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2020-05-03

Britain Procures Rheinmetall’s Robotic Vehicles

The British Armed Forces, also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces, have ordered four Rheinmetall Mission Master robotic vehicles. These unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) will form part of the United Kingdom's Robotic Platoon Vehicle programme and have been configured for transporting cargo. This programme is designed to determine the extent to which unmanned vehicles can boost the combat effectiveness and capabilities of dismounted troops at platoon level.

The four Mission Master – Cargo vehicles will reportedly be delivered throughout the spring of 2020. In addition, the scope of supply comprises two stretcher systems that can be integrated into the cargo vehicle in just 60 seconds. The order, which was placed at the end of 2019, also includes training and service support, as well as spare parts. The vehicles will be supplied by Rheinmetall Canada, with Rheinmetall BAE Land Systems providing on-location support services in its capacity as cooperation partner.

Robotics has been changing the modern battlefield. A modular UGV, Rheinmetall's new Mission Master enhances the combat performance of soldiers deployed on the ground in several ways. The Mission Master's artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic brawn mean that it can execute a multitude of dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks that troops would otherwise have to perform themselves, letting them get on with the most important thing of all: their core mission.

Moreover, the Mission Master – Cargo system reduces the combat load soldiers have to carry, boosting their mobility and efficiency. Its flexible stowage concept and robust design let the UGV shoulder a payload of up to half a tonne of supplies, tactical kit, or medical equipment.

Maximising Efficiency

With the Mission Master, Rheinmetall has developed a unique concept of UGV. Ready for action, the Mission Master can operate in autonomous or semi-autonomous mode as a fully-fledged member of the combat team.

The Mission Master platform is designed for flexibility and can be readily adapted for a wide variety of different missions thanks to modular build-on specially engineered for quick installation. Potential applications include surveillance, protection, evacuation of casualties, firefighting, and CBRN reconnaissance and detection. It can also serve as a mobile radio relay station.

Speed, scalable autonomy, and proven mobility in all types of terrain combine to make the amphibious Mission Master a reliable comrade of dismounted forces operating in small groups.

Each version of the Mission Master is already networked to both the Argus soldier system and the Rheinmetall Command and Control Software, which can be installed in any user’s battle management system.

Capable of performing in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, the Mission Master provides safety and security to the mounted and dismounted forces, increases their operational effectiveness, and keeps them out of harm’s way.

Robust Platform

The Mission Master allows to easily install a variety of modular payloads onto the vehicle to accomplish all kinds of missions. Any specific requirements can be fulfilled with made-to-order UGV solution. By working closely with every customer, Rheinmetall aims to provide the right solution for the right purpose.

In addition to Mission Master Cargo, Rheinmetall Canada has introduced different versions of the Mission Master, including the following:

Mission Master – Rescue: This is capable of autonomously evacuating casualties over long distances. The module features two basket stretchers with sliding provisions and can carry specialised, high-performance equipment needed for in-field medical intervention. While transporting a wounded soldier using the UGV’s stretcher, for example, accompanying medics can use the vehicle as a workstation to administer emergency care.

Mission Master – Protection: This minimises the risk to friendly forces and boosts the combat power of dismounted troops by providing close fire support. It was demonstrated for the first time at the Ammunition Capabilities Demonstration 2019 in South Africa with the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi weapon station and Thales 70 mm rocket launchers in hot shot. The remotely controlled system operated in a fully digitised scenario and fired a salvo of 14 rockets, delivering 60 kg of explosives in 1,6 seconds. It can also be mounted with 50 mm weapon systems, .50 cal. machine guns, or 40 mm grenade launchers.

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