General Dynamics European Land Systems was awarded a contract by the German Procurement Agency, Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), for the delivery of 100 Eagle V Protected Command Vehicles for the “GFF Klasse 2” Program. This contract includes an option for the purchase of 76 additional vehicles.
The Eagle V is a further development of the Eagle IV fleet, already in service. The Eagle V features a larger payload capacity and increased crew protection at the same level of mobility. The total cost of ownership of these vehicles will be reduced through the Eagle Family of Vehicles concept, with its high degree of commonality, maintenance-friendly design and proven support solutions.
The vehicles will be jointly manufactured in Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) and Kaiserslautern (Germany). Deliveries will start in 2013 and continue throughout 2015, if the option is exercised.
After thorough testing by the Bundeswehr at their proving grounds, the Eagle V fulfilled all requirements, demonstrating its high agility, tactical mobility, survivability and its suitability for the entire mission spectrum for this class of vehicles.
The Protected Command Vehicles can be used for various missions by applying modular add-on kits. In addition to the high level of crew protection, the substantial payload capability is designed to fulfil future requirements.
Due to its ergonomic design and usability the Eagle V is easy to handle and has low training costs.
Lifecycle costs of the vehicle fleet are further minimized by a high degree of logistic commonality of approximately 80% among the Eagle V (4×4 and 6×6), the Eagle IV and the Duro IIIP tactical truck.
The Eagle V sets the standard for protected wheeled vehicles in the weight class of up to 10 t. The Eagle V has a length of 5.40 m, a height of 2.38 m, a width of 2.2 m, and it accommodates up to 5 persons. It reaches a top speed of 110 km/h on the road and manages gradients of up to 60%.
The 245 HP Cummins turbocharged diesel engine, in connection with an Allison 5-speed automatic transmission, the remarkable De Dion axle system with the patented roll stabilizer, the tire pressure control system and the permanent all-wheel drive give the Eagle V superior on-road and off-road mobility. Thanks to the modular protection system, the Eagle V offers a very high level of protection against ballistic threats, mines, and IEDs. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an NBC overpressure system.
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a business unit of General Dynamics and conducts its business through four European operating sites located in Spain, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With more than 3,000 highly skilled technical employees, General Dynamics European Land Systems’ companies design, manufacture and deliver land combat systems, including wheeled, tracked, and amphibious vehicles, bridge systems, armaments and munitions, to global customers.
