18 January 2001

MOWAG developed the Eagle armoured reconnaissance vehicle (ARV) and it was first adopted by the Swiss Army in 1995. The Eagle is based on a US AM General High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle chassis of which more than 130,000 have been built for the US Army and export. It has a MOWAG armoured body to protect the crew from small-arms fire and shell splinters.

The one-person armoured observation cupola is mounted on top of the hull. It is armed with a 7.62mm machine gun and fitted with a day/night thermal imaging device. The bullet-proof windows provide the same level of protection as the hull.

Standard equipment includes smoke grenade launchers, an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, run flat tyres and communications equipment. Optional equipment includes air conditioning, a central tyre-pressure regulation system and self-recovery winch.

The first batch of 154 Swiss Army vehicles are designated the Eagle I, while the second batch of 175 is designated the Eagle II and based on the latest Enhanced Capacity Vehicle with increased carrying capacity and enhanced performance. The Swiss Army should order another version of the Eagle II late this year to fulfil an artillery observation role. It will have a retractable sensor pod and extensive communications equipment for its specialist role.

Specifications

Crew: 3

Configuration: 4 x 4

Armament: 1 x 7.62mm machine gun

Combat weight: 5,100kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 31.3hp/t

Power pack: General Motors Type 6.5 1 NA V-8 diesel developing 160hp at 1,700rpm

Length: 4.90m; Width: 2.28m

Height: 1.75m (hull top)

Max speed: 125km/h; Range: 450km

Airportable: C-130 Hercules

Status

In production. In service with Denmark (36 delivered); and Switzerland (154 Eagle I vehicles delivered with another 175 Eagle IIs being delivered). It is one of the many contenders (through Vickers Defence Systems) competing for the British Army's Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV) requirement.

Variants

The only specialised version to date is the artillery observation vehicle developed to meet the operational requirement of the Swiss Army. Up to 150 vehicles should be ordered in 2000-01.

Manufacturer

MOWAG Motorwagenfabrik AG, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland

MOWAG developed Eagle armoured reconnaissance vehicle (ARV) (Source: MOWAG)