In mid-November 2020, Denmark retrieved, among other things, the prototype of an open reconnaissance vehicle Eagle V 4×4 from the framework contract for the procurement of Eagle V multi-purpose vehicles. This reconnaissance vehicle is one of the five variants that Denmark has ordered from General Dynamics European Landsystems (GDELS). 92 patrol vehicles have already been delivered or commissioned.
In the case of tactical combat vehicles, a compromise must be found between mobility, protection and (weapon) effectiveness due to military requirements. With open reconnaissance vehicles, effectiveness is given high priority. Therefore, GDELS removed the upper half of the cabin wall and developed the B and C pillars into roll bars. This means that a maximum of five crew members have a clear view of the terrain, can conduct reconnaissance and use weapons. The roll bars are strong enough to support weapon stations. The picture shows a so-called “crow’s nest” with a heavy machine gun and side armor protection for the operator. As an example of the armament, a light machine gun on a trunnion mount can be seen on the passenger side of the picture and a launcher for explosive and smoke grenades in the rear. With increased battery capacity, additional electrical energy is available to operate reconnaissance and communications equipment as well as weapons systems.
Protection against mines, explosive charges and ballistic threats continues to be provided up to door height. Due to the elimination of windows and a large part of the cabin wall, the crew in the upper half is dependent on personal protection (combat helmet, protective vest). A cable cutting system protects the crew from cross-stressed cables and wires.
Träger der Mobilität ist ein Drehmomentstarker Euro 3 Dieselmotor von Cummins, der über ein automatisches Allison-Getriebe auf alle vier Räder wirkt und auf der Straße eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 110 km/h ermöglicht. Mit zentraler Reifendruckregelung kann die Traktion der Reifen dem Gelände angepasst werden. Die Geländereifen sind mit Notlaufsystem ausgestattet. Ein optionales Ersatzrad kann auch bei völliger Zerstörung eines Rades eine Notfallmobilität erhalten.
The standard Eagle V 4×4 has a curb weight of seven tonnes and can accommodate three tonnes of payload. The design measures will make the open vehicle lighter. It is not yet known to what extent the equipment of the new vehicle will benefit from the weight advantage. However, it is expected that the prototype will have a combat weight of less than ten tons. This could increase the specific engine power to over 20 kW/ton, which could give the vehicle a high level of tracking ability.
The symbolic image of the open reconnaissance vehicle from GDELS exemplifies the possibilities that the modular concept of the Eagle V opens up. The solutions shown are not an anticipation of the development results that will form the basis of the prototype for Denmark.
The open Eagle V, which is to be developed on behalf of Denmark, is aimed at a currently growing market for highly mobile vehicles for special and specialized forces. The Bundeswehr also wants to equip the special forces command with new reconnaissance and combat vehicles (AGF 2) in the near future. The introduced AGF Serval has been used more intensively for almost twenty years. This means it no longer meets military requirements. It is also worn out. The procurement of the AGF 2 has stalled. The plan to conclude a supply contract after the 25 million euro proposal was approved in the Bundestag committees last year could not be realized. However, there is still a possibility that the vehicle can still be purchased in 2021.
Gerhard Heiming
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