The Falcata (Grasshopper, in English) multipurpose all-terrain vehicle was designed by the Spanish company Einsa to meet various tactical and logistic requirements. It can also be used as a platform for specialized weapon or communication systems.

Spanish Einsa "Falcata" mule displayed at MSPO 2018 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Given its light weight, the vehicle and its dedicated trailer can easily be transported by air, be it inside an airplane, in or under a helicopter. It can also be dropped by parachute. The vehicle is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.15-liter diesel engine developing 123hp at 3,000 rpm. It is claimed to reach 120 km/h. This vehicle, unveiled in 2015, is one more illustration of the “trendy” ones in this “mule” segment, examples of which are displayed at all defense exhibitions. It has been in use in the Spanish Light airborne infantry brigade “Almogavares” VI since February 2017.

The trailer designed to be towed by the Falcata weighs 543 kg. Its maximum payload is set at 457 kg to reach a maximum gross weight of 1,000 kg.

All the manufacturers claim their lightweight, all-terrain vehicles can match airborne or special forces requirements, which might be true, knowing that the latter enjoy more freedom to choose and buy vehicles not necessary selected by “standard” armed forces.