Tactical Tailor

Posts Tagged ‘Rheinmetall’

Rheinmetall Mission Master dominates European ground robotic systems competition at ELROB 2018

Thursday, October 25th, 2018

At the end of September, and for the first time, Rheinmetall took part in ELROB with its unmanned multi-mission “Mission Master” vehicle. At Europe’s largest exhibition for military ground robotics, Rheinmetall’s Mission Master team entered the fray, taking on a number of competing teams. Made by Rheinmetall Canada, the cargo version of this versatile vehicle turned in a particularly compelling performance in the “Mule” category.

In all, six teams took part in this competition category. Mules are essentially automated pack animals – autonomous transport vehicles capable of carrying heavy loads and equipment. They had to handle two scenarios. The teams each had thirty minutes to cover a 1,400 m-long route with their mule. During the first run, Rheinmetall impressed the crowd with an impressive performance. Then, following the second, came the gratifying result; despite competing for the first time, the Rheinmetall Mission Master clearly dominated the contest, scoring 3,151 points, twice as many as the robotic vehicle that took second place (1,547 points), and way ahead of the one that came in third (167 points).

The Mission Master: modular, adaptable, flexible – a combat effectiveness multiplier for soldier systems

The cargo version of the Mission Master was exhibited to a large group of defence specialists for the first time at Eurosatory 2018. Rheinmetall developed this variant to reduce the combat load carried by troops in the field, contributing to faster movement and greater operational efficiency. Rheinmetall’s new robotic vehicle can operate in hazardous, difficult-to-reach terrain, in turn contributing to the survivability and protection of troops deployed in harm’s way.

Moreover, the Mission Master can be networked with advanced soldier systems such as Future Soldier – Expanded System, Gladius 2.0 or Argus. In Rheinmetall’s “System Infanterie”, the Mission Master serves as a force multiplier for infantry sections or squads equipped with Rheinmetall’s Future Soldier – Expanded System technology. Fully networked with dismounted combat troops, it not only takes a weight not only off the soldiers’ shoulders, it also relieves the pressure on military leaders.

Characterized by extreme flexibility, the Rheinmetall Mission Master can be quickly configured for a multitude of different missions thanks to modular, easy-to-install build-ons. Its mission capabilities include logistics, surveillance, force protection, evacuation of wounded personnel, firefighting and CBRN reconnaissance. It can also serve as a radio relay station. Speed, scalable autonomy and proven mobility in all types of terrain make the Mission Master a strong and dependable comrade for small combat units.

www.rheinmetall.com

Australian Army – LAND 400 Phase 2 Announcement: Rheinmetall has been selected to deliver Australia’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, the Boxer CRV

Thursday, March 15th, 2018


Following a rigorous testing process, Rheinmetall’s Boxer CRV was assessed as the most capable vehicle for the Australian Army. The vehicle will enhance the safety, security and protection of our troops, and will replace the ageing Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV).

The vehicles will be equipped with high levels of protection; firepower and mobility provided by the vehicles will be used for operations, varying from peacekeeping to close combat. They will able be used at facilities in Puckapunyal, Bandiana, Adelaide, Townsville and Enoggera.

The Boxer will be manufactured in South East Queensland and use over 24 manufacturers located across Australia.

Photo: LTCOL McKendry

A Powerful Partner of the World’s Armed Forces and Security Services: Rheinmetall at DSEI 2017

Sunday, September 10th, 2017


In Europe and around the world, armed forces and law enforcement agencies are modernizing their equipment in the face of new security threats. Seeking a robust and reliable partner, many turn to Rheinmetall. One of the world’s leading systems makers, the high-tech specialist for mobility and security will be on hand at the DSEI defence show in London from 12 to 15 September.

Rheinmetall’s longstanding main battle tank expertise forms a prime focus this year. This expertise extends from combat performance upgrades and modernization programmes to full-scale production as an original equipment manufacturer. Moreover, Rheinmetall is a global leader in the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art tank main armament and ammunition as well as simulation and training technology. Among other things, at DSEI Rheinmetall is displaying its future main battle tank advanced technology demonstrator (MBT ATD) as well as the DM11, the Group’s state-of-the-art programmable multipurpose tank round, which is already in service with a number of NATO nations.

Moreover, the Boxer* is now returning to the United Kingdom, where it will be on display at the Rheinmetall stand (S7-110). The UK was an early partner in the industrial consortium that originally developed the Boxer Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV). In the meantime, three NATO nations have opted for this versatile, well-protected, combat-proven family of vehicles. The Boxer has also demonstrated its outstanding operational effectiveness in comprehensive performance trials conducted by the Australian Defense Force. The Boxer is considered to be a promising contender in the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) procurement programme.

Network-enabled operations form another prime focus. As a systems supplier, Rheinmetall specializes in incorporating soldiers, sensors, effectors, drones and tactical vehicles into highly effective “systems of systems”.

In a joint venture with Rohde & Schwarz, Rheinmetall is competing as general contractor for two major Bundeswehr projects: MoTaKo (German military shorthand for “Mobile Taktische Kommunikation” or mobile tactical communication), and MoTIV, which stands for “Mobiler Taktischer Informationsverbund”, or mobile tactical information network. The two projects will culminate in the German Army’s future digital combat command system – “German Army 4.0”, as it were.

At Rheinmetall’s Stand S7-110, a MoTaKo/MoTIV command post brings additional troops, vehicles and components into the command-and-control loop via a mobile communication node, creating a common operational picture in a tactical scenario. Among others things, the items on display include:

TacNet command system: The TacNet command system forms the nerve centre of networked systems. Flexible inclusion of additional troops, sensors, effectors or platforms is possible at all times.

Soldier systems: Rheinmetall possesses comprehensive expertise in the world of soldier systems. Prominent examples are “Infanterist der Zukunft – Erweitertes System” (IdZ-ES; infantryman of the future – extended system) which is operational in the German Army as well as Argus which is under procurement by the Canadian Armed forces. The new soldier system Gladius 2.0 is debuting at this year’s DSEI.

RS556 assault rifle: The 5.56mm x 45 cal. modular multipurpose RS556* rifle is designed for maximum reliability and ease of use. It can also be equipped with an optional 40mm build-on RS40* grenade launcher.

PanoView: “PanoView” is another example of Rheinmetall’s approach to network- enabled warfare. This innovative system features sensors mounted on the outside of an armoured vehicle which transmit real-time images to goggles worn by the vehicle commander. In effect, the commander can see right through the armour, drastically improving situational awareness. Moreover, the system imports tactical situation data, e.g. marking the location of friendly and enemy elements on the ground. In addition, Panoview can be used to process virtual situation maps.

Multi Mission Unmanned Ground Vehicle (MM UGV): Deployed in conjunction with infantry components, unmanned systems enable rapid reconnaissance and engagement. Rheinmetall’s Multi Mission Unmanned Ground Vehicle features a modular design. This enables integration of different mission kits for a wide variety of different operational tasks: it can be configured as transport vehicle, a sensor platform for surveillance and monitoring, for example, or as a weapon carrier. Remote control and autonomous operation are both possible.

Vehicle Systems: Rheinmetall also adds the infantry group’s main weapons systems to the network, e.g. the Puma* infantry fighting vehicle and the Boxer* 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle, configured for a combat role with the two-man LANCE turret.

Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division is the Group’s centre of excellence for products ranging from trucks to tactical wheeled vehicles and main battle tanks. Europe’s foremost supplier of army systems maintains an extensive portfolio for tactical land mobility, exemplified by top-performing trucks like the TG and HX families, the Boxer* and Fuchs/Fox wheeled tactical vehicles, the Kodiak armoured engineering vehicle and the new medium- weight Lynx family of tracked combat vehicles. In addition to this, the Group’s expertise in turret technology further enhances the portfolio. Examples here include the LANCE turret and the turret structure for the UK’s Ajax reconnaissance vehicle. Besides the Boxer 8×8 wheeled combat vehicle Rheinmetall is showcasing an HX77 truck equipped with a protected cabin at DSEI.

Underscoring Rheinmetall’s “Leadership in Cannon Design”, the new Sea Snake-27 is a 27mm automatic cannon for maritime applications. Comprehensive force protection solutions for personnel and platforms, infantry fire control devices, laser light modules, ammunition concepts, advanced air defence concepts and simulation technology round out the array of Rheinmetall products on display at this year’s DSEI. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand S7-110.

Rheinmetall To Equip 68 Bundeswehr Rifle Platoons With Gladius Future Soldier Systems

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

The German Bundeswehr has placed an order with Rheinmetall valued at €370 million for enough Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES) soldier systems to equip 68 rifle platoons. Called Gladius, the new systems will be delivered beginning in 2018.

IdZ-ES connects dismounted infantrymen into the network, sharing information with another, armored vehicles and higher headquarters. According to Rheinmetall, IdZ-ES has been in service with German troops in Afghanistan since summer 2013.

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However, initial systems were procured in 2012. In total, the Bundeswehr has procured three lots, consisting of 90 systems, each of which is designed to equip a ten-man section or squad. The 68 platoon systems are enough to equip over 2,460 soldiers.

In a press release, Rheinmetall describes Gladius:

Meriting special mention is the core and helmet system. The battery-powered core computer – worn on the soldier’s back and thus known as the “electronic backbone” – controls all the devices and sensors carried by the soldier via various interfaces. Its principal functions include power supply management, access control and monitoring, the soldier information system for map and situation display, navigation, reporting, exchange of reconnaissance and target data, processing sensor data (e.g. own position, line of sight), operator interfaces and visualization as well as system configuration.

The soldier can control the Soldier Command System and communication via a manually operated control and display unit known by its German initials as the BAG. All relevant data concerning the current situation, the position of friendly forces (blue force tracking), the mission and system status are displayed either on the BAG or, alternatively, on the OLED helmet display. The modular battle dress uniform can be readily adapted to meet the current environmental and temperature conditions. Other important features include the ballistic body armour (Protection Class 1) with integrated ventilation shirt as well as a modular harness for?carrying ammunition, ordnance, the electronic backbone and additional equipment. The IdZ-ES protective vest comes complete with chest rig and hip belt; with added ballistic inserts, it offers protection up to German Level 4. The section or squad leader and his assistant are both issued with an additional leader module consisting of a portable command computer operated via touchscreen. A rifle-mounted push-to-talk button enables wireless communication even when the operator leader has raised his weapon. Furthermore, small arms can also be fitted with optical and optronic devices of the latest generation.

Rheinmetall also notes that Canada uses a Gladius variant in their developmental Integrated Soldier System Project.