Meander is an amphibious vehicle designed to operate in demanding conditions, including marshland, swamps, muddy riverbanks, and flooded waterways. It can carry materiel, vehicles, ground equipment, and personnel.
The vehicle was jointly developed by Czech defence equipment manufacturer Excalibur Army, part of CSG Group, and New Space Technologies (NST), a member of the Krill Business Partners (KBP) group.
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Excalibur Army and NST formalised their collaboration on Meander through a memorandum signed at Eurosatory 2026. Excalibur Army defines the vehicle’s military, operational, and user requirements, while NST is responsible for the technical development, design, and manufacture, including the prototype.
The prototype was presented in its standard transport configuration at the Future Forces Forum exhibition held in Prague in October 2026.
Meander amphibious vehicle design and features
Meander is based on the KALAN amphibious vehicle platform, which NST unveiled in March 2025 and is currently being tested by Czech firefighters.
The vehicle measures 11.2m (36.8ft) long, 3.2m high, and 3.3m wide. It weighs 20,000kg (44,092lb) and can carry a payload of 13,000kg.
The platform’s architecture incorporates commercially available components built to military standards. This approach is intended to simplify maintenance, reduce life-cycle support requirements, and improve the availability of spare parts during extended deployments.
The design supports several variants, including combat configurations equipped with weapon systems.
The normal crew comprises a driver and an operator, although a third crew member can be accommodated when required.
Meander engine details
Meander is powered by a TATRA V12 air-cooled diesel engine, developed by Czech vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks. The engine produces an output of up to 440kW (590hp).
Mobility and performance of Meander
The Meander amphibious vehicle has a maximum road speed of 48km/h and can travel at up to 35km/h across terrain. Its cruising speed on water is up to 6.5 knots (12km/h).
The platform has a road range of 380km and an off-road range of 300km. It can traverse a side slope of 30%, climb a gradient of 100%, surmount a vertical obstacle measuring 650mm, and cross a ditch measuring 2.5m.
The vehicle uses continuous tracks on land and propellers in water. It uses a conventional pedal and steering wheel arrangement, which enables operators to control the platform in both environments.
The twin-propeller water-drive system enables the vehicle to reverse and turn on the spot, allowing it to navigate narrow channels and avoid obstacles.
An electronic steer-by-wire system serves as the vehicle’s directional control while a digital touchscreen supplies platform diagnostic information, and an external camera network gives the crew a 360° visibility around the vehicle’s hull.
The tracked amphibious platform can move between land and water without preparation or interruption, travelling on paved roads, uneven terrain, rivers, and open water in conditions of up to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Sea State 3.
The vehicle’s advanced suspension and metal tracks fitted with rubber pads reduce vibration and noise during movement. This helps limit fatigue among the crew and transported personnel, while providing a smoother ride for casualties and sensitive cargo. Additionally, active track tensioning maintains traction across varied terrain.
Mission capabilities and cargo handling of Meander
Designed as a modular multi-role chassis, Meander can support troop transport, materiel carriage, casualty evacuation, and disaster-relief logistics.
The vehicle has a cargo space measuring approximately 2.8m × 7.9m (9.2ft × 25.9ft). It can transport whole units, ammunition, fuel, and equipment across water obstacles and difficult terrain.
Meander’s flat cargo deck can accommodate up to 70 standing troops, 12 stretchers, a medium-sized military truck, or a standard 20ft container. An electrically operated rear ramp simplifies loading and can support payloads of up to 13 tonnes.Top of Form
