The Yak is an armored and mine-protected multi-purpose transport vehicle, developed by Rheinmetall as a private venture. It is based on the Swiss MOWAG Duro IIIP chassis. The Rheinmetall YAK is a highly mobile vehicle, specially developed for military requirements. It is co-produced with MOWAG. German Army uses this versatile vehicle for its military police, explosive ordnance disposal teams, as a mobile ambulance and mobile command post. Bundeswehr plans to obtain a total of 296 of these vehicles by 2012. The Rheinmetall Yak is based on two fixed components, chassis with the cab and interchangeable modular shelter. It can be quickly modified to suit wide variety of missions.
Vehicle has a payload capacity of 5 500 kg. It is used to transport troops, cargo or materials. Depending on the configuration, it can carry up to 12 soldiers.
Vehicle can be fitted with a roof-mounted remotely controlled weapon station, armed with7.62--machine gun or 40-mm automatic grenade launcher.
The Rheinmetall Yak has a modular protection concept. Protection level of cabin and shelter can be adapted using add-on armor to suit specific mission requirements. Baseline protection is against 7.62-mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle can withstand 6 kg anti-tank mine blast under any wheel. The Yak is fitted with NBC protection system.
Vehicle is powered by a Cummins ISBe diesel engine, developing 245 hp. Engine is located under the forward control cab. A patented stabilizer system allows axle twisting in off-road situations and prevents body rolling traveling on-road. This transport vehicle can be airlifted by the C-130, C-160 or A400M military transport aircraft.