Robotics in the field: Mission Master for the Netherlands

The versatile Rheinmetall Robotic Vehicle Mission Master will participate in a Concept Development & Experimentation program of the Dutch Armed Forces. The Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) unit of the Dutch 13th Light Brigade is conducting this multi-year concept development and experimentation phase to pave the way for a ready-for-action unit. Various innovative concepts are being tested to shape the combat forces of the future. These are intended to enable the Dutch Army to carry out its tasks more effectively. The operational concepts also include the use of autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs). The Rheinmetall Mission Master, an autonomously driving light 8x8 vehicle, was handed over in November 2020. More information about the Rheinmetall Robotic Vehicle Mission Master.

Rheinmetall is a globally recognized manufacturer of modern unmanned vehicles with a strong focus on autonomous and modular systems. Following successful trials in the Netherlands and Scotland, the Rheinmetall Mission Master is now participating in the two-year CD&E program to further develop concepts where adaptability and autonomy are key criteria. In developing these concepts, Rheinmetall and the RAS unit are collaborating with additional Dutch companies, research centers, and universities.
Robotics is already transforming the battlefield of the future. With the Mission Master, Rheinmetall offers a modular unmanned vehicle with autonomous capabilities (A-UGV) that can enhance the combat effectiveness of the troops in various tasks. With the Mission Master, soldiers can apply artificial intelligence and "robotic muscles" for the disliked 3D tasks (dull, dirty, dangerous) and – more importantly – execute their missions in operations safely.

The Mission Master is ready for deployment and can serve as an autonomous or partially autonomous element of the combat group. The Mission Master platform is characterized by extreme flexibility and can be adapted to a variety of applications through modular, quickly attachable structures. In addition to supplies, other applications include casualty evacuation, CBRN reconnaissance, surveillance, and fire support (target engagement is done in remote-controlled mode by a human operator, not autonomously). It can also be used as a communication relay.

The Mission Master is a robust platform with a long mission duration and quiet driving. Speed, scalable autonomy, and proven high mobility in all terrains make the Mission Master a strong and reliable comrade for the small combat team.

The handover to the Dutch Armed Forces marks the second success with a NATO customer. In April 2020, the British Armed Forces had ordered four Rheinmetall Mission Master robotic vehicles. The four Unmanned Ground Vehicles in the Cargo version are part of the British Robotic Platoon Vehicle Program. With this initiative, the British Armed Forces aim to test how unmanned vehicles can enhance combat power and capabilities of fighting forces at the platoon level. The four Mission Master – Cargo vehicles were delivered in spring 2020. The scope of the contract also included two casualty evacuation systems that can be integrated on the Cargo vehicle within 60 seconds. The order also includes training and service provisions, as well as spare parts. The vehicles are delivered by Rheinmetall Canada, with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) providing on-site support as a collaborative partner. In the Netherlands, Rheinmetall Defence Nederland in Ede serves as a cooperation partner of Rheinmetall Canada. The Mission Master can do even more. Here is a video of a demonstration as a weapon platform in live-fire: www.youtube.com

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE online: www.rheinmetall-defence.com