Rheinmetall | Survivor R is the new tactical vehicle of the German Federal Police

Defence Redefined

Published on 01/02/2022 at 18:50

Rheinmetall is about to equip the German Federal Police with the new tactical vehicle Sonderwagen 5.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is the contractor for the procurement of 55 Survivor R-type armored vehicles, known as Sonderwagen 5.

The order includes variants of this type of vehicle for the German Federal Police. The Survivor R is set to replace its predecessor, the Sonderwagen 4, which was introduced 35 years ago. 

As a first step, the delivery of two sample vehicles is planned for 2022, which will undergo extensive trials, including full certification of the protection features. Delivery of the production vehicles is expected to begin in 2023 and to be completed by 2026. 

Rheinmetall developed the Survivor R in cooperation with special vehicle maker Achleitner of Austria, which will serve as a subcontractor in the major project just awarded. Final assembly and transfer of the production vehicles will take place at the Rheinmetall Landsysteme plant in Kassel.

Survivor R technical characteristics:

• High-performance MAN 4 × 4 truck Chassis
• Final speed: 100 km/h
• Weight: 15 tons 
• Length: 6.5 meters
• Width: 2.5 meters
• Height: 2.7 meters
• Crew: Up to 10 people
• Fully automated gearbox
• Engine: MAN 6.9-litre 6-cylinder (330 hp)

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Depending on the given threat level, the armoured vehicle can be individually and discretely fitted with add-on armor elements, while the air filtration system provides protection from fire, IED-type attacks, nuclear, biological, and chemical agents, and even from extreme climatic and terrain conditions as well as hazardous agents. 

Its interior is well-lit, ergonomically designed, and spacious enough to carry up to ten people with their personal equipment as well as a full panoply of communication and command and control equipment.

According to the company, the systematic use of serially produced, standard commercial and military components has resulted in a reasonably priced vehicle. This makes the Survivor R a cost-effective, easy-to-maintain vehicle platform with low lifespan costs and outstanding operational readiness.

Also read: SBA | Receipt of 6 armored BMWs for policing needs – VIDEO & Photos