Kreuzlingen -- the Kreuzlingen based technology enterprise MOWAG GmbH received an order from armasuisse for the re-role of 40 PIRANHA I 6x6 Panzerjagern (Tank Hunter) vehicles to protected ambulances.

The new ambulances will replace a part of the Pinzgauer 6x6 ambulance fleet, which will be liquidated by the end of 2008. As system integrator, MOWAG will be solely responsible for the conversion of the vehicles as well as for the logistic materiel. Delivery to the medical corps will take place between 2006 and 2007.

In contrast to most other armed forces, the Swiss Army to date has no off-road, ballistic protected vehicles for the rescue and evacuation of the wounded. With the re-role of the PIRANHA I 6x6 Panzerjäger, this gap has been closed with a cost-effective solution. This new ambulance vehicle makes it possible to quickly rescue the wounded under extreme conditions, to provide immediate life-saving measures, and to transport the wounded to the respective medical installations. The vehicle has space for maximum three reclining or six seated patients plus a maximum 4-man crew. The layout in the transport interior corresponds with respect to space, equipment, air conditioning and lighting to the requirements of a modern ambulance vehicle, thus providing optimum care of the patients. The equipment includes splint material, recovery material, respiratory equipment and oxygen, infusions as well as bandaging material. The medical materials used are commercial products which are already in use with the Swiss Army.

The prototype for the new ambulance vehicle was developed by MOWAG GmbH in Kreuzlingen in close partnership with armasuisse and delivered in March 2004. The subsequent technical testing and troop trials were successful, so that in the autumn of 2004 the ambulance was declared as ready for procurement. More than 300 PIRANHA I 6x6 Panzerjager have been in service with the Swiss Army since the beginning of the 90's. Due to the excellent condition of these vehicles, they can be used for another 25 years following the conversion.

MOWAG
10.01.2006