VDP Lorraine 28
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| VDP Lorraine 28 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Troop transport |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| Used by | France |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Lorraine |
| Designed | 1934 |
| Manufacturer | Lorraine |
| Produced | 1937 - 1939 |
| No. built | 404 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3,708 kg (8,175 lb) |
| Length | 4.84 m (15 ft 11 in) |
| Width | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Height | 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) |
| Crew | one |
| Engine | Lorraine 4-cylinder engine 55 hp |
| Payload capacity | 2,720 kg (6,000 lb); 10 men |
| Ground clearance | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 110 litres |
Operational range | 300 km (190 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
The VDP Lorraine 28 or Voiture de Dragons Portés Lorraine 28 ("Mechanized Dragoons Vehicle Lorraine 28") is a six-wheeled all-terrain troop transport developed by the Lorraine Company in the 1930s and used by the French army during World War II. Mainly equipping mechanized cavalry units, most vehicles were captured or destroyed during the Battle of France.
In the late 1920s, the French Army embarked on a program of partial motorization of its cavalry units, with the aim of transforming the cyclist battalion of each cavalry division into a Bataillon de Dragons Portés or BDP ("Mechanized Dragoon Battalion"). From 1929-32, these battalions were progressively equipped with Citroën-Kégresse halftracks; however, during exercises, it was found that theses had several deficiencies, chiefly low speed and a lack of protection for their passengers.[1]: 60
In January 1931, the military launched a procurement program for an armored transport, specifying the need for a vehicle with a capacity for 7 passengers, armor between 6-7mm, an open top and a low profile of less than 180 cm. Three companies submitted designs: The Renault URK, Berliet VDPK and Citroën-Kégresse P 26A. Ultimately, it was found that the specification did not correspond to the actual needs of the dragons portés and it was decided that capacity and speed should take priority over armor in future designs.[1]: 61
In this context, in 1932 the cavalry began seeking a new vehicle specially designed for the needs of the dragoon regiments of the light mechanized divisions (Division Légère Mécanique, DLM). This vehicle was to have capacity for 10 passengers in order to transport an entire squad altogether. The basis for the new vehicle, developed by Lorraine, was the 6 x 4 truck chassis developed by Tatra and used under license.[1]: 62
The design was submitted in 1934 and tested until 1936. Though slightly less powerful that the contemporary Laffly S 35 C, the VDP 28 was favorably assessed due to its solid chassis and low weight, which contributed to lower fuel consumption in rough terrain.[1]: 63