Today we’ll be taking a look at the EldE 98, an advanced SAM system with all-aspect IRIS-T missiles for the top of the Swedish ground forces line!
EldE 98: An SPAA (SAM) for Sweden at Rank VIII
At a glance:
- IRIS-T missiles, but just four of them
- Long range detection
- Unique layout, as the missiles are located on a trailer
Vehicle History
Sweden was involved in the IRIS short and medium range missile development program, which were to be chosen to replace the aging RBS 70. The air defense system consisted of several vehicles and command stations, including the Eldenhet 98 SAM, featuring a command module with radar and a towed trailer with a launcher for IRIS-T SL surface-to-air missiles.
The prototype of the Eldenhet 98 SAM was first demonstrated to the public in August 2016 at Malmö Air Base on the 90th anniversary of the Swedish Air Force.
Introducing the EldE 98!
Sweden’s new end of the line anti-aircraft missile system featuring the long-awaited IRIS-T missile is coming to the game in the next major update! This vehicle has excellent maneuverable missiles and is rather unusual in its unconventional layout. Specifics, here we come!
Let’s first talk about the most important thing on this new vehicle, which are the missiles. The EldE 98 is equipped with a phased array radar, with the IRIS-T missiles themselves having a launch range of about 10-12 km with an altitude reach of about 5 km. Ultimately, the EldE 98 will be your team’s go-to for countering airborne threats at short and medium ranges. There are those who will be on the receiving end though! If you’re going up against the EldE 98 while playing as CAS, you’ll need to use advanced precision-guided weapons to avoid encounters with the maneuverable missiles themselves.
It’s not all glory though, as the EldE 98 only has four missiles, so when playing this thing you’ll need to stay close to capture points or use the ammo box feature to replenish missiles in a timely manner.
You may have noticed that the layout of this vehicle is quite unique and interesting. This is because the EldE 98 is built on the basis of the Bv410, where the front vehicle houses the radar, crew and engine, while the rear trailer contains the launcher for the IRIS-T missiles. In some cases this unusual layout can increase the EldE 98’s chances of survival when hit, but overall survivability is very low, as the armor only protects against rifle caliber. Besides this, all three crew members are located right next to each other and there’s nothing they can do to defend themselves against enemy tanks, since there’s no machine guns or anti-tank capability at all.
That’s this one wrapped! You’ll be able to research the EldE 98 in the next major update when it’s added to the game. See you there and don’t forget to keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs coming your way!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
