The new generation of CBRN reconnaissance vehicles:

Progress and innovation in use

WAS has made a decisive contribution to strengthening civil protection in Germany. As part of an extensive procurement project for the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), we have delivered the first 29 of a total of 397 state-of-the-art CBRN reconnaissance vehicles (CBRN ErkW), which will be used in the future in all 16 federal states and at specialised federal locations to protect the population and emergency services in the event of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards. By the end of this year, all other vehicles will be handed over to the BBK, so that Germany will be able to respond even better to CBRN incidents across the board.

Fast, precise and safe reconnaissance in times of crisis

The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles are a key component of crisis management. In the event of a CBRN incident, they enable rapid and precise reconnaissance of endangered and contaminated areas, allowing the necessary protective measures to be quickly initiated for the population. The vehicles are equipped with the latest technology that enables precise measurements to be taken while driving, in order to quickly and efficiently identify endangered zones.

WAS as a partner for cutting-edge vehicle technology

WAS, along with other partners from various industries, was involved in the development and delivery of this new generation of CBRN reconnaissance vehicles. These vehicles not only offer advanced measuring instruments for the detection of CBRN substances, but also comprehensive safety equipment to protect the crew. Protective masks, filters, chemical protective suits and marking material for contaminated zones are on board as standard.

Ergonomic working and optimised vehicle structure

Another important aspect of the new vehicle generation is the well-thought-out integration of all the features that make the CBRN reconnaissance vehicle an effective tool for the emergency services. The ergonomic design enables comfortable and efficient working under extreme conditions. In addition, the vehicle structure has been continuously developed through a long testing phase to ensure optimal performance and user-friendliness.

Digital networking for improved mission coordination

A particularly innovative feature is the option of digital networking with the CBRN measurement control components that the BBK is also currently procuring. This networking enables seamless communication and the immediate sharing of data between the vehicles and the measurement control components, which significantly increases the efficiency of mission coordination and further optimises the safety of the emergency services and the public.

Successful collaboration with the BBK

Since 2022, we have been working together with the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) and other partners to develop and produce the CBRN reconnaissance vehicles. Despite some challenges, such as the coronavirus pandemic and other crises that delayed the project, we have already been able to deliver the first vehicles and all 397 vehicles will be handed over during the course of the year. The new vehicles replace the predecessor models and expand capacities for civil defence in Germany.

A milestone in protecting the population

‘Thanks to the new CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, we can respond more quickly and in a more targeted manner to potential hazards and protect the population even more effectively,’ explained Ralph Tiesler, President of the BBK. ’With the support of WAS and the close cooperation of all parties involved, we have taken another important step towards ensuring security in Germany.’

The most important facts at a glance:

• 397 vehicles will be delivered by WAS to the federal government
• All-terrain chassis for all operational conditions
• Measuring technology for chemical, radiological and nuclear hazards
• Protective and work equipment for the crew (e.g. sampling equipment, dose warning devices, photo camera)
• Networking with CBRN measuring components for improved communication

WAS is proud to make a significant contribution to improving civil protection and looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the BBK and all partners in the field of national security. For more information, visit the BBK website at www.bbk.bund.de.