General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) presents its new 4×4 Light Tactical Vehicle MERLIN at the EUROSATORY Defense & Security International Exhibition 2022, on June 13th in Paris, on Booth E-851 in Hall 5A. MERLIN, a small Falcon, is the name of GDELS newest Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) responding to the latest operational requirements of modern Airborne, Special Forces and Light Infantry Forces. The vehicle, designed by GDELS, is based upon the same engineering principles as the combat-proven EAGLE, which sets the standard in its class. The MERLIN provides unmatched payload range and user space in its 4×4 wheeled vehicle configuration. The compact 4×4 vehicle fits inside CH-47 and/or CH-53 transport helicopters and can accommodate up to 10 soldiers.
The LTV MERLIN is an extremely durable, compact, light and robust vehicle platform, which provides superior multi-role as well as payload potential and protection for its military users. The unique driveline and suspension technology of the vehicle is a derivate of GDELS` proven and in-service DURO / EAGLE 4×4 chassis. This provides significant savings in operator and maintenance training and maximizes commonality in tools and spare parts. Powered by a modern diesel engine, MERLIN provides superior agility, manoeuvrability and cross-country mobility. Due to the flexibility and versatility of the vehicle body design, the MERLIN can be configured in different variants for personnel transport, ambulance, logistic and combat missions.
The Eagle is a wheeled armored vehicle designed by the Swiss MOWAG (now known as GDELS-MOWAG, part of General Dynamics European Land Systems). It has gone through several generations of development. The current vehicle, introduced in November 2003, is the Eagle IV, which is based on the Duro IIIP chassis. The original MOWAG Eagle used the chassis and running gear of the United States Humvee, while the Eagle II and Eagle III use the chassis and running gear of the Humvee ECV. The combat proven EAGLE Family of Vehicles is NATO interoperable and in service with various armed forces. It offers a high payload and a large protected interior in addition to a flexible load space at the rear of the vehicle. Depending on the mission role, 4×4 or 6×6 versions are available.
General Dynamics European Land Systems is a Europe based business unit of General Dynamics Corporation. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, General Dynamics European Land Systems is led by Alfonso Ramonet. The company products range from wheeled armored and tracked combat vehicles to amphibious bridges and ferry systems, with people all around the world relying on systems and services. While General Dynamics European Land Systems was established as the European arm of General Dynamics in 2003, its roots in global defense go back more than 470 years. The first company the group acquired in Europe, Santa Bárbara Sistemas (Spain) in July 2001, is recognized as one of the oldest weapons manufacturers in the world. The other vehicle specialist in the group is Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug (Austria), a company whose engineering expertise dates back to the-mid 19th century.
