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Trailhunter Concept Previews New Grade Of Toyota Trucks at SEMA Show

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022

Trailhunter Trucks Will Be Purpose-Built Overlanding Rigs with Authentic Performance Straight from Toyota

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 1, 2022) – Toyota announced the new Trailhunter grade of trucks with the unveiling of the Trailhunter Concept at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA). Trailhunter will strengthen Toyota’s commitment to the overlanding community and take its legendary go-anywhere credentials to the next level. Toyota is planning to offer purpose-built trucks and SUVs under the Trailhunter name to outdoor enthusiasts who long for off-the-grid expeditions. Trailhunter will serve as a flagship offering to inspire and support modifications of Toyota trucks with Toyota Genuine or Associated Accessory Products equipment across the lineup.

“Trailhunter trucks will come straight from the factory equipped to meet the needs of overlanding enthusiasts,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “These trucks will be developed in-house by our engineering teams and will be the most capable OEM overlanding solutions designed to meet Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability standards.”

Building on Toyota’s proven trucks and SUVs, Trailhunter vehicles will be highly capable, intentionally designed overlanding rigs. The all-new Trailhunter product line is designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore with their vehicle. Designed and developed in-house at Toyota, Trailhunter vehicles will be adventure ready straight from the factory, providing a trail-ready truck with components and accessories that support a remote off-the-grid experience.

The Trailhunter concept vehicle showcases Toyota’s vision of what this new grade of truck could look like right off the dealer lot including available Associated Accessory Products. The concept truck on display at the 2022 SEMA Show is equipped with a Trailhunter-specific suspension setup, skid plates, roof rack, bumpers, lighting, refrigerator, rooftop tent and more all engineered specifically for overlanding applications. Enthusiasts can expect future Trailhunter products to deliver terrain versatility and protection as well as load-bearing performance and storage functionality for their equipment, recovery gear and base camp necessities.

Year after year at the SEMA Show, Toyota has demonstrated its commitment to performance, excitement and fun. Toyota has shown its strong devotion to outdoor enthusiasts through overlanding concepts such as the Tacozilla Tacoma Camper, the TRD Sport Trailer and the Tacoma Overlanding Concept. Trailhunter will take that commitment to the next level.

Toyota will share additional Trailhunter details next year. Every truck will be designed from the ground up to include the overlanding modifications and components enthusiasts expect. The Trailhunter badge – which resembles a compass to reinforce that the journey is the main purpose – will represent the vehicle’s bona fide credentials as a highly functional and purpose-built overlanding rig.

Toyota is displaying an array of featured vehicles and build concepts along with a variety of production cars, SUVs and trucks in its SEMA Show exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200) at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 1-4, 2022.

Vehicle described is a special project prototype vehicle, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal.

Posted in Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Trailhunter Concept Previews New Grade Of Toyota Trucks at SEMA Show

Polaris Government & Defense – MRZR Alpha Arctic Cab and Track

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

Polaris Defense & Government continues to show how versatile the MRZR Alpha is with their AUSA exhibit featuring the Arctic Cab.

Developed for the US Special Operations Command and Marine Corps, the new cab enclosure is part of an Arctic Mobility kit that also features a track system to replace the wheels. Originally designed for enhanced Arctic and tundra mobility, the interchangeable elements of the cab enclosure and track kit can be mixed and matched for mission flexibility.

The cab helps protect occupants from weather conditions and environmental elements. The doors and upper window panels can be removed and the integrated front windshield features a wiper and spray bottle. There is a heat and defrost capability. Additionally, every component of the cab kit can be painted.

The track conversion kit replaces each wheel with a separate track assembly, providing off-road, all-terrain maneuver capability over snow, soft soil and mixed terrain.

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Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Achieves Initial Operational Capability

Monday, October 17th, 2022

Rheinmetall is proud to acknowledge the Australian Army’s declaration of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

Announced on Saturday 15 October, by The Honourable Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Boxer IOC declaration reflects the vehicle’s success in meeting the Australian Army’s stated operational needs; paving the way for the Boxer to be deployed on operations.

Speaking of the Boxer CRV IOC declaration, Mr Gary Stewart, Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia explained the importance in providing a protected capability to the Australian Army’s soldiers.

“The Boxer CRV is the most advanced combat reconnaissance vehicle now in service with the Australian Defence Force. It offers increased protection, lethality and digitisation, and is a game-changer to safely operate in hostile environments and on peace keeping missions.”

“The Boxer’s journey to IOC has included extensive testing and live exercises with the Australian Army. I am proud of the global Rheinmetall team who have worked in partnership with Defence to deliver this important capability milestone. Following this IOC declaration, Rheinmetall continues our work in supporting the path to Final Operational Capability,” said Mr Stewart.

Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force, with over 2,900 Rheinmetall trucks already in service with the Australian Army. Rheinmetall is delivering a total of 211 Boxer CRVs and a further 490 trucks from the company’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE), based at Redbank, South East Queensland.

“At Rheinmetall, we believe that what we do, matters to those who serve. This is a shared purpose between our staff, now over 730 here in Australia, and the over 30 Australian companies that directly contributed to the manufacture, delivery and support of the initial Boxer CRV capability.”

“As the company continues to design, manufacture and deliver the remaining 186 Boxer CRVs, Rheinmetall’s commitment to Australian Industry Capability will provide enduring jobs, skills and opportunity in Australia for many years to come” said Mr Stewart.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 2 Comments »

AUSA 22 – Flyer 72-U

Thursday, October 13th, 2022

The Flyer 72-U is an open cargo deck variant of the Flyer which is used by USSOCOM as the M1128 GMV 1.1 and with US Army as the XM1297 A-GMV. The cargo deck is 69″ wide x 83″ long).

Seen here is the UVision Hero-120 configuration which offers up to 10 systems (4 ready to launch and 6 stowed).

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SAAB – A Powerful Pairing, Camouflage and JLTV

Friday, October 7th, 2022

Customer demand drives Oshkosh Defense partnership with Saab

Armed forces will find it easier to combine world-leading tactical vehicles with advanced signature management solutions thanks to a new deal between Oshkosh Defense and Saab’s Barracuda business unit.

An agreement signed by the two entities in June makes Saab a preferred supplier for Oshkosh Defense’s portfolio of vehicles. Cooperation is already underway on integrating Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) onto the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

The partnership is good news for armed forces who are looking to increase the level of signature management on the advanced tactical vehicles they purchase as a result of the rapidly changing geopolitical situation.

“Oshkosh and Saab’s Barracuda systems are both respected market leaders in their segments. Working together, we can provide customers with an extraordinarily powerful range of solutions that optimise their ability to engage the enemy and their chances of battlefield success.” says Niklas Ålund, Director Strategy and Business Development at Saab’s Business Unit Barracuda.

John Lazar Photo: Oshkosh Defence

“The Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System is a state-of-the-art approach to signature reduction for personnel and vehicles on the twenty-first-century battlefield,”

John Lazar, VP and GM of International Programs, Oshkosh Defense

“The Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System is a state-of-the-art approach to signature reduction for personnel and vehicles on the twenty-first-century battlefield,”says John Lazar, VP and GM of International Programs, Oshkosh Defense. “We are proud to integrate this solution, which combines leading-edge camouflage innovation with the Oshkosh JLTV – the industry’s most advanced light tactical wheeled vehicle.”

Responding to customer demand

In 2015, Oshkosh Defense won the contract to supply the US Army with an initial 17,000 JLTVs. The Army is now negotiating a follow-on contract to supply an additional 15,000 vehicles, with Oshkosh a leading contender. There is also expanding interest in Oshkosh JLTVs internationally, with commitments from seven NATO and allied forces including, Belgium, Lithuania, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Brazil, and Romania.

Photo: Oshkosh Defence

Wherever you go in the world, the battlefield is more transparent than ever been before. The number of sensors and the performance of sensors is growing exponentially.”

Niklas Ålund, Director Strategy and Business Development at Saab’s Business Unit Barracuda

Niklas Ålund says advances in sensor technology in recent years mean that armed forces are increasingly exposed, and effective signature management has become essential for all platforms. “Wherever you go in the world, the battlefield is more transparent than ever been before. The number of sensors and the performance of sensors is growing exponentially. To maintain a strategic advantage, armed forces need to invest in signature management.”

Niklas Ålund

Saab’s Barracuda unique Mobile Camouflage System relies on advanced blends of pigments, coatings, and designed materials to reduce the chances of detection by as much as 90 percent. Solutions can be tailored to counter sensors looking for ultraviolet, visual, near infrared, short-wave infrared, thermal infrared, and radar signatures.

Saab´s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System

JLTV and beyond

“We are working on integrating MCS systems for both woodland and urban environments.”

Johan Stjernfeldt, Head of Marketing and Sales at Business Unit Barracuda

Johan Stjernfeldt, Head of Marketing and Sales at business unit Barracuda, says following the agreement, work has begun on two Barracuda MCS integrations for JLTVs. “We are working on integrating MCS systems for both woodland and urban environments.

Interest in MCS is growing across NATO, Europe and within the US Department of Defense. Many US allies already have the MCS system in use on their existing land vehicle platforms—expanding this offering to include the light, medium and heavy platforms of Oshkosh Defense is an exciting growth opportunity for Saab.”

Johan Stjernfeldt

While the initial focus of cooperation is around the Barracuda MCS and Oshkosh JLTV, the agreement also has scope for Saab to provide other products for integration into Oshkosh vehicles.

The proven quality and range of technology in the various Saab business units paired with the Oshkosh Defense current and prospective user communities suggests there will be increased collaboration between the two companies. The modular approach to mission system integration by Oshkosh Defense is to assure its customers that their preferred new or legacy systems will operate seamlessly on their Oshkosh vehicle.

Some examples of Saab products that could potentially be suitable for integration include MSHORAD systems, CBRN systems and medical solutions.

Johan Stjernfeldt says there are a range of similarities between Saab and Oshkosh beyond being market leaders, and these lay a solid footing for collaboration going forward. “Oshkosh Defense and Saab are committed to serving our customers, carrying out business to the highest standards of ethics and compliance, and providing continued focus on latest technologies to keep our global warfighters safe and returning home.”

Posted in Camo, Industry, Mobility, Press Release | 2 Comments »

New Vehicle Autonomy System, Indigo Drive, to Revolutionise the Defence Industry

Friday, September 23rd, 2022

• Indigo Drive enables personnel to be removed from highly dangerous scenarios

• Existing vehicles to become driverless quickly and cost-effectively

• One system from a single supplier to provide everything needed to autonomise an entire fleet

Bradford on Avon, UK, 20th September 2022. Leading vehicle automation provider, ABD Solutions, has launched Indigo Drive, a software eco-system that enables any defence vehicle to be quickly and cost-effectively automated.

Indigo Drive can significantly improve the safety of personnel by removing the requirement for drivers in dangerous situations, such as IED route clearance and logistics supply. Research shows that 52% of casualties in combat zones can be attributed to logistics and personnel delivering core supplies and that nearly 50% of US soldiers killed in operation between 2010 and 2020 were caused by IEDs.

“Our solution is unique in that it is vehicle-agnostic and retrofittable, this enables any existing land vehicle to be automated,” said Matthew Price, Managing Director of ABD Solutions. “This allows more personnel to be removed from dangerous situations, significantly increasing safety. On top of this, instead of driving, personnel can focus on much more valuable operational activities, allowing soldiers to be soldiers.”

Secure and certified, as a comprehensive system, Indigo Drive contains everything needed to create driverless fleets. From a user-friendly software interface for route-planning to the technology needed to create movement (such as drive-by-wire and driving robots), to communication (Radio, V2X, GPS/GNSS), obstacle detection (LiDAR, camera, radar) and vehicle health and diagnostics (OBD2, telemetry, sensors), what’s included can be tailored around the specific vehicles and environments.

The modular architecture allows for easy integration with systems already in use, such as fleet management software, meaning creating driverless fleets can be faster and smoother than ever before.

As well as increasing safety, automation reduces emissions and fuel consumption, which has a direct impact on the number of supply operations required. It also provides tactical advantages, such as running in the dark without the use of lights.

Price adds, “We work with our customers to provide tailored solutions for their environment by assessing the level and type of automation required enabling fleet transformation without investment in new vehicles, maximising the return on existing high-value assets.”

The hardware used to provide automation requires only minor modifications to the vehicle and is semi-permanent, allowing it to be moved from one vehicle to another should requirements change or if the vehicle needs maintenance. The equipment is non-intrusive to allow a driver to take control while it is fitted, significantly increasing the vehicle’s operational flexibility.

In a defence environment where tasks are often repetitive, the entire fleet can be synchronised to maximise productivity and efficiency. Task planning software ensures that all the vehicles take the most efficient route, reducing fuel consumption and the time to complete the operation. Vehicles that have the ability to detect obstructions can communicate them to the fleet management system to prevent others from encountering the same issue. Once the obstruction has been flagged the vehicle management system can generate an alternative route or a human can remote into the vehicle to immediately assess the situation.

A critical indirect benefit of vehicle autonomy is the digitisation of information from the vehicle. It creates new data streams that are invaluable to fleet operators. The vehicle’s speed, location, fuel level, diagnostic status, distance to target etc can all be relayed via the vehicle management toolset. Data analytics can automatically process this information to assist with operational decisions, fleet maintenance scheduling and logistics planning.

ABD Solutions used Indigo Drive to create the world’s first automated Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV). It was created in collaboration with NP Aerospace, an engineering authority for the UK MOD protected mobility fleet. The vehicle was demonstrated earlier this year at a defence technology innovation day held at the HORIBA-MIRA proving ground in the UK.

With sales and technical support offices across three continents, ABD Solutions is a global operation. It is a member of the AB Dynamics Group and benefits from its knowledge of developing and supplying thousands of driving robots to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, proving grounds and regulatory authorities. The Group has decades of experience in vehicle autonomy and simulation.

“The AB Dynamics Group has been automating vehicles in one way or another for development and test purposes for decades,” continues Price. “Now, through ABD Solutions and the development of Indigo Drive, the defence industry can take advantage of this expertise to automate their existing fleets today.”

ABD Solutions will be showcasing Indigo Drive at DVD2022, one of Europe’s leading defence exhibitions, at UTAC Millbrook, UK, on September 21st – 22nd (Stand C3-413).

www.abdsolutions.com

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles Signs Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center

Thursday, September 15th, 2022

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Develop¬ment Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (DEVCOM GVSC). The CRADA allows American Rheinmetall Vehicles and DEVCOM GVSC to collaborate on a regular basis to develop integrated combat vehicle suspension, track, and running gear technologies.

In addition to the defined research and development tasks, the CRADA provides a conduit for the team to explore integration of the U.S. Army’s Advanced Lightweight Track and improvements in running gear systems and configurations on platforms that are potential candidates for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program and other critical vehicle modernization programs.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles and DEVCOM GVSC will leverage their respective expertise to improve track, suspension, and running gear solutions, which may also be applicable to future weapons systems for broader military services, international military markets, and further spin-off applications. The effort may include, but is not limited to, modeling and simulation, development, and testing of track, running gear, suspension, road wheels, and subsequent developments to improve these systems and sub-systems in harmony for best-in-class ride quality for tracked combat vehicles.

“The CRADA is the start of a budding relationship to research, develop, and integrate the newest technologies into modern combat vehicles,” said Mike Milner, American Rheinmetall Vehicles Director for Business Development and Strategy. “Specifically, efforts on integration of the Advanced Lightweight Track will provide ride quality improvements and room for growth without reductions in performance on tracked combat vehicles.”

About American Rheinmetall Vehicles
Sterling Heights, MI, based American Rheinmetall Vehicles delivers next-generation, advanced tactical wheeled vehicles and innovative tracked and wheeled combat vehicles in support of today’s highest combat vehicle modernization priorities. Rheinmetall’s collaborative global structure allows for the maturation and strengthening of the U.S. Industrial Base now and into the future. American Rheinmetall Vehicles is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. companies including American Rheinmetall Munitions in Stafford, VA, American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA.

www.rheinmetall.com/arv

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NATO Customer Norway Officially Commissions New High-Performance Rheinmetall MAN Logistic Vehicles

Friday, September 2nd, 2022

On 23 August 2022, in the presence of company officials from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, the Norwegian military procurement agency, NDMA, formally transferred over a hundred new HX and TGS-mil military trucks to the Norwegian Army, the end customer. The ceremony took place at Sessvollmoen military base near Oslo. Major General Øyvind Johan Kvalvik, Deputy Director of the NDMA, symbolically handed over the keys to the Norwegian Army’s second in command, Brigadier General Frode Ommundsen.

“We are proud to be able to transfer these state-of-the-art truck systems today to the most important people in the Norwegian armed forces – the troops!”, declared Michael Wittlinger, chairman of the board of management of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) in a speech marking the occasion. “We are certain that these vehicles will satisfy Norway’s soldiers, providing them with the best-possible protection and support.”

The roots of the project go back to 2008, when a committee of Norwegian military officials drew up a list of specifications for new military logistic vehicles. Norway gave Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) the nod in 2013. Then, on

31 March 2014, NDMA and its Swedish opposite number, the FMV procurement agency in Stockholm, entered a framework agreement with RMMV to supply of military logistic vehicles, which runs through to 2025. Linked to this is an additional agreement encompassing long-term service support from RMMV. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles is a joint venture owned by Rheinmetall AG, which holds a 51% stake in the company, and MAN Truck & Bus SE, which holds the remaining 49% share.

The first shipments of trucks earmarked for Norway include 109 vehicles of various types: twenty-four 24 HX 8×8 trucks with hook lift systems; fifty-six TGS 6×6 heavy-duty tractor trailers; and twenty-nine TGS 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles.

Michael Wittlinger went on to note in his speech that “this is RMMV’s most complex project to date. Our contract is not just with Norway but with Sweden, too. Owing to the special challenges of the Scandinavian operating environment, the technical specifications are very complex. Moreover, the order encompasses 38 different truck configurations and trailer variants, making this a very multifaceted programme.” Furthermore, each individual variant is subject to an extremely rigid and ambitious timetable for reaching milestones, with highly detailed lifecycle support documentation required at every stage. All of this goes way beyond the expectations of our other customers.”

The new vehicles are intended first and foremost to improve the transport capacity of the Norwegian military’s logistics corps, while simultaneously expanding the operational capabilities of its armed forces. This new high-tech family of vehicles fully meets the comprehensive requirements of its military users. Some of these trucks feature an integrated armoured vehicle cab for protecting the crew from ballistic threats and shrapnel. Furthermore, they can also be equipped with state-of-the-art communication and command-and-control systems as well as remote-control weapon stations.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | 2 Comments »