KOBLENZ, Germany: Daimler AG has handed over the first series-production example of the Mercedes-Benz LAPV 5.4, military designation ENOK, to the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) and the army on the premises of the company-owned Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlet in Koblenz.
Procurement of these vehicles is part of the BWB project “Protected command and functional vehicle, Class 1”. Their operational purpose is personnel transport and use as a carrier for a wide variety of military equipment. The compact exterior dimensions of the vehicle are a decisive advantage in this regard.
With the ENOK/LAPV 5.4, Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating its expertise in highly maneuverable, highly protected all-terrain vehicles at a new level. The three parameters of agility, protection and payload define the magic triangle that Mercedes-Benz has realised to perfection with this vehicle.
In standard specification the vehicles provide protection against ballistic threats and mines/IEDs according to STANAG/NATO standards (extended anti-mine protection is available as an option).
The powertrain of the ENOK/LAPV 5.4 is based on that of ther existing Mercedes-Benz G 280CDI off-road vehicle with special protection, which ensures the best possible supply logistics. The engine develops an output of 135 kW/184 hp and 400 Nm of torque at 1600 – 2600 rpm, with power transferred to the four wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission with an integrated reduction gear and three fully engageable differential locks. This makes the vehicle particularly suitable for operations on extremely difficult terrain.
The vehicle is available in two variants: with five doors and fully armoured crew and cargo compartments, or with four doors and an armoured crew compartment and unprotected rear body structure.
With a payload of 930 kg and an operating range of approx. 700 km, a four-man crew is able to operate without support for several days.
45 vehicles have been ordered to date, and will be delivered to the BWB (Königswinter depot) by the end of 2010. The army is planning to take the vehicles into operation for the protection of its soldiers in Afghanistan in early 2011. Procurement of a further 100 vehicles is planned for 2011 and 2012.
