Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann's Fennek pioneer vehicle

07:02 GMT, October 7, 2008 Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Europe's leading system supplier of protected vehicles on tracks and wheels, has delivered the first of a total of 24 FENNEK pioneer vehicles to the German Army's pioneer troops. The handover took place at the end of September during the "2008 Pioneers" training exercise and the subsequent "Pioneers' Day" at the Münchnsmünster barracks near Ingolstadt in Bavaria, Germany.

The vehicles from the FENNEK family will provide a valuable service to the German Army\'s pioneer troops in their reconnaissance and preparatory work in the future. They can move almost silently through any terrain, offer a wide range of functions, wide-ranging protection, excellent stability and a high level of autonomy, and are able to defend themselves.

Mobility
The outstanding mobility of the FENNEK on and off road – with a range of over 1,000 km – is due to the vehicle\'s ultra-modern engine technology. The engine system is supplemented by a fully automatic gear system and a transfer gearbox. The four-wheel drive, which can be activated as required, works via the H drive train, allowing a low construction design. The three-person crew, consisting of driver, commander and radio operator/observer, can operate for five days independently. The FENNEK can be air-loaded into a C-130, which means that it can also be moved quickly and easily to more distant deployment areas.

Protection
The FENNEK provides protection against hand weapon fire and mines. Interchangeable protection elements allow the level of protection to be modified. ABC protection combined with a room cooling system protects the crew inside the vehicle from the dangers of contamination.

Operating console
The positioning of the front and side windows and the central positioning of the driver\'s seat give the driver a range of vision of more than 180°. The reversing camera and monitor integrated into the dashboard support rapid avoidance manoeuvres and precise positioning. The radio operator/observer seat can be rotated through 360° for additional safety during reversing. A height-adjustable seat device allows the commander to observe the enemy under protection and through the hatch.