Group : Tactical Vehicles
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : Geschütztes Fahrzeugsystem
Origin : Germany
Contractor : Rheinmetall Defence
Total Production : ?

GeFaS, Geschütztes Fahrzeugsystem or protected vehicle system, is a 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 tactical modular vehicle system suitable for a wide range of missions with outstanding protection against ballistic impacts and landmines. The basic vehicle, being developed by Rheinmetall, consists of small modules that can be mixed to match the mission requirements. GeFaS would be able to perform as command, personnel carrier, rocket launcher, weapons platform and infantry fighting vehicles.

The GeFaS weight would be approximately 12.5 tons carrying a six-man crew and 5-ton payload. A C-130 or A400M-sized tactical transport aircraft would be able to airlift a fully equipped medium-weight GeFaS. Rheinmetall is developing GeFaS focusing on two scenarios leading to African and European models. The African vehicle would be lighter and provided with a V-shaped hull for better mine/blast protection. European vehicle would be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

A 440 kW (590-shp) high-power density (HPD) diesel engine will be provided to the GeFaS family of vehicles. On road this vehicle should deliver a 100 km/h top speed with a range of over 1,000 kilometers.

Rheinmetall plans to start gathering physical data from a technology demonstrator in 2006. In 2007 the first GeFaS prototype is expected to be complete. The GeFaS would compete to form the platform basis for Bundeswehr's SysFla air defense system.