mpcv Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle-Mistral (MPCV-Mistral): Seeking New Targets

[Yontzee 1,676]

Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle (MPCV-Mistral)

MPCV firing a Mistral Missile from MBDA Missile Systems.

Description:

• The Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle-Mistral is a Very Short Range Air Defense Vehicle or VSHORAD vehicle developed jointly by Rheinmetall Defense, Renault Defense Trucks, Thales, and MBDA. Development began in 2006 with the first vehicle IOC by 2010. In 2011, the first vehicles were delivered to the French Army. The vehicle platform, developed around the Renault Sherpa-3A 4x4, was designed for mobility and light arms/IED protection. The vehicle utilizes a Remote Weapons Turret using both Rheinmetall and Thales electronics that can be implemented on multiple platforms. The gunner utilizes a Rheinmetall Electronics Electro-optical Sight System (EOSS) to locate, track, and engage targets with decreased likelihood of counter-detection due to the lack of a RADAR. Due to this, the vehicle can operate standalone or it can integrate with other missile systems. The EOSS has IR/TV (Thermal) capability as well as a built in laser rangefinder. The turret houses 4 ready-to-fire Mistral 2 or 3 Surface-to-Air missiles that have extended ranges and faster overall speed compared to previous models. The missiles on the turret can fold down slightly in a stowed position. Due to the digital Fire Control system, the Mistral 2's or 3's can be fired while on the move. Complimenting this is a self-defense 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun which is fixed with the turret, meaning wherever the missiles are aimed, the heavy machine gun will also be fixed in that direction. This gives the gunner another capability to engage in light vehicles or low flying helicopters. The vehicle has a crew of 3, being the Driver, Commander/Team Leader, and Gunner. The Commander can use Thales communication equipment to communicate between anti-air batteries and is located in the passenger seat. The Gunner is located in the back left seat. In the rear compartment, 4 additional Mistral 2 or 3 missiles are stored and can be loaded manually for a total of 8 missiles. Extra 12.7mm ammunition is also stored here as well. Export customers can also swap the Mistrals for their preference of missiles. This vehicle is currently in service with the French Army, most likely in the 54th Artillery Regiment (w/ 6+ in service) and the Saudi National Guard. Qatar is also a potential customer.
• "MPCV provides air defence units with high mobility, crew protection and high fire power. The system comprises a motorised turret mounted on an armoured vehicle. The turret includes electro-optical sensors, a small calibre gun and four, ready-to-fire Mistral missiles. MPCV’s modular architecture allows the system to be integrated into a coordinated fire control network and to be part of a fully digitised force. The system can be operated from within the vehicle or remotely." - MBDA Description (Manufacturer)
• The MPCV-Mistral and MPCV-MMP are very similar vehicles, being, they share the same platform as well as most electronics are the same.
• This platform is primarily equipped with the MISTRAL 3 Surface-to-Air Missile and will be adjusted accordingly.

Implementation Reason:

• With the inclusion of the Type 93, and Ozelot, I bring you the Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle-Mistral (MPCV-Mistral) for the French Ground Forces Tech Tree. This vehicle would sit comfortably around 9.0-10.0, closing the gap between the AMX-30 DCA and the Roland 1 SAM. This vehicle would operate similarly to the Ozelot and Type 93 with its maneuverability and SHORAD capabilities.
• Due to the fact it has no RADAR, it would be more difficult to detect.
• With Mistral 2's and Mistral 3’s, the MPCV-Mistral has a new max range of 6.5 or 7.5km, depending on the missile, allowing it to engage helicopters and jets out of range for most VSHORAD.
• Not a prototype! It is currently in use with the French military.
• Fire on the move capability.
• This variant is focused on the Sherpa 3A platform.

Armament:

• Fixed Remote-Turret (Weapons Rotate Together, cannot turn independently)
  • Depression/Elevation: -10° to +60°
  • Stabilization: Fully Stabilized
  • Surface-to-Air Missiles (4-ready, 4 stowed):
    • Mistral 2
      • Speed: 930m/s (up to 30G's)
      • Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
      • Weight: 19.7kg
      • Length: 1.86m
      • Diameter: 90mm
      • Maximum Intercept Range: 6.5km
      • Minimum Intercept Range: 500m
      • Maximum Altitude: 3km
      • Reaction Time: 2 Seconds
      • Notes:
        • Fire on the move or stationary capability!
    • Mistral 3 
      • Speed: 930m/s (up to 30G's)
      • Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
      • Weight: ~20kg
      • Length: 1.86m
      • Diameter: 90mm
      • Maximum Intercept Range: 7.5km
      • Minimum Intercept Range: 500m
      • Maximum Altitude: 3km
      • Reaction Time: 2 Seconds
      • Notes :
        • Same capabilities as the Mistral 2 but with new imaging infrared seeker, increased range to 7.5km, and high resistance to countermeasures!
          • Better tracking capabilities.
  • Self-Defense 12.7mm HMG

Armor:

• Small Arms Protection (Up to 7.62mm)
• Mine/Shrapnel Resistant 
• STANAG 1/2

Platform Specifications: 

• Length: 5.9m
• Width: 2.2m
• Weight: 9.5t
• Engine: 4-cyl Euro 4 (215hp, 1,200-1,700rpm)
• Transmission: Allison S2500 (6-Forward, 1-Reverse)
• Max Speed: 120km/h (on road)

Crew (3x):

• Driver
• Gunner
• Commander

Accessories:

• NVD/Thermals
  • Gunner (Thermals)
  • Driver (NVD)
• Laser Rangefinder
• EOSS (No RADAR needed)

Images:

Rear view (from Deagel).

 

Sherpa 3A platform.

 

 

Interior of Sherpa 3A w/ Mistral Remote Turret.

 

MPCV-Mistral on display.

 

MPCV-Mistral maneuvering.

 

Magazine Article.

 

Turret closeup.

 

Mistral Missile up-close.

 

Successful test fire of the Mistral 3 from land-based systems.

 

54 Régiment d'Artillerie insignia, French Army.

Video describing capabilities however, mounted on a different platforms (including Sherpa 3A). 

 

Romanian engagement utilizing a Mistral 3 Missile.

Sources:

• http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product3355.html 
• https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/mpcv/ 
• https://www.defencetalk.com/mbda-unveils-multi-purpose-combat-air-defense-vehicle-27001/ 
• https://www.deagel.com/Tactical Vehicles/Renault Sherpa 23/a001945 
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.armyrecognition.com/french_army_france_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/sherpa_3_renault_trucks_defense_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_personnel_carrier_mine_protected_multi-func.html 
• https://www.tacticalreport.com/qatar-air-defence-mbda-and-mpcv-mistral/ - Qatar 
• https://www.soframe.com/en/combat-vehicles/mpcv-multi-purpose-combat-vehicle/ 
• https://defense-update.com/20131117_mbda-completes-first-mpcv-air-defense-vehicles.html 
• https://en.missilery.info/missile/mistral/mpcv 
• https://www.deagel.com/Artillery Systems/MPCV/a002659
• https://www.deagel.com/Defensive Weapons/Mistral/a001129
• https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/chiffres-cles-de-la-defense-2018
• https://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/mbdas-mistral-3-missile-scores-a-double-success/

Note:

• Ran out of space for more pictures, link provided for more images.
• Special thanks to @LeGrandSarrazin and @Cedjoe for the help!
• For similar vehicle, please see: 

 

Edited November 14, 2022 by Yontzee
Re-did the description.

[leroyonly 4,311]

Open for discussion. 

[Cedjoe 5,482]

Are you suggesting the Sherpa platform or the regular MPCV? since both exist 

[Yontzee 1,676]

6 minutes ago, Cedjoe said:

Are you suggesting the Sherpa platform or the regular MPCV? since both exist 

This platform I’m suggesting is the Sherpa 3A. Currently the French Army uses uses the Sherpa 3A Mistral version, do they use the other version as well?

[Cedjoe 5,482]

2 minutes ago, Yontzee said:

This platform I’m suggesting is the Sherpa 3A. Currently the French Army uses uses the Sherpa 3A Mistral version, do they use the other version as well?

Not AFAIK, though that other version was exported.

[Yontzee 1,676]

1 minute ago, Cedjoe said:

Not AFAIK, though that other version was exported.

Fair enough, I’m down for the export version as a possibility too 

[Cedjoe 5,482]

56 minutes ago, Yontzee said:

Fair enough, I’m down for the export version as a possibility too 

I have the different versions listed here

 

[Yontzee 1,676]

5 minutes ago, Cedjoe said:

I have the different versions listed here

 

Nice, I didn’t know the Sherpa MCPV version could use Mistral 3’s, I only found data on Mistral 2’s. I would want to include the 3’s for sure.

Edited October 25, 2021 by Yontzee

[eleks12 1,079]

+1

[Cedjoe 5,482]

31 minutes ago, Yontzee said:

Nice, I didn’t know the Sherpa MCPV version could use Mistral 3’s, I only found data on Mistral 2’s. I would want to include the 3’s for sure.

I’m not 100% sure, but since they’re being deployed on most Mistral platforms currently in use, it would make sense for it to use them.

[Milocat 4,857]

+1, would be a great French SAM vehicle.

[Yontzee 1,676]

21 hours ago, Cedjoe said:

I’m not 100% sure, but since they’re being deployed on most Mistral platforms currently in use, it would make sense for it to use them.

All my current sources say 2’s but I’ll get back to you on that 

[Yontzee 1,676]

On 25/10/2021 at 02:30, Cedjoe said:

I’m not 100% sure, but since they’re being deployed on most Mistral platforms currently in use, it would make sense for it to use them.

I forgot to get back to you about this but it does use the Mistral 3 Surface-to-Air Missile. It's actually its primary missile. I'm not sure how I missed that when I made this a long time ago but it can fire both the Mistral 2 and Mistral 3 missiles. This works out anyway because the Mistral 2 can be the starter missile with the Mistral 3 as a modification. 

 

Source:

• https://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/mbdas-mistral-3-missile-scores-a-double-success/

Edited December 6, 2021 by Yontzee

[Yontzee 1,676]

Perspective France SPAA tree (RB Battle Ratings):

-P.7.T AA: 1.3 

-CCKW 353 AA: 2.0

-AMX-13 DCA 40: 4.3

-VAB VIB: 6.3 (Fulfill similar role as Wiesel 1A4.)

-AMX-10P: 6.7 (Fulfill similar role as Wiesel 1A4.)

-VAB VDAA (Export): 7.3

-AMX-13 DCA: 8.0

-AMX-30 DCA: 8.3

-MPCV-Mistral: 9.3

-AMX-30R (Roland): 10.0

-FVS 987 Crotale-NG: 11.0 (Provides distinction from Swedish tree.)

**Note: This list was created utilizing in-game assets and vehicles the French Army (or other army’s) had used.

Edited April 10, 2022 by Yontzee

[Abaddon75 460]

the Viesel equivalent could be VBL with 20mm, there is also small tankets that never served that would be roughly the same size and could mount equivalent guns

Edited April 10, 2022 by Abaddon75

[Yontzee 1,676]

It's great to see the VAB SANTAL being added to the tree. It was a much needed addition with its high mobility and multi-missile platform, utilizing the SATCP missiles. I think that this would fit well after the SANTAL at 9.7 BR with its advanced Mistral 3 missiles. The 7km with its powerful seeker will give France one of the top short-range air defense systems. 

[_Woe_ 661]

I'd rather take this than the It0-90

 

But rather dependent on how well the missiles work. Currently IR AA missiles don't seem to work all that great against helicopters and jets, like the Type 90

[Yontzee 1,676]

An alternative to the MPCV-Mistral is a VBMR-L Serval Mistral, a prototype VBMR-L equipped with the Mistral Atlas module:

Equipped with two Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles with a range of 7km, the Serval Mistral would offer serious mobility and anti-air capability.

Edited May 30, 2023 by Yontzee