The Wiesel is a modern German light tracked vehicle. The first prototypes of the vehicle were created in 1975, and in 1985-1993, serial production of the vehicle was carried out, which ended with the release of about 340 units. The Wiesel 1 is equipped with a single 86 hp diesel engine, which allows the 2,700 kg vehicle to accelerate to 70 km/h.
The Wiesel was developed for the needs of the German airborne forces as a new light and universal tracked vehicle. The first prototypes were built in the mid-1970s, but due to budget cuts, the order for these vehicles was placed only in 1985. The Wiesel turned out to be a very useful vehicle, and there were many modified versions of it. The original version was the Wiesel 1, designed for reconnaissance and reconnaissance. The Wiesel 1 ATM TOW version was also developed, i.e. an anti-tank version equipped with TOW guided missiles. Then the Wiesel 2 version was developed with a longer hull, reinforced armor and a more powerful engine. On the basis of this modified vehicle, further improved versions appeared, for example: the Wiesel 2 AFF (version equipped with radar for detecting air targets) or the Wiesel 2 Mortar (version with a 120 mm mortar). Various versions of the Wiesel vehicle were used by the Bundeswehr in many peacekeeping and stabilization missions, for example in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995-1996 or in Kosovo (since 1999). The vehicle is in service with the German army, and a small number of chassis for this vehicle were also ordered by the US Army.
