Fuchs/Fox provides comprehensive protection from mines and IEDs
Upgrade order for 21 Bundeswehr vehicle already booked
10/31/2008
The tried-and-tested Fuchs/Fox armoured transport vehicle is one of the Bundeswehr's most versatile systems. Rheinmetall now offers a highly effective modernization package that substantially improves the vehicle's protection against landmine blasts and improvised explosive devices. On the one hand, the new 1A8 version of the Fuchs/Fox is quickly available, immediately addressing an operational vulnerability prior to introduction of the next generation of armoured vehicles – another top priority at Rheinmetall. On the other, it broadens the long-term operational spectrum of a vehicle that will continue to form an indispensable part of the Bundeswehr inventory for years to come.
Because the modernization package involves the reconfiguration of previously fielded 1A7 vehicles, which already feature a wide range of modifications and improvements, this upgrade constitutes a relatively inexpensive solution.
The Bundeswehr has already contracted with Rheinmetall to upgrade 21 of its vehicles to the 1A8 version, the first of which are already in action in Afghanistan.
In light of the urgent operational requirement, modification of the entire lot is to be completed before the end of the year.
Highly reliable and able to carry out difficult tasks in tough terrain, the Fuchs/Fox has long since won the trust of the troops, making it one of the most popular vehicles in the German Army. The new version is the best-protected wheeled vehicle currently deployed by the Bundeswehr.
Fuchs/Fox 1A8: An investment in the future
The robustly modernized Fuchs/Fox 1A8 is the outcome of operational experience gained during the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, and reflects the changing threat to German troops deployed in high-risk environments. Stepped up IED attacks on vehicles and convoys, coupled with the acute threat from mines, made better force protection a vital requirement.
The first of the revamped vehicles was transferred to the Bundeswehr in March 2008. Thus, in less than a year, Rheinmetall successfully responded to the Bundeswehr's urgent call for significantly improved vehicle protection: a result that is sure to benefit German troops deployed in the Hindu Kush – and which shows that the growth potential of the Fuchs/Fox armoured transport vehicle is still far from exhausted.
Compared with the 1A7 version, the Fuchs/Fox 1A8 features the following modifications:
* Structural changes in the floor of the hull, e.g. intermediate floors and mine protection plates
* New seat and seat suspension technology in the fighting compartment decouples the crew from the floor of the hull
* Reinforced wheel guards with formed steel armour components
* Reinforced doors
* Modification of the window mountings in the doors
* Additional stowage compartments and strengthening of the vehicle's exterior
Moreover, Rheinmetall is also upgrading existing equipment kits for the different variants of the Fuchs/Fox, e.g. the command vehicle, combat engineer section vehicle, armoured reconnaissance section vehicle and the mobile medical team vehicle, bringing them into line with the latest state. The German Army's current command and information system, known as Faust, features computer monitor-equipped workstations for the front passenger and vehicle commander, while GPS and satellite communications enable the vehicle to participate in network-enabled operations; Faust is compatible with FüInfoSys Heer, the new command and information system currently being introduced in Bundeswehr ground units.
Thanks to this forward-looking upgrade, the Fuchs/Fox will remain operationally viable beyond the year 2020. The conversion of additional Fuchs/Fox armoured transport vehicles to 1A8 status would thus be an investment in the future – and in the wellbeing of troops deployed in harm's way.
A guarantee of future operational effectiveness
Well protected from landmines and IEDs, the Fuchs/Fox 1A8 lends itself to military operations in urban terrain (Mout) and convoy escort duties. Rheinmetall is working intensively on relevant product enhancements.
In terms of survivability, reliability, configuration diversity, and operational versatility, the Fuchs/Fox strikes a successful balance between mobility, protection and payload – and will continue to do so in future.
The Fuchs/Fox features a spacious fighting compartment despite its low-slung silhouette, making it difficult to spot in the field. A 6x6 drive concept gives the vehicle its superb tactical mobility, heightened protection against landmines, IEDs and ballistic threats notwithstanding.
Over a thousand vehicles, tried and tested worldwide
The Fuchs/Fox family displays a level of mission versatility unmatched by any other vehicle now in service with the Bundeswehr. First fielded by Germany in 1979, today over forty different variants and equipment kits are in use, with over a thousand vehicles delivered to date, including standard armoured transport vehicles as well as special configurations for medivac, communications, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and NBC detection operations. More than 200 others are in service with the armed forces of other nations, proving their worth in operations around the globe.
A steadily expanding performance spectrum
Regular upgrades in response to the Bundeswehr's expanding array of foreign missions have steadily enhanced the vehicle's operational effectiveness and survivability. The first improvement of its protection equipment came in 1995, when the Bundeswehr deployed to the Balkans. Retrofitted modular protection technology substantially increased the vehicle's ability to withstand ballistic threats. Its mine protection features were also modified to meet new hazards.
In a further modernization move, Rheinmetall increased the Fuchs/Fox's useful load-carrying capacity, significantly boosting the system's operational effectiveness in the process. The package involved installing 9-ton axles and more powerful brakes as well as modifying the chassis. Moreover, the floor of the vehicle was modified to provide even greater protection against landmine blasts, partly by adding extra armour and a spall liner, together with reinforced bullet-proof glass and window shields. The driver's cab and the fighting compartment are air conditioned, significantly improving crew comfort in hot climates. An electro-hydraulic device for opening and closing the door is another major plus.
Contact
Rheinmetall AG
Corporate Sector Defence
Press and Information
Oliver Hoffmann
Rheinmetall Platz 1
40476 Düsseldorf
Germany
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
