Dingo 2 GE A3.3 Patsi - 1/35

 Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi

1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit of the german Bundeswehr Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi.

About the model:
- 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit
- Highly detailed model
- Length: 175 mm
- Total parts: 238
- Detailed surfaces with fine engravings
- Doors can be built open or closed
- Detailed FLW 200 remote weapon station
- Optional .50 cal machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher

History:
The Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi is an advanced version of the Dingo 2 protected all-wheel-drive vehicle developed for patrol, security and transport duties with the German Bundeswehr. The abbreviation “PatSi” stands for Patrouillen- und Sicherungsfahrzeug, meaning patrol and security vehicle. Its development was closely linked to Germany’s overseas deployments, where the increasing threat from mines, improvised explosive devices and hostile fire created an urgent need for highly protected yet mobile vehicles.

The history of the Dingo family dates back to the 1990s. Developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, now KNDS Deutschland, the original Dingo 1 entered Bundeswehr service in 2000. Positive operational experience in the Balkans led to the development of the larger and more capable Dingo 2. It is based on the highly mobile Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5000 chassis, which provided a greater payload, improved cross-country performance and sufficient capacity for a larger protected crew compartment. The first Dingo 2 patrol and security vehicles were ordered for the Bundeswehr in 2005. Further deliveries were subsequently accelerated in response to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.

The most important feature of the Dingo 2 is its comprehensive protection system. An armoured safety cell protects the occupants against small-arms fire and artillery fragments, while the specially designed underside is intended to deflect and reduce the effects of land mines and improvised explosive devices. Armoured windows, an NBC protection and ventilation system, and an interior designed to withstand the forces generated by an explosion provide additional protection. The Dingo consequently became one of the most important protected vehicles used by German forces on overseas deployments.

The GE A3.3 PatSi version was deployed from 2012, including service in Afghanistan as a reconnaissance, patrol and security vehicle. Its most distinctive external feature is the fixed hardtop enclosing the rear storage compartment. This replaced the open or canvas-covered load area found on some earlier vehicles and provided improved protection for equipment, supplies and the crew’s personal gear against weather, dust and external damage. Modern communications equipment and a satellite communications antenna could also be installed on the vehicle’s roof.

For self-defence, the A3.3 version was commonly equipped with the remotely operated FLW 200 weapon station. Controlled from within the protected crew compartment, it could be fitted with weapons such as a heavy machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher, depending on the mission. Daylight cameras, thermal imaging equipment and a laser rangefinder allowed targets to be observed and engaged by day or night without requiring the gunner to leave the protection of the armoured safety cell.

Combining cross-country mobility, long operational range, a protected crew compartment and modern communications and weapon systems, the Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi became one of the characteristic Bundeswehr vehicles of the Afghanistan deployment. It represents the transition from largely unprotected military transport vehicles to versatile, highly protected wheeled platforms designed with crew survivability as their primary consideration.