TPz Fuchs

The TPz-1 or Transportpanzer Fuchs (Fox) armored personnel carrier entered service with the German army in 1979. It was developed by Daimler-Benz and was built by Thyssen-Henschel.

The Transportpanzer has been classified as a multiple purpose APC. It can carry up to 6 tons of cargo in place of the troops.

There are a number of specialized armored vehicles based on the TPz-1 Fuchs, including NBC reconnaissance vehicle and electronic warfare vehicle. It is worth mentioning that there were 90 possible combinations of vehicle layout and armament, 32 of them have been produced.

The Transportpanzer is powered by a Mercedes-Benz V-8 diesel engine, delivering 320 hp. It's 6x6 configuration gives a good cross-country performance and maneuverability. Furthermore Fuchs is fully amphibious and moves on water by a rear mounted propeller. It's maximum amphibious speed is 10 km/h. This vehicle is air portable and can be transported by any medium transport aircraft.

Despite it was not used during military conflicts, the TPz-1 performed well during trials. It can take damage and will still run with one or two of the wheels being totally damaged. Furthermore it has some sort of protection against armor piercing ammunition.

Currently German army operates over 1 000 TPz-1 Fuchs APCs. Other operators includes USA, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands and Venezuela. The Fuchs NBC reconnaissance vehicle is in service with some more NATO countries.

Trials of an improved TPz-2 or Fuchs 2 began in 2001. It received a new engine, which is both more powerful and has a better fuel economy. Furthermore cargo payload was increased by 4 tones, and now the TPz-2 can carry nearly 10 tones in place of the troops. This vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of turrets and weapons including, cannons, grenade launchers and missile armament.