New AEVs For the Netherlands

The Dutch military have announced the purchase of 10 Kodiak Armoured Engineer Vehicles. This is a RUAG and Rheinmetall collaboration based on the Leopard 2 platform. The Dutch will partner with Sweden (6 units) on the deal to achieve unknown economic benefits

"The armoured engineer vehicle (AEV 3) - KODIAK is a multifunctional, top-modern equipment which enables the combat engineers to fulfil the requirements in the scope of the combat engineering.

The vehicle concept is based on the modification of pre-used chassis of main battle tanks Leopard 2 and it features the following main implements:

• Dozer system with quick die change equipment for the implements (e.g. dozer blade, universal calmshell and concrete cutter)
• Dozer system up to 4.02 m width, with tilt and pitch function.
• Two winch systems with 9 t of traction force each and 200 m cable length. The traction force can be increased by pulleys.
• Mine clearing equipment consisting of a mine clearing plough (can be installed in place of the dozer system) and lane marking.
  

A complex camera and vision system as well as state-of-the-art control and display units allow the user to work efficiently even when the hatches are closed."

Sources: NIS News and RUAG