VMP (Modular Personell Vehicle ) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Pelaxian defence industry company SND.
| SND VMP Lagarto | |
|---|---|
 Pelaxian SND Lagarto armed with a Protector remote weapon station | |
| Type | Armoured personnel carrier |
| Place of origin | Pelaxia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2007–present |
| Used by | See Operators below |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Sistemas Nacionales de Defensa |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 16,000 to 27,000 kg (35,000 to 60,000 lb) |
| Length | 7.7 m (25 ft) |
| Width | 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Crew | 2–3 (commander, driver, optional gunner) |
Main armament | Up to 120 mm gun or twin 120 mm mortars in turret |
| Engine | DI 12 MILCAR Diesel or DC 12 MILCAR Diesel 405 kW (543 hp) or 360 kW (480 hp) |
| Power/weight | 15.6 kW/t (21.2 PS/t) (max weight), 25.3 kW/t (34.4 PS/t) (min weight) |
| Suspension | 8×8 wheeled independent hydropneumatic suspension |
Operational range | 600–850 km (370–530 mi) |
| Maximum speed | over 100 km/h (60 mph) on land up to 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in water |
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 kilograms (22 lb) 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 Bryn APC.
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 35 mm PLATCAN-A 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 PLATCAN-P 120 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.
VMP PLUS
The SND VMP PLUS is a newer, improved and more capable experimental version of the MVP, which is currently one of the best armored personnel carriers in the world. The "PLUS" stands for Plus Payload, Protection and Performance. This armored vehicle was first publicly revealed in 2025. The PLUS has a maximum combat weigh of 30 t. It is heavier than the standard Lagarto, which is already one of the heaviest and most protected armored personnel carrier in the world. The PLUS has a payload capacity of 13 t. It can be configured to carry even heavier armor packages, weapons and other mission kits than the original Lagarto.
With maximum level of protection the front arc of the PLUS withstands 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. All-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle also has a top-class mine protection. It withstands blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT under any wheel or anywhere under the hull. Uparmored PLUS can survive hits of rocket propelled greandes. An NBC protection system is fitted as standard.
The PLUS can be fitted with various weapon systems, either remotely controlled or turret-mounted weapons. A baseline armored personnel carrier is proposed with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. This specificaction was tested and trialed by the Arcer military. Considering its protection levels, a well-armed the PLUS can be seen as a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, rather than a wheeled armored personnel carrier. It weights more, is better protected and packs heavier punch than most armored personnel carriers. In many respects it even outperforms many current APCs and IFVs, such as the Yonderían AMG Chasseuer, the Alstinian M7 Archer, the Burgoignesc VBCI and the Caphirian Detero CR33. This armored personnel carrier is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. It accommodates 8 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via a rear power-operated ramp with integral doors. There are roof hatches for firing or emergency exit.
The vehicle originated for a need of a more survivable platform for future hight intensity combats within Sarpedon and overseas. The Pelaxian Armed Forces have yet to require this upgraded platform in any of its possible variants.
Meanwhile, the MVP PLUS was selected by Arcerion and Yonderre. A pre-production prototype of the PLUS was delivered to Yonderre in 2024. Yonderian military announced an order for XX of these armored vehicles for delivery from 2025. Yonderian armored vehicles will have some modifications in order to suit local requirements, and be designated as VMP YON, nicknamed "Lézard".
Among the Yonderian requirments:
- The vehicle will increase its level of protetion and its weight up to 25 tons, while retaining amphibious capabilities
- Operate a turret armed with the 35mm autocannon from the Yonderrian Dragoon IFV
- With the ability to incorporate two MAS-12 ATGMs fitted to the side of the turret
Operators
Pelaxia
- 400 VMP APC with RCWS chambered in 12.7 millimetres
- 149 VMP FSV armed with the 120mm Fire Support System. Used by the Pelaxian Army as a rapidly deployable fire support vehicle for airborne troops and rapid response units, and by the Pelaxian Marine Corps.
- 200 VMP RECON ordered
- 150 VMP MED ordered
- 600 VMP IFVs armed with a 35 mm dual-feed cannon.
- 100 VMP TRV
Yonderre
- An undisclosed number of VMP YON
Burgundie
- 163 VMP IFVs with the Hitfist OWS chambered in 25mm
- 55 VMP PLUS RECON armed with the Hitrole chambered in 12.7 millimetres
- 37 VMP PLUS TRV
- 26 VMP PLUS MED