The strategic technology partner of the Swiss Army, RUAG Defence, committed to a consortium with Rheinmetall Landsysteme, based in Kiel, Germany. The development of the Kodiak started in April 2002 when Switzerland initiated its Armored Engineer Vehicle 3 (AEV 3) program. Source: Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift Early development An armored engineering vehicle was not initially developed, however, around the turn of the century, several armies started to feel a need for such a vehicle. Over time, the Leopard 2 chassis was used to develop other vehicles as well, like an armored recovery vehicle and an armored vehicle launched bridge. Since the first tank entered service in 1979, it has seen many upgrades and improvements. The tank, armed with a 120 mm gun and powered by a V-12 twin-turbo diesel engine, is currently in service with eighteen countries. The Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank was developed by Krauss-Maffei during the 1970s and succeeded the Leopard 1. Source: Rheinmetall Defence Press The Leopard 2 The AEV 3 Kodiak prototype during a demonstration using the excavator arm. The vehicle is being marketed with current Leopard 2 users as potential buyers. The first prototype, funded by both companies, was well received and ordered by Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Germany. It was the Swiss Army which initiated the development process and a consortium was set up between the German company Rheinmetall Landsysteme and the Swiss company RUAG Defence. With the use of different modules, the Kodiak has a variety of uses, including breaching minefields and destroying or erecting obstacles. The vehicle, being based on the Leopard 2 MBT chassis, offers a high level of protection, combined with good mobility. The AEV 3, nicknamed ‘Kodiak’, is an armored engineering vehicle currently in service with four armies in modest numbers. Federal Republic of Germany/Switzerland (2002)Īrmored Engineering Vehicle – 43 Built + 44 On Order
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |