There are currently two projects in the Bundeswehr in the field of special forces vehicles: the reconnaissance/combat vehicle AGF 2 for the Special Forces Command (KSK) as the successor to the AGF Serval and the renewed tender for an air-landable multi-purpose off-road vehicle, official name “Tactical air-landable utility Terrain Vehicle LL-UTV”.
Reconnaissance/combat vehicle AGF 2
In total, up to80 vehicles will be procured over several years. Two different variants are planned:
- The first variant is the “AGF 2 reconnaissance/combat vehicle”, a protected carrier vehicle for at least four commandos. Equipped with observation equipment and armed with machine weapons, it is intended to offer both assertiveness and self-protection.
- The second variant is the “Command Support Vehicle” (UFK) based on the same vehicle, presumably for transporting the wounded, transporting people and loads and possibly for special sensors or means of communication. According to reports, the mission equipment will be delivered as installation kits on demand.
The new vehicle family is intended to replace the AGF Serval currently used in the special forces command. The Serval was manufactured by Rheinmetall and is based on the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz G model. A total of 21 vehicles were purchased, which will be replaced by a successor starting at the end of 2021.
The second variant, the AGF 2/UFK, is intended to offer German special forces mobility across the entire range of operations. Despite a very high payload, the permissible total weight should not exceed 8,128 kg. Other requirements include a ring mount for various weapons, including heavy machine guns in .50 caliber, the MG5, MG6 (Dillion Aero M134D) or a 20 mm cannon. In addition to mine protection, adaptive ballistic protection (up to NATO STANAG 1) is required. In addition, there is mission equipment with command and control (C2) software and the ability to carry a motorcycle for reconnaissance missions.
Tactical airborne utility terrain vehicle
The Tender for the Tactical Airborne Utility Terrain Vehicle (LL-UTV)was repealed. The reasons for this were not publicly communicated. However, there are indications that the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment and Use will soon publish a slightly modified tender with delivery starting this year. The procurement project includes a framework contract with a term of seven years for the manufacture and delivery of a maximum of 148 unprotected, four-seater LL-UTV emergency vehicles capable of off-road and air landing, together with an installation kit to accommodate a provided weapon launcher as well as other on-board equipment, special tool sets, initial spare parts requirements and documentation for each vehicle. The minimum purchase in the first lot is 65 vehicles, the rest are an option. The weapon launcher is the Rheinmetall Defense ROSY system. The vehicle is the Polaris MRZR-D4.
The Polaris MRZR-D4 has a four-stroke SOHC three-cylinder turbodiesel with 933 cc displacement and approximately 60 hp, with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (switchable). The dimensions are (L/W/H) 355 x 151 x 187 cm, whereby the roll bar is foldable and the height can be further reduced. The vehicle has an empty weight of approximately 952.54 kg and can accommodate between four and six soldiers depending on the configuration. It offers a payload of 680.4 kg and a dynamic towing capacity of 680 kg. The rear storage box alone (82 x 124.5 x 51.8 cm) holds up to approx. 226.8 kg.
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) had been using MRZRs since 2013 as part of the Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle program. The Polaris MRZR is available as a two- or four-seater (MRZR 2 and MRZR 4) in petrol or diesel versions. According to Polaris, the turbodiesel engine variant has a range that is up to 80 percent greater than the gasoline engine variant.
Andre Forkert
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