The Danish procurement authority (Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, DALO) ordered 309 Piranha 5 patrol vehicles from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) in 2015 and a first series of 36 Eagle 5 patrol vehicles in 2017. The two vehicles are produced by GDELS - Mowag in Kreuzlingen. As agreed, delivery started in 2018.
On March 27, 2019, the vehicles were officially handed over to the user in front of a high-ranking audience. The ceremony marked the transition to operational use.
Piranha 5
The 8×8 Piranha 5 is the latest version of the vehicle found in over 11,000 vehicles worldwide. Denmark has ordered six different variants (infantry, commando, pioneer, ambulance, repair and mortar). Deliveries are scheduled to be completed in 2023.
The modular protection system in conjunction with energy-absorbing seating and restraint systems provides protection against mines, improvised explosive devices and ballistic threats. The core of the mobility is the 430 kW diesel engine from MTU, the power of which is transmitted via an automatic ZF transmission to eight steered wheels with height-adjustable McPherson chassis technology.
The protection and chassis components are produced with a high level of vertical integration in Kreuzlingen. The production of the hull with protective elements made of high-strength armored steel takes place on a newly built line, largely with automatic welding machines. A cycle line with twelve stations was set up in a new property for final assembly. Since the final assembly lines do not require any special facilities, use is also planned for other vehicles such as the further series production of the Eagle V.
Eagle V
First introduced in 2010, the 4×4 Eagle V, like the Piranha V, is protected against mines, improvised explosive devices and ballistic threats as standard. The vehicle in the ten ton class offers space for five equipped soldiers. The 180 kW Cummins diesel engine accelerates the vehicle to a maximum of 110 km/h via an Allison 2500 automatic transmission. A remote-controlled weapon station can be mounted on the roof.
Other versions are vehicles for logistical support, electronic warfare and reconnaissance (open and closed) provided, the procurement of which has not yet been decided.
Framework contract for logistic support
The two supply contracts are supplemented by a multi-year framework agreement on vehicle maintenance and future value retention programs.
Gerhard Heiming
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