Caracal Airborne Vehicle Family Presented at Eurosatory 2022 

In partnership with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems, Rheinmetall has tailored the new Caracal 4×4 vehicle family to the requirements of platforms for airborne or special operations units. 

The new vehicle system, designed to the highest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, was presented for the first time at Eurosatory 2022 in Paris. 

The airborne Caracal vehicle is based on the latest G-class chassis for rescue and special operations. It features maximum mobility, a lightweight design and optionally mountable protection elements for countering ballistic and landmine threats. Its 249 horsepower, six-cylinder Euro III diesel engine gives the 4,900 kg vehicle a top speed of 140 km/h.

The Caracal’s compact design makes it possible to airlift up to two vehicles in the cargo hold of a CH-53K King Stallion or CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter, which can also carry it as underslung cargo.

Thanks to its unique modular design and two available wheelbases, the Caracal can be employed in a variety of roles during airborne operations – as a basic troop carrier, medical support vehicle or supply vehicle – all on one automotive platform.

Rheinmetall has said that the Caracal will be ready for full-scale production starting in 2023. The company offers full lifecycle support for a period exceeding twenty years.