MOWAG Eagle
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The Mowag Eagle is a Swiss modification by Mowag corporation,of the American HMMWV military motor vehicle design. It is able to withstand 7.62mm bullets from 30m and armor piercing bullets from 100m. Atop the MOWAG is the remote weapons station, in which the observation equipment and an MG 51/71 are located. The vehicle can be ordered with air-conditioning, but the version in use by the Swiss armed forces is not equipped with that feature. The same is true for the optional NBC protection package. An engine pre-heating system which can also be used to heat the vehicle interior is installed and a great favourite of the troops in wintertime. Using it is nevertheless discouraged as it dramatically increases the vehicle's IR signature.
The Eagle is designed to be operated by a crew of four: a driver, a commander, a communications operator and a gunner/observer (turret or back right). It can also be operated by three or two men only. The driver and the communications operator have the same training and alternate posts to get enough rest and reduce the risk of fatigue related accidents. The gunner is most often also trained to use the radio equipment and can take on the communication operator's role if need be.
In Switzerland, Eagles operate in teams of five vehicles plus support (ideally a Puch or a Duro). Teams split up into two patrols with two vehicles each. The fifth vehicle remains at the base of operations as a tactical reserve or can be used as a relay station to extend the range of the radio network (an important feature in the heavily articulated landscape of Switzerland).
In 2002, the vehicles have been upgraded with additional equipment and more armor. A slight engine improvement has nevertheless failed to compensate for the added weight. Moreover, the brakes have not been adapted for the new weight and several cases of blocking or overheating brakes have been reported after the upgrades. The problem is supposedly under control at present.
