Post Description

Highly mobile special purpose forces - particularly airborne units - require fast moving, highly manoeuvrable vehicles. The WIESEL weapon carrier meets these requirements. At a combat-loaded weight of 2.9 tons and an engine rating of 64 kW, the standard version has a power-to-weight ratio of 22 kW per ton. This is hardly surpassed even by the most up to date battle tanks. The WIESEL accelerates from 0 to its maximum speed of about 80 kph in only 24 seconds. It is powered by a series-produced water-cooled 5-cylinder four stroke turbo charged Diesel engine with camshaft and overhead controlled valves, combined with an automatic transmission. High mobility in heavy and exceptionally heavy terrain demands a sufficient track suspension system. The forward drive undercarriage has four road wheels with torsion bar suspension and one track supporting roller on each side. The much larger rear road wheels double as idler wheels, automatically providing the required track tension. Air transportability - this crucial requirement has to be met mainly by fast, mobile combat forces. The technical outfit must be compact and light, allowing for the stowage of additional equipment inside the tight transport facilities. Ease of embarkation, safety in transport and air-drop-capability are additional requirements which should not however be allowed to impair its robustness and functional utility.