The VST-VLT survey telescope.

The authors describe the telescope concept of the VST - the VLT survey telescope - and the scientific and instrumental background which lead to the kick-off of the project for the realization of a 2.6 m telescope for wide field imaging in the optical and infrared to be placed at Paranal, on the VLT plateau within the year 2001. The project for the camera and the data handling and archiving, plus the analysis pipeline are outlined, with particular emphasis on the possible scientific surveys and stand alone projects. The authors briefly review some of the scientific projects for which the VST was conceived, and its impact on the VLT science.