The new EAGLE addresses the demands of today, while providing for growth and flexibility to meet future threats.
Next-Generation EAGLE
Today’s combat operations demand higher levels of survivability and capacity then previously provided by light tactical vehicles. Armies had to use overweight vehicles in the 12-20,000 kg weight class, resulting in significant compromises in mobility and tactical flexibility.
General Dynamics European Land Systems is leading the response to new requirements fora lighterweight tactical vehicle with increased protection and capacityand lower logistical costs with the launch of the next-generation EAGLEat the EUROSATORY on 14 June at the GDELS booth.
This next-generation EAGLE retains the key features of the existing in-service EAGLE that has made it the preferred light tacticalvehicle of Europe’s most demanding customers. These features includelow signature and mass, high reliability in all environments and outstanding off-road. The new EAGLE retains its capability to be air transportable via helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook.
Next-Generation EAGLE - The New Survivability Standard
The new EAGLE sets a new survivability standard for the light tactical vehicle class and provides proven mine, improvised explosive device(IED) and ballistic protection previously only provided by vehicles upto twice its weight. The survivability systems of the new EAGLE aremodular and completely integrated with the new high survivabilitycabin. These kits allow the tactical commander to adapt the vehicle tonew threats in theatre, thus securing the utility of the EAGLE acrossthe complete spectrum of combat operations. The new EAGLE is beinglaunched with validated survivability kits meeting a range of threats.
It includes a system developed specifically to cope with the mostaggressive IEDs that this class of vehicle commonly faces in today’shostile environments. The vehicle will be shown with the RUAG LASSO RPGmitigation system integrated to demonstrate one of the manysurvivability enhancement kits thatGeneral Dynamics European LandSystems and its partners have developed for the vehicle. In addition tothese modular systems, substantial advances have been made in crewergonomics, energy-absorbing seating and occupant-restraint systemsthat will further improve the survivability of the new EAGLE whenfacing the threats of today and tomorrow.
Next-Generation EAGLE – Capacity and Flexibility for the Future
Network-centric operations, integrated force-protection countermeasuresand the need for remote weapon stations with greater levels oflethality has seen the demand for payload and internal volume in thelight protected vehiclecategory increase in recent years. The new EAGLE addresses theserequirements and provides over 3,000 kg payload, an internal protectedvolume of more than 6 m3 and a flexible rear load space that ensuresthe vehicle can meet today’s demands while providing growth andflexibility for tomorrow.
The new EAGLE has a flexible internal seating arrangement that canaccommodate four, five or six crew while retaining space for acomprehensive communications and electronic architecture system insidethe vehicle. In addition, the new EAGLE can be provided in a utilityvariant capable of carrying NATO pallets or a system of standardisedmodules that allow the vehicle to be quickly adapted at unit level tofulfil a range of battlefield logistic roles.
Next-Generation EAGLE – Unrivalled Mobility and Proven Reliability
The advances in survivability and capacity provided by the new EAGLEhave been accomplished without compromising the combat provenmobilityand reliability of the vehicle or increasing the vehicle dimensions.EAGLE has now seen extensive operational service in the demandingAfghan theatre where it has shown that it is capable of accessingterrain that no other wheeled vehicle can while demonstratingoutstanding reliability and availability in all conditions.
The vehicle’s class-leading offroad mobility comes from its combination of extraordinary wheel travel and ground clearance provided by the unique de-dion suspension system in combination with the self-locking drive train and central tire-inflation system. The new EAGLE improves in several key mobility areas including the ability to fit a wider 365/80R20 tire that decreases ground pressure and a new higher torque Cummins engine that further enhances the vehicle’s unique mobility.The new EAGLE also retains extensive commonality with existing EAGLEand DURO fleets, which substantially reduces the logistics burden andcost of ownership to existing customers.
General Dynamics European Land Systems, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a business unit of General Dynamicsand conducts its business through four European operating units locatedin Spain, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With more than 3,200highly skilled technical employees, GDELS companies design, manufactureand deliver land combat systems to global customers, including wheeled,tracked and amphibious vehicles, armaments and munitions.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employsapproximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leaderin business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armamentsand munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.
