KNDS has collaborated with Arquus to create a “digital twin” of the French Army’s VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), a first in the field of ground combat systems.
Under the Digitization of Maintenance (NumCo) program, the digital model will use predictive algorithms to determine the lifespan of the vehicle’s parts based on usage, operation, and breakdowns.
Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) sensors will be used on 20 IFV units to collect large amounts of data to be analyzed and transcribed into their digital models.
The development period for the digital demonstrator is set to run for four years, split into an initial planning phase and a data-led training phase.
The VBCI IFV
Developed to carry out convoy protection and infantry support, the VBCI IFV is a high-mobility vehicle capable of maintaining a maximum speed of 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour.
Equipped with a NATO-standard GIAT M811 and a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, the VBCI is capable of taking out targets as far as 2,700 meters (1.7 miles) away.
It is also fitted with a level-5 armor, which protects it from 14.5mm armor-piercing incendiaries.
The battle-tested vehicle has been deployed in missions including the War in Afghanistan and Operation Serval in Mali.
