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The Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with Rheinmetall for the manufacture and delivery of 44 Kodiak armored engineer vehicles, including training courses and resources, documentation, measuring and testing equipment, spare parts and special tools.
Powered by a 1,100-kW engine, the Kodiak’s well-balanced chassis assures mobility commensurate with Rheinmetall’s Leopard 2 A7V. With excellent off-road capability and a newly developed force protection package, the Kodiak is designed for high-mobility combat formations.
Its main feature is the three-part excavator arm centrally mounted at the front of the vehicle which allows it to operate in narrow confines with maximum reach and minimal dependence on the orientation of the vehicle. This simplifies and shortens operations and therefore contributes to the safety and security of the crew. Different tools are available and can be switched from the safety of the fighting compartment.
The Kodiak also features a bulldozer blade with adjustable cutting and tilt angles. All of the exchangeable tools can be loaded onto multi-hook lift changing pallets, a standard item of Bundeswehr equipment.
Mounted at the front of the vehicle, the winch system is equipped with two capstan winches that can be used independently of each other, assuring maximum flexibility and reliability during operation. A single soldier can bring the lightweight winch cables to the object with no need for special equipment or tools.
Six cameras mounted on the excavator system enable crew members to change tools and carry out a full range of combat engineering operations without exiting the vehicle.
For self-defense, the Kodiak is equipped with a state-of-the-art 76mm smoke/obscurant grenade launcher as well as a remotely controlled “Natter” weapon station.
The Budget Committee of the German Parliament approved the project in April, with the first system due to be finished in 2023 and delivery to be complete by 2029.
