Rheinmetall has introduced the Mission Master XT. This is the latest platform of the successful family of autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle, A-UGV) that Rheinmetall offers under the name Mission Master. In contrast to the already available Mission Master SP platform, the Mission Master XT has a diesel engine. The A-UGV was developed by Rheinmetall Canada. With the development of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT, Rheinmetall responded to new customer demands for highly mobile A-UGVs that can carry high payloads even in extreme terrain.

A reliable companion in dangerous operational conditions

The Mission Master XT demonstrates its strength in demanding terrain. It handles ice, snow, and sub-zero temperatures as effortlessly as sandy, rocky, or mountainous terrain. Thanks to its outstanding amphibious capabilities, it can float and swim even with a full payload. The powerful A-UGV can carry a payload of 1000 kg in all scenarios with a weight of 2217 kg. This allows the troops to transport special equipment to hard-to-reach places. The Mission Master XT has a range of 750 km thanks to its diesel engine. Lithium-ion batteries enable up to six hours of silent surveillance operation.

Another feature of the Mission Master XT is its continuous tire pressure control system. It adjusts tire pressure according to requirements and terrain. The A-UGV is characterized by high endurance and survivability. Even two-centimeter holes in the tires do not stop the vehicle.

Autonomous, intelligent, and easy to operate

Like the other platforms of the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the Mission Master XT is optimized for carrying out "3-D missions" (dull, dirty, dangerous). This capability reduces the risk to soldiers. It is powered by Rheinmetall PATH. This proven Autonomy Kit (A-Kit) enables a range of autonomous driving and navigation capabilities.

The Mission Master family is fully compatible with NATO standard Battle Management Systems (BMS) and can be controlled through a variety of remote control methods. "The Smart Tablet developed by Rheinmetall for this purpose is a very multifunctional solution. It allows the operator to control each Mission Master platform and payload through a single interface - a unique feature in the market," says Alain Tremblay, Vice-President of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. "Users can, for example, use the cameras for surveillance or align a weapon station and then quickly program the platform to navigate autonomously to the desired location - all from the same device," Tremblay adds.

The Mission Master XT can also be used as a manned vehicle when needed, as the robust, proven mechanical platform features a control handle and an emergency seat.

Multi-mission capabilities

Due to its modularity, the Mission Master XT can undertake multiple missions in any situation. The operational spectrum of the A-UGV includes supply and logistics, surveillance, fire support, rescue, medical evacuation, CBRN detection, communication relays, and many other customer-specific requirements. Rheinmetall is committed to enabling secure operations of the vehicle at all times. The use of weapons and effectors is not autonomous but remote-controlled according to the "Human in the loop" principle.

A powerful component for Joint All Domain Operations

The capabilities of the adversary are evolving rapidly. Therefore, success in operations depends more than ever on making large amounts of data quickly usable for decision-making. Anticipated military operations mostly involve multinational Joint All Domain Operations (JADO), across all dimensions of the modern battlefield - land, air, sea, cyber and information space, as well as outer space.

Like the other members of the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the new Mission Master XT also features a modern NATO standard BMS integrated into each platform. This allows each system to process large amounts of tactical data. The Mission Master XT becomes an integrated member of the tactical level combat team. It is able to share and exchange information obtained from its vehicle and module sensors to enhance the common operational picture. The BMS also uses information fed into the network by other participants to expand its own situational awareness regarding the terrain, as well as the position of friendly and enemy forces. The built-in BMS allows many Mission Master platforms to operate as UGV team members when carrying out military standard missions to directly support ground troops.

Furthermore, the Mission Master XT will also benefit from further systematic integration of new AI applications. This provides growth potential to continue supporting complex JADO operations in the future.

Renaming of existing Mission Masters

In order to conceptually embed newcomers in the Mission Master family, the existing Mission Master platform is being renamed to Rheinmetall Mission Master SP. This stands for "Silent Partner." The role as a silent partner is the program: The Mission Master SP remains an indispensable tool for dismounted fighting troops in a variety of missions, even in high-risk situations. More Mission Master for the British (with Video) on SPARTANAT.

More MISSION MASTER on SPARTANAT

– Robotik im Feld: MISSION MASTER für die Niederlande

– RHEINMETALL: MISSION MASTER – Cargo für die Briten

– RHEINMETALL MISSION MASTER überzeugt im scharfen Schuss

Here is a video of a demonstration as a weapon platform in live fire: www.youtube.com

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE on the internet: www.rheinmetall-defence.com