Overall views and details from all areas of the brandnew Rheinmetall 4x4 vehicle with quadruple drone/loitering ammo launcher
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The Rheinmetall Caracal is a state-of-the-art, air-transportable, highly mobile tactical off-road vehicle, developed in cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes-Benz, and the Emirati company EDGE (NIMR Automotive). It is based on a modified Mercedes G 464 chassis and was specifically tailored to the requirements of rapid response forces, special forces, and paratroopers. The Caracal combines high off-road capability, operational flexibility, and modularity with NATO compatibility and robustness under extreme conditions.
With an unladen weight of less than 4 tons, the Caracal is also suitable for transport as an external load. Its modular design allows for a wide range of configurations – from medical vehicles and reconnaissance vehicles to combat or command vehicles. The open cargo area and modular superstructures enable rapid conversion depending on the intended use.
The Caracal is powered by a powerful diesel engine (based on a Mercedes-Benz engine), combined with all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, and independent suspension. Despite its compact dimensions, the vehicle offers space for up to six soldiers and their equipment. The Caracal is optionally available with weapon stations, protection kits (e.g., ballistic protection), and C4I equipment.
A particularly innovative variant is the Caracal UAV Launcher, the version for drone integration and mission support. This version is designed for the operation of tactical drone systems (e.g., reconnaissance drones or kamikaze drones). Rheinmetall has equipped the Caracal with a launcher for loitering munitions or mini-UAVs. The command and control station is either integrated into the vehicle or housed in modular cases.
Depending on the drone type, the vehicle can carry up to six to eight launch rails or ramps, which can be aligned in the direction of travel or laterally. This configuration allows for rapid repositioning after launch (shoot & scoot). Communication with the drones takes place via secure data links and can be supplemented with a foldable antenna system. Typically, this variant also integrates systems such as the Rheinmetall Mission Master Command & Control Module, allowing the Caracal to seamlessly integrate into a higher-level C4ISTAR network.
This UAV variant is particularly aimed at airmobile or lightly mechanized units that require autonomous aerial reconnaissance or precise fire support in asymmetric or highly mobile operational scenarios – without relying on large carrier systems. It is suitable for both the battlefield and for border security or reconnaissance in urban environments.
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