Leopard 2 HEL Armoured Recovery Vehicles Delivered to Hellenic Army

Rheinmetall Defence's Land Systems division, one of the world's leaders in the development and production of armoured recovery vehicles, was awarded a contract in July 2004 to supply the Greek Army with 12 armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs). The vehicles are based on a Leopard 2 tank chassis equipped with a crane, winches, dozer blade and recovery systems.

Featuring high towing and winch performance, the ARV Leopard 2 HEL is designed to recover main battle tanks and other heavy tracked vehicles; moreover, its powerful crane system is perfect for sensitive positioning of heavy loads.

This high performance equipment gives the ARV an extensive range of capabilities, including towing, shunting, recovery, dozing, crane operations, power pack transportation and installation as well as fuelling and de-fuelling. The vehicle can be used in both combat and peacekeeping missions thanks to its high speed, multiple capabilities and its ability to operate in practically every type of terrain.

Under an offset benefit programme, 70% of the vehicle – including the hull, welding parts, tracks, recovery components, electric and electronic systems, cables and hydraulic systems – were produced by several Greek defence contractors. Final assembly of the vehicles took place in Germany at the Rheinmetall plant in Kassel, followed by extensive Rheinmetall Quality Control testing.

By March 2007, the 12 ARVs had been delivered to the Greek military right on schedule. Following the required quantitative and qualitative checks and function tests, the ARVs have now been successfully integrated into the Greek Army, whose rigorous acceptance tests left no doubt as to the reliability and perfect construction of the vehicles. Initial reports indicate that the new ARVs are performing extremely well.

In addition to the ARVs, Rheinmetall also supplied the Greek Army with the necessary special tools, measuring and testing equipment and technical documen­tation. During the delivery process, Rheinmetall's experienced team also supported the Greek Army staff with theoretical, operational and maintenance training.