Arquus is proud to present its jewel, the Scarabee, for the very first time abroad at IDEX 2021. Arquus’ most advanced vehicle, it incorporates the most modern and innovative technologies developed by the company, including hybrid drive, energy management, suspension height adjustment, independent rear steering axle, among many others. Built on the decades of experience designing light armored and reconnaissance vehicles, such as the AMD, the AML, the EBR or the VBL, the Scarabee has been precisely crafted to combine protection, stealth and high mobility. It has been specifically thought to answer the needs of the armies as well as the needs of the crews on the field. 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.
Very first modern hybrid-drive armored vehicle, the Scarabee is a true revolution in the way reconnaissance missions are envisioned and conducted. Starting at IDEX 2021, the Scarabee is now available in three different versions and ready for action. In Abu Dhabi, the Scarabee is presented in its PATSAS (Patrol SAS) version, specifically thought for the needs of Special Forces units, and equipped with a Hornet RCWS fitted with a 12.7mm machine gun. In its Reconnaissance version, the Scarabee brings superior firepower on the battlefield thanks to its 30mm cannon, effectively
combining stealth and offensive capabilities. The third version is aimed at Security, CounterTerrorist and urban operations units. It carries three operators and is natively fitted with Arquus’ Battlenet BMS for increased performance while in action.
These three versions are all built on a same base to allow for commonality, maintenance optimization and reduced cost of ownership. Very first modern hybrid-drive military vehicle, the Scarabee has been designed to redefine the standards for reconnaissance and light armored vehicles. Comparable in size to a VB2L, the Scarabee is a compact and nimble vehicle, hard to detect and acquire. It is able to hide or take cover behind the smallest obstacles, allowing optimal discretion in front of the enemy lines. With its 8T GVWR and its compact size, it can be transported under slung by helicopter and is C130 compatible. It can therefore be quickly deployed wherever it may be needed. The rear-wheel steering function is controlled by a CAN bus and associated with the electro/ hydraulic management of the vehicle’s ground clearance.
The Scarabee can adjust its ground clearance at all times: a higher level is designed for offroading and obstacle crossing. It is equipped with independent steering rear wheels, allowing very short U-turns in compartmentalized environments such as woods or urban zones. Such features also allow for crab-like movements, with the rear axle parallel to the front while turning. With its 300hp V6 diesel engine, the Scarabee benefits from an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 40hp per ton, allowing very high speeds in all conditions (up to 130km/h), as well as exceptional acceleration capabilities, thanks to its high travel innovative suspension system. The V6 engine, due to its construction and its location at the rear of the vehicle, allows very quiet operation in hybrid mode.
The Scarabee is also designed to accommodate the most advanced C4ISR systems, allowing perfect integration into any combat unit or battle team. Designed as a combat vehicle, the Scarabee can load a complete array of weapons. These systems range from small-caliber RCWS to 40mm grenade launchers and all generations of missiles, from the Milan ATGM to the Missile Moyenne Portée, its state-of-the-art successor. It is specifically optimized to carry a Hornet range RCWS. The Hornet RCWS is equipped with superior ballistic protection and an automatic smoke grenade launcher mounted on an independent ring. With the addition of a gunfire locator, the Hornet can automatically turn and face the threat, while also engaging the smoke protection, when the Scarabee is illuminated by a laser rangefinder or a beam rider.
ARQUUS is a French Defense company, leader of land mobility solutions. Historical partner of the armies, Arquus has more than 25,000 vehicles currently in service in the French Army, 20,000 of which are directly supported by the company. Arquus takes part in the design and production of the new combat vehicles of the French Army, the VBMR GRIFFON and the EBRC JAGUAR, in the framework of a short-term consortium with Nexter and Thales. Arquus is notably in charge of designing and producing the drivelines and the RCWS for these two vehicles. Conceptor of worldwide famous vehicles such as the VAB, the VBL, the Bastion and the Sherpa, Arquus is a partner to more than 60 armies globally. Thanks to its own research facilities and the support of the Volvo Group, Arquus constantly innovates on own equity, notably in the fields of energy, automation and systems integration.
