SubscribeBern. The consortium RUAG Land Systems (CH) and Rheinmetall Landsysteme (D) has developed an AEV. During the past eight month the AEV has been on trial in several Countries. The Swiss-German project consortium financed the development of the AEV. It is based on the chassis of the main battle tank Leopard 2.
The new armoured engineering vehicle bridges the gap in the family vehicles of the Leopard 2. MBT. It can also be deployed as an independent system. Various user countries of the Leopard 2 require a robust and reliable armoured engineering vehicle of the third generation, which can deploy modern engineering equipment.
At present, most armies operate engineering vehicles based on older tanks. With Leopard 2 operated in many countries, an engineering vehicle based on the Leopard 2 chassis is gaining more and more importance in Europe. Up until today no other comparable engineering vehicle has been developed.
Proven components and most recent technologies
A vehicle, made up of proven components of the Leopard 2 and retrofitted with forward looking technology will be placed at the disposal of the combat engineers, so that they can accomplish their mission with maximum efficiency.
The AEV fills the gap in the family vehicles of the Leopard 2 MBTs. It can also be deployed as an independent system. Various user countries of the Leopard 2 require a robust and reliable armoured engineering vehicle of the third generation, which can deploy modern engineering equipment.
At present, most armies operate engineering vehicles based on older tanks. With Leopard 2 operated in many countries, an engineering vehicle based on the Leopard 2 chassis is gaining more and more importance in Europe. Up until today no other comparable engineering vehicle has been developed.
Proven components and forefront technologies
A vehicle made up of proven components of the Leopard 2 and retrofitted with leading edge engineering and mine breaching equipment will be provided to the combat engineers, so that they can accomplish their mission with maximum efficiency.
The modular concept will enable the deployment of the vehicle both as an engineering vehicle/pioneer tank and also as a heavy tactical mine clearing vehicle to support the Army. Due to the armouring and the mine protection by means of most recent technology, the vehicle is also suitable for “Peace Keeping Missions”.
New financing model
For the first time a new financing approach has been made. Usually such projects are at least partially financed by the military procurement organisations.
The prototype was mounted onto the Leopard 2 chassis which was provided by the Swiss Defence Procurement Agency (Armasuisse – formerly DPA). Development and prototyping costs were borne by the consortium as a risk taking venue regardless of the outcome of a possible procurement decision of a potential client. The financing model can be regarded as trend-setting especially in times of smaller state budgets. The industry bears the risks of the development and financing.