Dingo 2 takes on new roles
Christopher F Foss
The latest-generation German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Dingo 2 armour protected carrier vehicle is now being developed for an increasing number of more specialised roles.
Taking part in the mobility demonstration at IDEX is a standard Dingo 2 fitted with a 7.62mm overhead weapon system, but the newest version to enter production is the Dingo 2 NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) model for which the launch customer is Austria, which has placed an order for 12 NBC units plus eight in the ambulance role. Of the 12 NBC vehicles, eight are in the reconnaissance configuration and four in the command post version with deliveries due later this year.
Dingo 2 NBC reconnaissance vehicle has a crew of five seated in NBC protected cabins and is based on a long wheelbase chassis with a fully protected crew compartment extending to the rear. A special air lock enables one member of the vehicle to leave the vehicle, take samples and carry out decontamination activities. The vehicle is fitted with a full range of equipment to detect, analysis and monitor NBC agents.
The first customer for the Dingo 2 was the German Army, which has ordered two batches, the first one for 52 units, already delivered, while the second order is for a total of 149 units. Under the original plan, 33 were to have been delivered this year but a rapid production ramp-up means that 100 units will now be delivered.
The current production Dingo 2 is built on the latest UNIMOG S 5000 chassis and in its baseline troop carrying role, can carry eight fully equipped troops with space for additional equipment in the rear.
In addition to the Austrian order, the Belgian Army has ordered 220 production vehicles plus an option on a further 132 units. Deliveries have started and the vehicle has already been deployed to Lebanon.
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