General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has successfully delivered the first Eagle 6×6 medium protected medical vehicle to the German Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in a contract originally signed in 2020. The vehicle was formally accepted by the service’s Medical Training Regiment during a field response drill in Feldkirchen, Bavaria.
This procurement, valued at approximately $159 million, is part of a broader initiative that includes the supply of up to 80 units. The German military has emphasized that this new fleet will enhance its current capabilities by complementing existing light and heavy armored medical vehicles, such as the older Eagle Ground Reconnaissance System and the Boxer Multi-Role Armored Vehicle.
Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, the managing director of GDELS Germany, expressed gratitude towards their German customers for their ongoing trust and noted that the Eagle 6×6 represents the latest advancements in ambulance vehicle technology available today.
The Eagle 6×6 is a versatile, 7-meter (23-foot) vehicle designed for medical purposes. It boasts a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms (13,200 pounds) and can accommodate up to 14 personnel, depending on specific configurations. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine capable of producing up to 360 horsepower, and it utilizes an Allison automatic five-speed transmission alongside an independent De Dion axle suspension for improved maneuverability and comfort.
With a maximum speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour and a considerable operational range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), the Eagle 6×6 is engineered for efficiency and effectiveness. The ambulance variant of the vehicle includes a flexible stretcher loading system and is equipped with advanced medical apparatuses, enabling the aid and transport of up to two patients simultaneously. This new addition to the German Armed Forces’ fleet underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing medical support capabilities in various operational scenarios.
