IDEX 2025 – Alwashag, the Calidus proposal to UAE Special Forces
Among the many new vehicles unveiled by Calidus at IDEX 2025, the first one that could be met entering the company huge static display was the Alwashag a light high-mobility unprotected 4×4 vehicle, which look definitely revealed a Special Forces use
With a maximum speed of 160 km/h, a 700 km fuel range, leading trailing arm independent suspensions with coil springs, 305/55R20 Goodrich Baja tires, the Alwashag is definitely designed to carry Special Forces operators at speed on desert sand.
The new Calidus vehicle has a kerb mass of 1.800 kg and an 800 kg payload, well enough to carry a 4-man crew plus a considerable amount of water, food, and ammunition supplies, sufficient for long-range patrols and multiple-days missions. Its dimensions were dictated by the Chinook cargo capacity, the UAE having in service in the Joint Air Command (JAC) some 28 CH-47C/F, the vehicle being therefore 4.6 metres long, 2.0 metres wide, 1.87 metres high, and has a 300 mm ground clearance. Thanks to its reduced mass the Alwashag can be transported underslung by a UH-60 Blackhawk, the JAC fielding around 80 UH-60 L/M.
The Alwashag is fitted with a diesel engine providing 205 hp, which gives a power-to-mass ratio of nearly 79 hp/t, however this figure can be further improved should the customer select the more powerful powerpack, based on a 260 hp engine, which leads to 100 hp/t. The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission with six forward gears and one reverse and is fitted with a two-speed transfer case.
Thanks to its high power-to-mass ratio the Alwashag should have a considerable acceleration, no data being provided, and can climb a steep ramp, up to 70%, while being able to move on a 40% side slope. Approach and departure angles are both 40°, the vehicle being able to overcome a 400 mm vertical obstacle, a 600 mm wide trench, and can ford an 800 mm deep water obstacle. Turning diameter is 11 metres.
The vehicle is fitted with a tubular rollbar that can host a heavy machine gun mount; at IDEX a pintle-mounted 12.7 mm weapon was installed, however the Alwashag can be equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a machine gun up to 14.5 mm calibre. Two 5.56 mm machine guns can be mounted on brackets attached to the central vertical strut. Smoke grenades are offered as option. Both the driver and commander have a digital cockpit; the former can see all data relative to the vehicle including navigation, while the latter can monitor the battle management system and inputs coming from sensors mounted on the vehicle, such as the PILAR 5 gunshot detection system provided by Metravib of France which was visible on the prototype exhibited at IDEX.
An optional night vision system for the driver is being offered, as well as a 360 day/night situational awareness system. Several radios can be installed on customer’s choice, SATCOM being among the options. Mission system batteries are isolated from vehicle batteries, the standard electric system being 12 VDC, however Calidus offers a 24 VDC system as option.
The vehicle seen at IDEX is brand new, and the Alwashag is currently undergoing qualification trials at Calidus facilities.
Photo by P. Valpolini
