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2021-09-01

HX3 Future-proof Truck Addresses Military

Rheinmetall, the integrated technology group for mobility and security, has unveiled HX3, the latest generation of its globally tried-and-tested HX family of heavy-duty trucks that are completely redesigned using new technologies and military-off-the-shelf (MOTS) products.

The future-proof military truck, rolled out during the second quarter of 2021, addresses contemporary military and automotive megatrends by drawing on innovative tools.

While retaining the valued core strengths of the HX2 and the family concept, the latest vehicles offer better protection, improved mobility, enhanced driving comfort as well as digital interface architecture for greater operational flexibility and future performance upgrades.

Like its predecessors, the vehicles of the new HX3 generation are designed for military use under the most gruelling operating conditions – a unique selling point in the sector.

As well as the robust chassis and powerful engine, an active rear axle suspension is available as an option, which considerably improves the vehicle’s performance both on and off the road.

The new features of the truck are truly impressive. The HX3 offers soldiers and the civilian environment increased safety in everyday vehicle use and guarantees more protection in theatre, for example with a completely redesigned cabin.

Variety of Variants

With its greater variety of variants and systems, the HX3 is a truck that can handle a wide range of tactical roles and tasks in future scenarios. Besides its classic role as a logistic vehicle, which is enhanced by the availability of innovative systems such as the new Automated Load Handling System (ALHS) or the Universal Torsion-Resistant Subframe (UTRS), the HX3 is also, more than ever before, suitable as a system carrier.

The new HX3 embodies a platform concept designed for logistic operations and tactical scenarios alike. Thus, the vehicles will be available in 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 and 10x10 versions – and characterised by even greater variant and system diversity.

HX3 is better able than ever to serve as a systems carrier for complex weapon and radar systems. These include truck-based artillery systems, which are likely to gain importance in coming years.

The makers have accorded highest priority to safety: both that of the crew and of people in the immediate vicinity of the truck. The HX3’s technical systems provide decisive improvements, especially when used on public roads or in complex or stressful manoeuvring and loading operations.

The new protected HX3 cabin, with its large windscreen and side windows, offers the best possible field of vision. The optional BirdView camera system incorporates the technological advantages of the commercial world for the military and supports the driver, especially in confined urban environments.

Protective Shield

Both interior and exterior have been updated. The HX3 comes with life-saving solutions when it comes to the protection of soldiers. Based on a common basic armour cabin, modular armouring concepts allow the protection level to be flexibly adapted to individual requirements.

As an option, the trucks can be equipped with an armoured cab, whose protection level can be modularly augmented.

In addition to conventional camouflage, the new trucks feature a digital stealth mode: if necessary, all data transmission and receiver functions can even be switched off to reduce the vehicle’s digital signature.

Thanks to an innovative design and a reinforced cabin structure, the Integrated Armour Cabin (IAC) offers even more protection against mine, blast and improvised explosive device (IED) threats whilst providing the best possible field of vision.

The reinforced roof offers space for weapon stations with heavy weaponry. Additional active and passive protection systems are also available, including Rheinmetall’s ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) and ADS (Active Defence System).

Soldier-centric Design

The new protected cabin comes with a completely modernised interior offering an integrated dashboard with air conditioning and more stowage space.

Spacious storage compartments and extra fixation bars, especially above the crew’s heads and in front of the seats, offer more possibilities to stow away both C4I and personal equipment. Another particularly useful feature: The devices are easier to reach – exactly where the soldier needs them.

Soldiers feel right at home in their HX3 thanks to significantly improved ergonomics. The new driver assistance systems support the crew through adaptive technologies and sensors while driving. So much so that these automated systems warn the driver of potential collisions, assist with braking, and eventually provide greater safety.

In addition to the classic blackout mode, the HX3 has a new digital blackout mode too. If necessary, this disables all transmission and reception functions to reduce the vehicle’s digital signature.

Enhanced Mobility

Thanks to advanced technologies, almost nothing can stop the HX3. Neither the most brutal terrain nor hindrances off-piste. Like its predecessors, the HX3 is designed as a pure military truck. It is able to cope with all emerging requirements – anytime, anywhere.

An optional active suspension system on the rear axles significantly improves the truck’s on-road and off-road mobility. Various driving modes, the driving level control option and active damping help to consistently cushion the shocks and vibrations of demanding off-road use.

The ALHS revolutionises logistics on the battlefield by allowing a single soldier to operate the system from within the cabin. In addition to faster loading and unloading, both containers and flat racks can be loaded without the need for manual support – even from less than ideal angles and on uneven surfaces.

For tactical scenarios and automation of military operations, all HX3 vehicle functions can be prepared for optionally-manned operations.

The UTRS decouples the torsion forces between the flexible HX chassis and sensitive truck bodies such as radar shelters, weapon systems or containers in an impressive manner. The result: superior payload capacity with minimised height and system weight.

ADAS Advantage

At some point, when soldiers’ senses are weakened after a tough mission, the HX3’s new, numerous Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) become all the more important.

Not only do they ensure safety in a moment of inattentiveness, but they also help reduce driver fatigue and stress over the entire duration of the mission – thus increasing road safety. It essentially means that when the soldier is tired, the HX3 stays awake.

Even the way to autonomous driving is perfectly paved in the HX3. Owing to its completely redesigned cab, the HX3 delivers even greater ease of operation and crew protection. Various assistance systems assure enhanced safety in everyday operations, whether for soldiers deployed in the field or in civilian settings.

Coupled with assistance systems such as the Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), a totally new electronic and electric architecture guarantees the vehicle’s future viability – particularly with regard to autonomous driving.

Fleet commonality is also a practical reality. Thanks to the consistent implementation of standardised parts and functions for the HX3, one mechanic can work on the entire fleet – from a 4x4 to a 10x10. The same applies to the training of soldiers on the vehicle because the functions are the same throughout, both in the protected and unprotected variants. Uniform standards and standardised parts make the maintenance of each individual truck and the entire fleet efficient.

Additional Benefits

The assembled UTRS maximises the overall payload capacity of the cargo by freeing up the installation space previously required for the subframe. This patented development is advantageous for tanker, tray, container frames and system carrier applications – proving advanced interoperability.

Rethinking the way containers and flat racks were deployed in the past, Supashock is revolutionising the load handling process. By picking up containers and flat racks without leaving the cabin, the ALHS increases soldier safety and minimises physical efforts by not being forced to manually apply X-frames. Just one operator can manage the entire loading process. Cargo can be picked up and deployed in difficult terrains e.g. muddy or rough environments.

Strict adherence to a policy of component and functional unity facilitates maintenance, logistics and training, while a global service network guarantees fast resupply and support throughout a long service life.

With over 15,000 vehicles in operation worldwide, a high degree of compatibility with previous HX generations reinforces this.

Among others, the circle of international HX user nations now includes Germany, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Austria. Norway and Sweden have also placed substantial truck orders with Rheinmetall.

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