Rheinmetall: Modernization offensive in Great Britain

Rheinmetall is modernizing a part of the British Armed Forces' logistics vehicle fleet with a new loading system. In total, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) will deliver and integrate over 380 conversion kits for the "Enhanced Pallet Loading System (EPLS)" into the proven HX trucks. The order, valued at 43 million euros, was awarded to RMMV in the first half of 2018. Delivery and conversion are expected to be completed by the end of January 2021.

RMMV as the backbone of the British logistics corps

In the years 2005 to 2013, the British Army procured more than 7500 HX logistics vehicles. This "military off the shelf" vehicle family forms the backbone of the logistics corps and has proven to be very successful. However, the need for container transport solutions has increased. Based on operational experience, RMMV, in collaboration with the customer, developed a plan to retrofit existing flatbed vehicles with a hooklift system.

The modernization is carried out in proven teamwork. The British Ministry of Defence has commissioned MAN Truck & Bus UK for the conversion itself, as well as project management and vehicle conversion in the UK. RMMV is primarily responsible for the "Conversion Kit" and delivers it from the RMMV factory in Vienna. The hookloading system to be integrated is supplied by the company HIAB, with which Rheinmetall also cooperates on numerous other comparable international projects (e.g. Australia, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand).

Rheinmetall as an exemplary service partner

The project now underway impressively demonstrates the close partnership of RMMV with its customers and continues to serve as an example of post-design service throughout the entire product lifecycle. It also underscores the long-term supportability of the HX vehicle family, which already sets standards worldwide in terms of robustness, mobility, performance, as well as flexibility and modularity.

The UK-based subsidiaries Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles UK and Rheinmetall Defence UK are established suppliers to the British Ministry of Defence. They support the British Armed Forces in a range of projects, including vehicle systems, ammunition, and technical support. In addition to providing support for the operational tactical logistics vehicle fleet, the team is currently working on a proposal to enhance the operational value of the Challenger 2 main battle tank. Furthermore, as part of the Artec GmbH, they are working to adapt the armored 8x8 vehicle Boxer to the requirements of the Mechanized Infantry Vehicle procurement project.

Rheinmetall on the Internet: www.rheinmetall.com