GDELS Awarded Contract for First Batch of 25 EAGLE IV 4x4 Vehicles for Germany
16 July 2008
The MOWAG Operations of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has entered into a contract with the German Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (BWB) for the delivery of a first batch of 25 EAGLE IV protected command and function vehicles.
This first delivery is part of an offer for a total of 198 EAGLE IVs including the development of the logistic and service support organisation with a total value of €92 million (approx. $140 million).
This offer also includes an option for the delivery of a further 474 vehicles. The EAGLE IV vehicles will be jointly manufactured in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, and at General Dynamics European Land Systems-Germany in Kaiserslautern.
Within the framework of the GFF Klasse 2 programme - protected command and function vehicles - unprotected carrier vehicles of the Bundeswehr will be replaced by the EAGLE IV to enhance the safety of German soldiers wherever they may serve. Due to its high deployability, agility and tactical mobility, the EAGLE IV is suitable for the entire mission spectrum for this class of vehicles. It can be used for the most diversified missions as a command and function vehicle by applying modular add-on kits. Furthermore, the substantial payload capability - which is significant, despite the high level of crew protection - supports the growth potential required to fulfill future requirements. For self-protection, the vehicle will be equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station of the Krauss-Maffai FLW 100/200 type.
In addition to its crew-protection and mobility advantages, the EAGLE IV also enjoys low operation and training costs. Lifecycle costs of the vehicle fleet will be further minimised by the high degree of logistic commonality among the EAGLE IV and the DURO IIIP tactical truck, which has already been successfully introduced in the German Bundeswehr as the RLS 'YAK'. The vehicles share many essential components, such as the engine, transmission, axles, wheel drives, differentials and brakes, helping to reduce costs.
Lutz Kampmann, vice president of wheeled vehicles for General Dynamics European Land Systems, said, "This order is proof of the correctness of the concept, the performance and reliability of our new EAGLE IV. It also proves the confidence of the German Bundeswehr in our products, particularly in the DURO IIIP vehicles that have been purchased since 2003, which have proven themselves - among other places - in peace missions in Afghanistan."
"This order also is important for General Dynamics in Europe, enabling us to expand our relationships with a key customer - Germany - and sharing the cost advantage of a common EAGLE IV and DURO IIIP fleet previously enjoyed only by Denmark."
The in-house baseline development of the EAGLE IV was completed with the roll-out of the first prototype at the end of 2003. Just two years later, the first sales success was landed with 90 vehicles for the Danish Army. At the beginning of 2006, the BWB purchased two EAGLE IV demonstrator vehicles for intensive comparative tests. In these demanding tests, the EAGLE IV proved its superior mobility, a high level of armour protection for the crew, a large usable volume and a high payload.
MOWAG, as a contractual partner of the BWB, will order substantial deliveries from the German industry and various work from German partner companies, thus securing workplaces and added value in Germany. Following the international breakthrough of the EAGLE IV, GDELS expects to get further orders from EU/NATO countries in the near future, since this multi-purpose vehicle fulfills the rising need for highly protected transport capacity for international peace missions.
Facts about the EAGLE IV 4x4
With the EAGLE IV, GDELS sets the standard for protected wheeled vehicles in the weight class of up to 9t. The EAGLE IV has a length of 5.40m, a height of 2.4m, a width of 2.16m and it accommodates up to five persons. It reaches a top speed of 110km/h on the road and manages gradients of up to 60%. The 245 hp Cummins turbocharged diesel engine, in connection with an Allison five-speed automatic transmission, the unique DeDion axle system with the patented anti-roll bar, the tire pressure control system and the permanent all-wheel drive give the EAGLE IV superior on-road and off-road mobility. Thanks to the modular protection system, the EAGLE IV offers a very high level of protection against ballistic threats, mines and IEDs. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an NBC overpressure system.
