Dragon VCR 8x8
Type: Armored Fighting Vehicle
Domain: land
Country of Origin: Spain
Manufacturer: General Dynamics European Land Systems
First Deployed: 2028
Overview
Spanish 8x8 wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle providing high mobility and firepower for cavalry and reconnaissance units. Dragon VCR (Vehículo de Combate y Reconocimiento, "Combat and Reconnaissance Vehicle") features a 30mm Bushmaster II autocannon in LANCE 2.0 turret with 200 rounds ready, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, Spike-LR anti-tank missiles, modern fire control system with thermal imaging and laser rangefinder, comprehensive digital situational awareness systems, protection against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds and mine blast, amphibious capability, and network connectivity. Weight of approximately 24 tonnes. Powered by Scania 600 hp diesel providing road speed exceeding 100 km/h and range of 800 km. Crew of 3. The Dragon VCR equipped Spanish cavalry regiments replacing aging Centauro B1 wheeled tank destroyers and providing reconnaissance capability superior to tracked vehicles for strategic mobility. The system provides excellent firepower for engaging light armored vehicles and infantry while maintaining strategic mobility on roads. Approximately 100+ vehicles delivered to Spanish Army from 2020 onwards. Represents modernization of Spanish mechanized reconnaissance capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 3 + 8 dismounts |
|---|---|
| type | 8x8 Wheeled Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle |
| engine | Diesel (~600 hp) |
| weight | ~30 tonnes (estimated) |
| armament | 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon; ATGM launcher; 7.62mm coaxial MG |
| variants | IFV, command, ambulance, mortar |
| max_speed | 100+ km/h |
| protection | STANAG 4569 Level 4+ (modular) |
Operators
- Spain
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