Redefines Reconnaissance Mission for LAVs

Arquus has used IDEX 2021 to present its most advanced vehicle, the SCARABEE, for the first time outside France.

Leveraging years of experience in the design and development of light armoured and reconnaissance vehicles – such as the AMD, AML, EBR and VBL – Arquus has incorporated its most modern, innovative technologies into SCARABEE, such as hybrid drive, energy management, suspension height adjustment, and an independent rear steering axle, among others. It has been specifically developed to answer operator needs: light, compact, fast, stealthy and very well protected for its class, the SCARABEE is a difficult vehicle to spot, to acquire, to lock and to hit.

In truth, the very first modern hybrid-drive armoured vehicle, SCARABEE is a genuine revolution in the way reconnaissance missions are envisioned and conducted. The vehicle is already available in three different versions. At IDEX it is seen in the Patrol SAS (PATSAS) variant, specifically aimed at special forces, equipped with a HORNET RCWS fitted with a 12.7mm machinegun. In its reconnaissance version, SCARABEE brings superior firepower to the battlefield, with a 30mm cannon, effectively combining stealth and offensive capabilities. The third version is aimed at security, counter-terrorist and urban operations units, carrying three operators and is fitted with Arquus’ BATTLENET battle management system. All three versions are built on a common base, to allow for maintenance optimisation and reduced cost of ownership.

Comparable in size to a VB2L, SCARABEE is a compact, nimble vehicle, able to hide or take cover easily. At 8t GVW, it can be transported underslung by helicopter and is C130-compatible – and therefore rapidly deployable.

SCARABEE has the lowest acoustic footprint of any similar vehicle currently available, when in 100% electric-drive mode, thanks to the 70kW hybrid engine, the company states. Its high-capacity (12kWh) li-ion batteries enable it to cover the last kilometres to target silently an advantage for both reconnaissance and attack missions. They also allow for very long silent watches with all systems on, including air conditioning. Such new capabilities completely redefine reconnaissance missions.

Featuring a very high level of ballistic protection for its class, SCARABEE is built around a survivability cell designed to protect the crew against all threats. The interior space is specifically designed to optimise crew communication and collaboration within the crew of 3-4 members, depending on mission definition.

SCARABEE is also designed to accommodate the most advanced C4ISR systems. Designed as a combat vehicle, it features a complete array of weapons, ranging from small-calibre RCWS to 40mm grenade launchers and all generations of missiles (such as MILAN or MMP) and is specifically optimised for a HORNET RCWS.