The Caracal RDLV is a logistical vehicle designed with airborne operations in mind, it's physical size allows 2 vehicle / trailer combinations to be packed onto a standard 3 m airdrop pallet (approximately 10 vehicle combinations can be transported in a standard C-130). Despite it's compact size, the Caracal is capable of transporting 6 personnel (inc. the driver) or a 500 kg load.

Traction is maintained in even the toughest terrain by the 4, high traction, low ground pressure rear wheels.

The Caracal is designed primarily as a fast and effective vehicle for airborne forces and can be ready for action within 3 minutes of landing, it can then transport forward units and crew served weapons systems from the drop zone to establish forward positions, with these positions established, the Caracal can then act as a supply vehicle between the drop zone and advance units.

Power is supplied by a quiet and reliable Perkins Diesel engine and this power is transferred smoothly to the rear driven wheels through a 3 range automatic transmission.(High Forward, Low Forward and Reverse). The rack and pinion steering is light and responsive adding to the agility of this vehicle, with a Caracal it is possible to take the direct route to the objective, rather than the easiest route!

The Caracal features 4 removable crew seats in the rear which can be attached or removed in seconds to provide a generous load bed, which, when combined with it's trailer, offer a surprisingly high loadable area.

The engine bay has a level of ballistic guarding offering protection to the radiator and the engine, ensuring that the Caracal will stay running when most needed. The off road characteristics of this vehicle are impressive due to it's low centre of gravity, allowing it access to terrain normally impassable to conventional vehicles.

Photographs by kind permission, and with the assistance of,.. The Royal Welsh Fusilliers

The Caracal is supplied with a trailer that is designed to travel on top of the vehicle, it is possible to drive the Caracal with it's trailer fitted. To load and unload the trailer requires only 3 personnel.

To load the trailer it must be reversed to the vehicle and connected to a pair of catches on the vehicle body, the trailer can then be lifted into position. (see above). The spare wheel is fitted to the front of the trailer and must be removed for transport. The trailer wheels are compatible with the Caracal and so in extreme cases, the trailer can be sacrificed to ensure the safety of the Caracal.