European leader of protected land mobility, ARQUUS is present at the Paris Air Show 2019 at Le Bourget. In the framework of its work on air transport, the company notably exhibits its Scarabée. It is the very first time the vehicle is presented to the general public.
Arquus’ firstborn, the Scarabée is a light, armored 4x4 vehicle designed for reconnaissance, scouting and support, at the contact of the enemy or behind the lines. Developed by a small team of experts from ARQUUS, the Scarabée was designed in partnership with French SMEs and start-ups (95% French suppliers).
First natively hybrid military vehicle, the Scarabée changes all standards for mobility and energy. The vehicle’s hybrid drive allows for a “boost” mode which combines the thermal and electrical engines, and an “all electrical” mode. This stealth mode enables a tactical approach without thermal or acoustic signature, or a long, silent watch with all systems on.
The Scarabée is designed specifically to facilitate the collaborative work. Its interior layout, designed to accommodate four people, is intended to allow optimal communication between crew members, reinforced by the Battlenet vetronics system. Seated in a forward central position, the pilot benefits from a 270° direct vision.
The Scarabée’s architecture was specifically thought to facilitate the maintenance in operations, with an easily removable power pack and a simple access to all components for all-day operations.
The Scarabée is equipped with an evolutive, ballistic and mine protection depending on the mission profile. Designed for collaborative combat, the Scarabée is able to carry a wide array of systems such as multi-purpose RCWS, multi-caliber cannon, RGL cameras, MMP (or MILAN) launchers, anti-drone systems, radar…
The Scarabée is able to operate with two different clearance levels: high, for off-roads mobility, and low, for stand-by or air transport. It is equipped with an independent rear drive, which allows for a minimal steering radius and offers extreme mobility in urban environment, or in combat in cluttered zones. It is capable of moving in “crab” motion, offering several unprecedented tactical options.
Thanks to its very compact size, equivalent to that of the VB2L, the Scarabée is air transportable (C-130, Chinook, A400M). Air droppable, the Scarabée is compatible with the LTCO12 platform. In this configuration, it can be ready to fight within 15 minutes after the drop, according to operational standards.
The sliding side doors allow continuity of access during the airlift, enabling to complete the vehicle’s configuration directly inside the aircraft, which increases the speed of projection.
It is capable of performing air landed assault missions, with personnel on board and weapons ready according to standards, allowing the securing of strategic points. It can thus ensure the capture of advanced positions, and the securing of airstrips, ahead of the airborne or air-transported units. Thanks to its high mobility, it can also guarantee the units’ safety on the rear or the flanks.
Business Area of the Volvo AB Group, Arquus is one of the three members of the short-term consortium to which the French Ministry of Defense awarded the Scorpion contract. The Group will be participating in the development of the new generation of wheeled armored personnel carriers for the French Army: the VBMR (multi-role armored vehicle) and the EBRC (armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle).
Arquus also supplies the powertrains and small-caliber weapons systems operated by these two vehicles. The Group will also provide full logistics for spare parts and Scorpion subsystems.
