GDELS EAGLE

General Dynamics European Land Systems has entered a contract with the German Bundesamt fur Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (BWB) for the delivery of 20 EAGLE protected Ambulance Vehicles. This contract, which also includes related logistic services, is in addition to the agreement signed in 2008 for the delivery of 198 EAGLE vehicles for the BWB.

This order represents an important endorsement for the EAGLE vehicle as it continues to be deployed in international peace support missions by the Republic of Germany and other customers. These 20 vehicles will be jointly manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems at its operating sites in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, and in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Numerous key components are sourced from German suppliers. Deliveries will take place within 2010.

These well-protected EAGLE Ambulance vehicles will replace the vehicles currently in service with the Bundeswehr, enhancing the safety of German soldiers wherever they may serve. The vehicle will accommodate a driver and two medical personnel and will enable the transport and emergency treatment of patients under ballistic, mine and IED protection. Due to its high deployability, agility and tactical mobility, the EAGLE is suitable for the entire mission spectrum in this class of vehicles.

In addition to its crew-protection and mobility advantages, the EAGLE also enjoys low operation and training costs. Lifecycle costs of the vehicle fleet will be further minimized by the high degree of logistic commonality among the EAGLE GFF 2 class vehicles and the YAK tactical truck, which have already been successfully introduced in the German Bundeswehr. The vehicles share many essential components, such as the engine, transmission, axles, wheel drives, differentials and brakes.

This order also reflects the relationship with the BWB as a key customer for General Dynamics European Land Systems and the international success of the EAGLE, which has demonstrated its protection, reliability and mobility in operations in Afghanistan.

The development of the EAGLE vehicle was completed with the roll-out of the first prototype at the end of 2003. Just two years later, the first sales success was achieved with 90 vehicles for the Danish Army. At the beginning of 2006, the BWB purchased two EAGLE demonstrator vehicles for intensive comparative tests. In these demanding tests, the EAGLE proved its superior mobility, a high level of protection for the crew, a large usable volume, and a high payload. In 2008, Germany ordered 198 EAGLE GFF 2 class vehicles which are now in production and in service with the Bundeswehr. As a further variant, 20 EAGLE Ambulance vehicles were now ordered.

The EAGLE sets the standard for protected wheeled vehicles in the weight class of up to 9,5 t. The EAGLE has a length of 5.40 m, a height of 2.4 m, a width of 2.16 m, and it accommodates up to 5 persons. 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 DeDion 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.