On January 14th, Defense Minister Mario Kunasek handed over the first five Pandur Evolution personnel carriers to the Jägerbataillon 17 (Straß). The additional 29 Pandur Evolutions ordered are scheduled to be put into service in the battalion by mid-2020. Production of the Pandur Evolution began in 2017 at General Dynamics European Land Systems – Steyr. The new wheeled tanks complement the existing Pandur fleet, which is being restructured. After all tanks have been added, the Federal Army has a total of 110 personnel transport tanks and four medical vehicles - also protected.
In order to achieve the required level of protection and an increased interior volume, the tank's hull had to be rebuilt. The extension means that, in addition to the three-person crew, there is now space for eleven soldiers on mine protection seats in the vehicle, which is protected against mines and ballistic threats. A large tailgate makes it easier to get out.
The 18.6 ton Pandur Evolution is powered by a Cummins ISLe 450 diesel engine with 334 kW via a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission and reaches top speeds of 82 km/h (off-road) or 118 km/h (road).
In addition to an explosion suppression system and NBC protective ventilation, protection includes a remote-controlled weapon station ORCWS-M from Elbit for light and heavy machine guns with stabilized optics for day and night vision.
Gerhard Heiming
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