... and new trucks are also available for the Bundeswehr.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles has been awarded a framework contract for the delivery of over 2,200 state-of-the-art military trucks to the German Armed Forces. With this significant project, Rheinmetall is taking a leading role in modernizing the Bundeswehr's fleet of many thousands of trucks.

The framework contract, awarded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), is for a period of seven years and covers a total of 2,271 vehicles from the HX2 family with a gross value of around 900 million EUR (760 million EUR net). In a first step, a batch of 558 trucks (including special tools and training services) has been contracted, amounting to a gross order volume of around 240 million EUR (200 million EUR net). The majority of the key components – engines, axles, transmissions, and bodies – are of German origin, and the vehicles will be assembled at the Vienna plant of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV). The delivery of this first batch is scheduled for the period from 2018 to 2021.

The widespread use of RMMV vehicles around the world brings significant advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics for multinational operations. Currently, countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark are among the users. Norway and Sweden have also placed significant orders with RMMV.

With this recent order from the German Armed Forces, Rheinmetall once again demonstrates its leading role as a systems house for army technology, particularly as a provider of a comprehensive portfolio in the field of tracked and wheeled tactical and logistical vehicles.

Modern HX2 trucks as successors to KAT I vehicles

The new vehicles of the HX2 family from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles will replace the old models of the KAT I generation in the German Armed Forces under the project name Unprotected Transport Vehicles (UTF), some of which were procured up to 40 years ago. Due to their advanced age and the associated increasing costs for spare parts and service life, they no longer meet current standards.

Modern armed forces rely on ensuring mobility and reliable supplies at all times during their operations at home and abroad. Robustness, versatility, and functionality even in adverse road conditions and in the toughest terrain are important criteria. To a significantly increased extent, flexibly upgradeable protection solutions that serve the safety of crews are also important.
The latest HX2 vehicle generation from RMMV meets all these criteria. It is based on decades of experience in the development, construction, and maintenance of military vehicles. At the same time, HX2 trucks worldwide have one of the highest levels of operational experience: around 10,000 units are currently in operation worldwide.

Proven mass-produced technology tailored to military needs

The HX family is available in versions ranging from 4×4 (2-axle) to 10×10 (5-axle), for example as cargo or recovery vehicles, tankers, system carriers, foldable road or bridge layers. The engines of the different models are designed for a power output of up to 680 hp.
The vehicle family concept results in largely identical operation, maintenance, repair, as well as spare part compatibility, and thus low life cycle costs. In addition, RMMV offers one-stop service.
The vehicle family consistently follows the MOTS approach (Military-off-the-Shelf): proven and reliable modified mass-produced components specifically designed for military needs are used, resulting in tailored military vehicles with high cost efficiency.

An essential quality feature of the vehicles is the sustainable design of the chassis for carrying protective equipment. With the highest front axle load in its class, the vehicle is capable of accommodating more securely protected and equipped driver cabins for up to three people. The cabins can be equipped with an optional NBC ventilation system, integrated command and information systems, connections for soldier systems, remote-controlled weapon stations, jammers, active defense systems (ADS), or rapid fog protection systems.

From the outset, these trucks are designed not only for maximum robustness, payload, mobility, and off-road capability, but also standardly in accordance with STANAG for deployment in temperature ranges from -32°C to +49°C degrees Celsius. They can also be adapted to any other climatic conditions, with an Arctic Kit available for temperatures down to -46°C for numerous vehicles. Furthermore, C4I systems can be retrofitted without major modifications. The vehicles also stand out with the best achieved EMC compatibility in trucks.

Other special performance features include the standard fording depth of 1.5 meters without preparation and advanced engines with full F34 fuel compatibility according to the NATO Single Fuel Concept.

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