New noses for British bloodhounds

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land modernizes ABC detection vehicle Fuchs for the British armed forces
The Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group has been commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence through the joint venture company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) to modernize the fleet of Fuchs detection vehicles and an associated training simulator. The order value is over 16 million British pounds (approximately 17.5 million euros).

The ABC detection vehicle Fuchs is a highly protected wheeled vehicle (6x6) with integrated detection equipment to identify threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. Rheinmetall has extensive experience and expertise in this technological field. Through constant advancements and performance improvements, international users always have access to the latest detection technology for their ABC detection vehicles. The award of the modernization contract demonstrates that the British Ministry of Defence also relies on Rheinmetall's expertise for the future operation of its fleet of detection vehicles.

Detection vehicle Fuchs with the Royal Engineers during the Shamal Storm 2016 exercise in Jordan. Rheinmetall is bringing the British Fuchs to the cutting edge of technology.

As part of this contract, RBSL will remove obsolescences and also upgrade the sensor equipment of the British ABC detection vehicles to the latest state of the art technology mentioned above. Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH with its competence center for CBRN system technology in Kassel is providing comprehensive technological support in this regard.

A new comprehensive service concept will be implemented as part of the program by an international team of RBSL engineers and service technicians from Rheinmetall Landsysteme. This concept includes technical support, spare parts supply, repair measures, maintenance, training, as well as development services. The British Army can thus rely on the extensive expertise of Rheinmetall in the field of ABC detection vehicles.

The implementation will be coordinated at the RBSL plant in Telford and supported by British suppliers. The program is in line with the agenda of the British government to create participation opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to promote the regional economy and maintain highly skilled jobs.

RBSL has a highly skilled workforce of over 450 employees at multiple British locations, including 250 engineers with core competencies in weapon systems, protection, and effects. The RBSL team contributes its expertise in vehicle technology and integration to modernize and keep the Fuchs fleet operational.

The necessary expertise in the field of ABC reconnaissance is provided by the experienced experts from Rheinmetall Landsysteme. More information about ABC reconnaissance technology from Rheinmetall.

The modernizations now commissioned will significantly increase the technical compatibility and interoperability with the ABC detection vehicles of NATO partners. Regardless, the British Army itself will receive a significantly improved CBRN detection capability.

1 Double wheel tracking device - two silicone-coated wheels for seamless, automatic detection of stationary combat and hazardous substances on the ground while driving

2 Standoff infrared detector - it detects volatile chemical hazardous substances in the air at a long distance

3 "ABC rear" with, among other things, a tube magazine for sample transport, marker lock, glove handle, and pliers for manual sample collection

4 Mass spectrometer (behind the operator's seat) for the chemical analysis of the collected samples

5 Operator seat with the Rheinmetall software "NBC-Inspector" - the centerpiece of the ABC equipment in the Fuchs detector

6 Central computer system

7 Remote-controlled weapon station FLW 200 - operable under protection, it serves for self-defense

ABC detection vehicle Fuchs

In 1990, the British Army received eleven Fuchs detection vehicles from German Bundeswehr stocks, in order to support land operations during the Gulf War.

The Fuchs is also in use with other armed forces worldwide and has proven to be a highly effective system in numerous deployments.

As part of the "Sustainment Fuchs UK" program, RBSL will make significant improvements to the detection capability of the British Fuchs detector vehicles, eliminate obsolescences, and provide further support services. More information on the Fuchs detection vehicle in international use.

RHEINMETALL on the Internet: rheinmetall-defence.com