Modernized Boxer command vehicles for the Bundeswehr

Rheinmetall is modernizing 38 protected transport vehicles Boxer of the Leadership Vehicle version for the German Armed Forces. On June 28, 2017, the European arms agency OCCAR commissioned the Boxer consortium ARTEC to upgrade to construction status A2. The further commissioning of ARTEC to the consortium partner Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles is expected in the coming weeks. The order has a gross volume of around 21 million euros (18 million euros net) for Rheinmetall and will be completed by mid-2020.

The upgrade of the Boxer Leadership Vehicles to the new construction status A2 includes extensive modernizations of both the driving and mission modules. This includes installing more modern driver sight systems, weapon systems, IT equipment modules, and communication systems. This results in improvements in terms of maneuverability, protection, effectiveness, networking, and logistics of the proven and well-protected 8x8 wheeled vehicle family.

All services include both one-time and series services. One-time services generally refer to development activities as well as system safety, environmental impact analysis, adaptation of Logistic Support Analysis (LSA), and Interactive Electronic Technical Documentation (IETD).
In addition to the 38 leadership vehicles, the German Armed Forces will bring 124 group transport vehicles, 72 heavy protected medical vehicles, and twelve driving school vehicles to construction status Boxer A2.

The upgrade of the driving module to construction status A2 includes the installation kit "Fit-for" driver sight system, modification of exhaust and cooling air ducts, relocation of the tow rope and driver's seat, and covering of the rear light. Also, a labeling compliant with Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) will be introduced. Furthermore, demands from Safety Workshops will be implemented, including ABS function verification or differential lock monitoring.

For the Leadership Vehicle Mission Module, modifications to construction status A2 include a fire suppression system (FSS), AIT labeling, a remotely controlled weapon station FLW200 with multi-place operation, daughter displays for commander and group leader, provision of the video signal from the driver sight system at the commander's position, and adaptation of external storage, antenna configuration, and load. Additional components will be integrated into the IT equipment, including DVI, LAN, Y-adapter cables, and a DC/DC converter. Internet telephony (Voice over IP/VoIP) will also be integrated.

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