General Dynamics wins contract for vehicle by Germany

General Dynamics European Land Systems was recently awarded two additional contracts with the German Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (BWB) for the delivery of 70 highly protected Eagle vehicles. Sixty of the new vehicles will be added to the regular fleet of protected wheeled vehicles in the Bundeswehr, while ten of the new Eagle IV vehicles will be deployed to support the German Federal Police in Afghanistan. These two orders, signed in April and July, will increase the German Eagle IV fleet to a total number of 288 vehicles. Within the framework of the “GFF Klasse 2” program – protected Command and Function vehicles – unprotected carrier vehicles of the Bundeswehr are being replaced by the Eagle IV to enhance the safety of German soldiers wherever they may serve. Due to its high deployability, agility and tactical mobility, the Eagle IV is suitable for the entire mission spectrum for this class of vehicles. The Eagle IV can be used for various missions by applying modular add-on kits. Furthermore, the substantial payload capability – which is significant, despite the high level of crew protection – supports the growth potential required to fulfill future requirements. The first contract for the delivery of 198 Eagle was signed with the BWB in November 2008, following a two-year intensive comparative test. By May 2009 the first vehicles were delivered and deployed in Afghanistan, where they proved their outstanding reliability from the beginning of their active service. The delivery of the first 198 vehicles to the Bundeswehr will be completed in September 2010, three months ahead of the contractual delivery schedule. The original contract with the BWB was expanded in November 2009 to include production and deli-very of 20 Eagle BAT (Protected Ambulance) vehicles. These vehicles will replace unprotected carrier vehicles currently in service with the Bundeswehr. The Eagle BAT will accommodate a driver and two medical personnel and will enable the transport and emergency treatment of patients under ballistic, mine and IED protection. Deliveries will take place within 2010. All vehicles for the Bundeswehr and the German Federal Police will be jointly manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems-MOWAG in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, and in Kaiserslautern by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Germany. Numerous other German suppliers are engaged in the manufacture and supply of many key components. These orders reflect the strong relationship with the BWB and the Bundeswehr as a key customer for General Dynamics European Land Systems and underline the international success of the protected Eagle. Facts about the Eagle vehicle The Eagle sets the standard for protected wheeled vehicles in the weight class of up to 9.5 t. The vehicle has a length of 5.40 m, a height of 2.4 m and a width of 2.16 m. 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 unique De Dion axle system with the patented roll stabilizer, the tire pressure control system and the permanent all-wheel drive give the Eagle superior on-road and off-road mobility. Thanks to the modular protection system, the Eagle offers a very high level of protection against ballistic threats, mines, and IEDs. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an NBC overpressure system.