Didn’t Portugal once produce its own armored vehicle? Well, here it is. We’re standing before a Viatura Chaimite V200 Installation. This armored personnel carrier tells a story of Portuguese ingenuity. It speaks of a nation’s need during times of conflict.
The Viatura Chaimite V200’s history began in the 1960s. Portugal was embroiled in colonial wars in Africa. It needed a vehicle adapted to those military operations. The Portuguese company Bravia stepped up to the challenge.
Initially, the Chaimite resembled the Cadillac Gage Commando. Some speculated Bravia had a license from the United States. However, no license existed. Two former Cadillac Gage employees had illegally transferred technical knowledge to Bravia.
The first Chaimite prototype appeared in 1966. It was designed for direct fire support. In 1968 or 1969, it was sent to Portuguese Guinea for combat trials. It performed well but was destroyed by insurgents.
Despite this setback, the Chaimite evolved. Several variants were created for different purposes. These included internal security, anti-tank roles and medical evacuation. Over 600 were manufactured for the Portuguese Army and export.
The V-200, like the one before us, was an armored personnel carrier. It had an 11-man capacity. It was typically armed with a .50 Browning heavy machine gun. The Viatura Chaimite V200 also came in a VBPM version. This was armed with a .30 Browning and an 81 mm mortar.
These vehicles boasted diesel engines. They could reach speeds of up to 99 km/h. The armor could withstand rounds up to 7.62 mm NATO.
The Chaimite saw action in several conflicts. These included the Portuguese Colonial War and the Lebanese Civil War. It even appeared in some movies. You might have seen it portraying Chilean Army APCs in “The House of the Spirits”.
The Viatura Chaimite V200 was gradually phased out of Portuguese Army service. It was replaced by the Pandur II 8×8 APC. The last operational Chaimites were retired in 2016.
Several countries used the Chaimite. Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces praised its ability to withstand fire. The Philippine Constabulary used it against Muslim separatists. Even Libya briefly operated some V-200s.
Today, the Viatura Chaimite V200 stands as a monument. It represents Portuguese military history. It is a reminder of a time when Portugal sought to build its own defense capabilities. As you move closer, picture the soldiers who once rode in this vehicle. Imagine the conflicts it witnessed. This is more than just a vehicle. It’s a piece of Portuguese history.