General Dynamics presents Eagle Light Tactical Vehicle at Eurosatory 2010

General Dynamics European Land Systems will display the next generation EAGLE light tactical vehicle during the EUROSATORY show in Paris from 14-18 June 2010. The new generation EAGLE will display advanced survivability and payload capacity while retaining its characteristic size and mobility advantages. It also provides greater levels of lethality with a Bofors Lemur remote weapon station. The new EAGLE addresses the demands of today, while providing for growth and flexibility to meet future threats. Next-Generation EAGLE Today’s combat operations demand higher levels of survivability and capacity then previously provided by light tactical vehicles. Armies had to use overweight vehicles in the 12-20,000 kg weight class, resulting in significant compromises in mobility and tactical flexibility. General Dynamics European Land Systems is leading the response to new requirements for a lighterweight tactical vehicle with increased protection and capacity and lower logistical costs with the launch of the next-generation EAGLE at the EUROSATORY on 14 June at the GDELS booth. This next-generation EAGLE retains the key features of the existing in-service EAGLE that has made it the preferred light tactical vehicle of Europe’s most demanding customers. These features include low signature and mass, high reliability in all environments and outstanding off-road. The new EAGLE retains its capability to be air transportable via helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook. Next-Generation EAGLE - The New Survivability Standard: The new EAGLE sets a new survivability standard for the light tactical vehicle class and provides proven mine, improvised explosive device (IED) and ballistic protection previously only provided by vehicles up to twice its weight. The survivability systems of the new EAGLE are modular and completely integrated with the new high survivability cabin. These kits allow the tactical commander to adapt the vehicle to new threats in theatre, thus securing the utility of the EAGLE across the complete spectrum of combat operations. The new EAGLE is being launched with validated survivability kits meeting a range of threats. It includes a system developed specifically to cope with the most aggressive IEDs that this class of vehicle commonly faces in today’s hostile environments. The vehicle will be shown with the RUAG LASSO RPG mitigation system integrated to demonstrate one of the many survivability enhancement kits that General Dynamics European Land Systems and its partners have developed for the vehicle. In addition to these modular systems, substantial advances have been made in crew ergonomics, energy-absorbing seating and occupant-restraint systems that will further improve the survivability of the new EAGLE when facing the threats of today and tomorrow. Next-Generation EAGLE – Capacity and Flexibility for the Future: Network-centric operations, integrated force-protection countermeasures and the need for remote weapon stations with greater levels of lethality has seen the demand for payload and internal volume in the light protected vehicle category increase in recent years. The new EAGLE addresses these requirements and provides over 3,000 kg payload, an internal protected volume of more than 6 m3 and a flexible rear load space that ensures the vehicle can meet today’s demands while providing growth and flexibility for tomorrow. The new EAGLE has a flexible internal seating arrangement that can accommodate four, five or six crew while retaining space for a comprehensive communications and electronic architecture system inside the vehicle. In addition, the new EAGLE can be provided in a utility variant capable of carrying NATO pallets or a system of standardised modules that allow the vehicle to be quickly adapted at unit level to fulfil a range of battlefield logistic roles. Next-Generation EAGLE – Unrivalled Mobility and Proven Reliability: The advances in survivability and capacity provided by the new EAGLE have been accomplished without compromising the combat proven mobility and reliability of the vehicle or increasing the vehicle dimensions. EAGLE has now seen extensive operational service in the demanding Afghan theatre where it has shown that it is capable of accessing terrain that no other wheeled vehicle can while demonstrating outstanding reliability and availability in all conditions. The vehicle’s class-leading offroad mobility comes from its combination of extraordinary wheel travel and ground clearance provided by the unique de-dion suspension system in combination with the self-locking drive train and central tire-inflation system. The new EAGLE improves in several key mobility areas including the ability to fit a wider 365/80R20 tire that decreases ground pressure and a new higher torque Cummins engine that further enhances the vehicle’s unique mobility. The new EAGLE also retains extensive commonality with existing EAGLE and DURO fleets, which substantially reduces the logistics burden and cost of ownership to existing customers.