Armoured engineer vehicle KODIAK
The third-generation AEV3 (PiPz3)
In the 21st century, army engineers need a robust, reliable and future-proof armoured engineer vehicle with state-ofthe-art equipment, high levels of protection and mobility in the entire field of application. As a system vendor, Rheinmetall Landsysteme has responded to these requirements by developing the AEV3 KODIAK, the third-generation of armoured engineer vehicle.
Versatile, highly protected, field-proven and modern, the Kodiak is the best choice for the pioneers of the German Bundeswehr and NATO in the event of deployments or disasters. Highly mobile on the chassis of the Leopard 2, the pioneer troops use the Kodiak to create barriers and thus effectively inhibit the movement of enemy troops. Enemy barriers can be quickly removed to promote the mobility of your own combat troops. It is extremely agile in these situations and can also be used effectively when working in narrow passages. The numerous special tools can be changed under protection, which thus offers the crew the greatest possible safety.
Together with the Buffalo armoured recovery vehicle (BPz3) already introduced by the German Bundeswehr, the Kodiak – as a true pioneer – is a perfect, logical addition to the range of support vehicles. All Kodiak users rely on the powerful team of specialists, particularly with regard to interoperability and synergies in terms of common parts, maintenance and training.
AEV 3 KODIAK in disaster relief mission
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Making-of "Behind the scenes of the PiPz3 Kodiak shooting"
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Kodiak – The most powerful of its kind
The AEV3 KODIAK combines modern engineering technology with the tried-and-tested components from the Leopard 2 battle tank. The AEV3 Kodiak has an articulated arm excavator in the middle of the vehicle, including further excavator tools, an adjustable bulldozer blade and a flexible winch system. The total weight remains the same despite the extensive equipment in the MLC70 class. Using the mine breakthrough kit, the crew can quickly convert the Kodiak into a mine breakthrough system with a mine clearance plough, signature duplicator and marking equipment.
In addition, there is a high level of ballistic protection, integrated mine protection, ABC protective ventilation and a crew room with a heating and cooling system. Additional equipment, such as combat control systems as well as radio and intercom devices and other accessories are integrated according to customer specifications.
The two- or three-person crew of the AEV3 Kodiak can use the system under full protection. This also applies to the replacement of excavator tools. In addition, the AEV3 Kodiak can be operated and used remotely from a safe distance. The vehicle is the perfect tool for army engineers tasked with erecting or breaking obstacles on the battlefield, including breaking minefields. The PiPz3 Kodiak is also particularly suitable for disaster relief at home and abroad, for example in the event of forest fires.
In addition, the vehicle is able to provide electrical and hydraulic energy for external tools, e.g. for additional work lights or hydraulically powered hand tools. Air conditioning, night vision capability, surveillance via cameras and a fully protected (optional) weapons station are just some of the additional features that distinguish the Kodiak.
The system has a hydraulically operated quick coupling with hydraulic connections for various excavator tools such as universal grabs, hydraulic hammers and concrete shears. The vehicle can transport up to two additional excavator tools on the rear carrier.
The excavator tools can be replaced without leaving the protected crew compartment. The articulated arm excavator in the centre of the front of the vehicle even allows use in narrow places or in the mountains and guarantees unrestricted use of the excavator arm on both sides.
The double winch system was specially designed to meet the requirements of the army engineers. With the system it is possible to quickly tear down barriers and obstacles. Both winches can be used together or independently of each other, have a freewheel device and can be used together to recover heavy vehicles.
Unlike a single heavy winch, where at least two people have to leave the protection of the vehicle to attach the steel cable, the Kodiak's two winch cables can be attached to the object of choice by just one person. This means a significant safety gain for the crew.
The AEV3 Kodiak is an armoured engineer vehicle that is based on the chassis of the Leopard 2 tank. With its firstclass off-road capability, it can follow today’s highly mobile manoeuvring units, e.g. the MBT Leopard 2, without restriction. The safety of the crew is guaranteed thanks to its high level of protection against projectiles and mines; additional bomb protection can further improve its survivability. By using the MLC80 chassis components, there is potential for improvement regarding an increased level of protection.
Manually or remotely operated weapon stations can be used. In addition, the AEV3 Kodiak can be equipped with the latest design of smoke projectile launcher.
The engineering equipment includes an angled mirror and a camera system that allows the crew to perform all tasks under protection, except for attaching the winch ropes. The camera system includes up to six video cameras. With their help, the crew can perform tasks such as excavating earth, replacing tools, levelling and clearing mines to break and erect barriers without having to leave the safety of the crew compartment. The crew members can view the camera images independently of each other on their respective screens.
It is also possible to display camera images on monitors integrated in the periscopes or to operate the entire system remotely, e.g. in very dangerous operations.
Customers in Europe and beyond use the PiPz3 Kodiak as the perfect tool for their combat pioneers and use it to their complete satisfaction.
For over 50 years, Rheinmetall has been a reliable partner for combat and support vehicles worldwide, offering innovation, reliable performance and security of supply over the entire service life.