The Wiesel 1 is a light armored fighting vehicle in service with the Bundeswehr since 1988. Being air-transportable, it is used by the German paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger) and infantry for fire support, anti-tank, and reconnaissance missions. The Wiesel was developed by the German firm Porsche and was classified as an AWC (Armored Weapons Carrier) because it can be modified to carry different types of weapons. Since it is a tracked vehicle, it can drives through wet land and muddy terrain.
In the fire support role, the Wiesel 1 is armed with a MK 20 Rh-202, a gas-operated, 20mm automatic gun that is capable of firing accurately conventional and armor-piercing ammunition to a distance of 2,000 m away. Light and versatile, it is an excellent armored vehicle to be utilized in support of infantry units both in the field and urban environments. In this configuration, it was deployed both in Somalia (1993) and in Afghanistan (2005) by the Budeswehr.
In the tank-destroyer role, the Wiesel 1 is equipped with TOW anti-tank missiles and radar. For reconnaissance missions, it features two machine guns. The first and third variants are operated by a crew of two: driver and gunner/commander. The anti-tank version has a crew of three. Although it is air-transportable, which means it can be transported by both planes and helicopters, it is not air-borne, that is to say, it is not dropped by parachute.
Specifications
Type: Armored Weapons Carrier/Infantry armored fighting vehicle
Length: 11.6 ft (3.55 m)
Width: 6 ft (1.82 m)
Height: 6 ft (1.82 m)
Weight: 2.75 tons
Armor: Steel
Power plant: one 64 kW, 2.1-liter diesel engine
Maximum speed: 43 mph (70 km/h)
Range: 120 miles
Below, the Wiesel 1 in the armored fighting vehicle role, armed with the 20mm gun
Below, the Wiesel in the anti-tank configuration
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