Rheinmetall at AUSA 2024: Washington, D.C. – October 15, 2024 – Rheinmetall, a global leader in defense technology, showcased a range of innovative solutions at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition. From unmanned ground vehicles to advanced artillery systems, Rheinmetall’s offerings address the evolving needs of modern militaries.
One of the highlights of the Rheinmetall exhibit is the S-MET prototype, a modular, unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to support dismounted infantry soldiers. Recently selected for the first phase of the Army’s Small Multi-Purpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment II Vehicle Program, the S-MET leverages Rheinmetall’s decades of UGV experience to deliver a platform that meets the US Army‘s stringent requirements for range, speed, maneuverability, and payload capacity.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles’ S-MET Prototype
ARV’s S-MET.
Equipped with advanced technologies like Moog’s Flexible Mission Platform (FMP) and Parry Labs’ Edge Compute (EC) Micro, the S-MET offers a truly modular and open architecture that enables a variety of mission configurations, including resupply, CASEVAC, c-UAS, and electronic warfare. The platform is also capable of fully autonomous operations.
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Rheinmetall HX Heavy Recovery Vehicle
Another standout product was the HX Heavy Recovery Vehicle. Part of Rheinmetall’s HX family of tactical trucks, this vehicle offers exceptional mobility, off-road performance, and a purpose-built cab that can be configured for both protected and unprotected operations. The HX Heavy Recovery Vehicle is designed to meet the evolving needs of the Army’s infantry formations, especially those equipped with the M10 Booker medium weight tank.
Rheinmetall RMMV HX 10×10 Truck.
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Rheinmetall RCH 155 Mobile Artillery System
Rheinmetall also showcased the RCH 155 mobile artillery system, a joint venture with KNDS and ARTEC. This system integrates a fully automated artillery gun module with a highly mobile BOXER armored wheeled vehicle. Capable of firing 9 rounds a minute from a 30-round magazine, the RCH 155 offers a range of over 58 kilometers and is capable of shooting on the move with a two-person crew. The system has already been adopted by several NATO allies, including the UK and Germany, and is being fielded by the Ukrainian Army.
Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 Combat Vehicle
The Lynx XM30 combat vehicle, a product of American Rheinmetall Vehicles, was also on display. This advanced vehicle features a lethal, unmanned 50mm turret, a highly maneuverable chassis, advanced protection systems, and an open systems architecture. The Lynx XM30 is currently in Phase 3 and 4 of the Army’s program and is preparing to deliver prototypes for testing.
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Rheinmetall’s Electronic Mission Systems
Rheinmetall’s electronic vehicle systems were showcased on a mobile Systems Integration Lab (SIL) demo vehicle. These systems include an interactive commander’s and gunner’s display, a close proximity EO/SA system, a command and control station, and a long-range multi-sensor far target acquisition and location system. Additionally, Rheinmetall and partner company blackned demonstrated the TacticalCore solution, which enhances domain awareness by delivering resilient communications across a network of unmanned and autonomous platforms.
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Rheinmetall’s RCH 155 Mobile Artillery System.
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Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30mm c-UAS Turret and Airburst Munition
For air defense, Rheinmetall displayed the Skyranger 30mm c-UAS Turret and Airburst Munition. This highly mobile system is designed to engage modern battlefield threats, particularly small unmanned aerial targets. The Skyranger offers a superior firepower solution for Soldier protection and is in line with the Army’s Air and Missile Defense modernization priority.
Medium and Large Caliber Munitions
Rheinmetall also showcased its airburst ammunition capabilities and advanced artillery technologies, including Extended Range Top Charge propellant, Velocity-enhanced Long-Range Artillery Projectile (V-LAP) 155mm ammunition, and the 40mm Squad Support Weapon.
In conclusion, Rheinmetall’s presence at AUSA 2024 demonstrated the company’s commitment to providing innovative and effective defense solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern militaries. With a focus on advanced technologies, modularity, and performance, Rheinmetall is well-positioned to continue to be a leader in the defense industry.
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