In addition to revealing the new Main Battle Tank at the Eurosatory 2022, Rheinmetall also premiered the CARACAL airborne vehicle family it developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems.
The CARACAL Air Assault Vehicle, as it is called, is built on the latest G-class chassis for rescue and special operations. It offers maximum mobility in a lightweight package that can accept optionally mountable protection elements for countering ballistic as well as landmine threats.
Under the hood, it is driven forth by a 249 horsepower 6-cylinder Euro III diesel engine that is capable of hauling this 4,900 kilograms (10,800+ lbs) mass to a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).
The CARACAL Air Assault Vehicle is not just lightweight; it is also compact allowing up to two vehicles to be airlifted in the cargo hold of a CH053K King Stallion or a CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter. It can also be transported as an underslung cargo by the CH-47F.
Another highlight is modularity. That along with two available wheelbases, allow the CARACAL to be deployed in a variety of roles that requires airborne operations. It can serve as a regular troop transport, as a medical support vehicle, or as a supply vehicle, for example.
The CARACAL Air Assault Vehicle will be ready for full-scale production in 2023. Meanwhile, you may learn more about the CARACAL Air Assault Vehicle HERE.
Images: Rheinmetall Defence.
