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2021-09-01

Rheinmetall Unveils Extreme Terrain Mission Master XT UGV

Rheinmetall recently unveiled the latest member of its successful Mission Master family of Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs), Mission Master XT, which boasts a diesel-powered engine and is capable of operating in extreme terrains.

Responding to a new set of needs, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is not only highly mobile even in the toughest terrain, but is also capable of carrying impressive payloads. The Mission Master XT was developed by Rheinmetall Canada.

The Rheinmetall Mission Master XT easily tackles ice, snow, and sub-zero weather conditions, as well as sandy, rocky and mountainous topography. Its advanced amphibious capabilities allow it to float and swim while maintaining its full payload capacity. Weighing in at 2,217 kg, this powerful A-UGV can carry a 1,000 kg payload in all scenarios, allowing troops to transport special equipment to hard-to-reach locations.

The diesel-powered engine allows it to travel 750 km without refuelling, while lithium-ion batteries enable up to six hours of silent watch operations.

Another remarkable feature of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is its continuous tyre inflation system, which adjusts the tyre pressure as needed based on the terrain. Featuring high endurance and survivability, the A-UGV keeps moving on even with two cm-holes in the tyres.

Autonomous and Intelligent

Like the other platforms in the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the Mission Master XT is optimised to take on dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, allowing soldiers to focus on their core missions more effectively and in greater safety.

It is driven by Rheinmetall PATH, a proven autonomy kit (A-kit) that enables a wide range of autonomous driving and capabilities.

The Mission Master family is fully compatible with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-standard battle management systems (BMS) and can be controlled through a variety of teleoperation options.

Alain Tremblay, Vice-president of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada, explained: “The most multifunctional of these is a smart tablet developed by Rheinmetall, which allows the operator to control any Mission Master platform and payload through a single interface, a first for the market. For instance, users can monitor camera feeds or direct a weapon station, then quickly programme the platform to navigate itself autonomously to a desired location, all from the same device.”

If necessary, this robust, tried-and-tested mechanical platform can operate in manned configuration, with an integrated joystick and emergency seat.

Multi-mission Capabilities

Thanks to its modularity, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT can take on multiple missions in any situation. The scope of activities the A-UGV can conduct includes logistic transport, surveillance, fire support, rescue, medical evacuation, CBRN detection, communication relay and a multitude of other client-specific requirements.

As enemy capabilities become increasingly advanced, the ability to quickly leverage large amounts of data in order to make informed decisions in the field is more critical than ever. Foreseeable force deployments are likely to take the form of multinational Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) that encompass every dimension of the modern battlefield: land, air, sea, cyber and information space as well as outer space.

With BMS integrated into every platform, the new Mission Master XT allows each system to process large amount of tactical data. The Mission Master XT thus becomes an integral member of the tactical combat team able to share and exchange information from its vehicle and module sensors to improve the team’s common operating picture.

The BMS uses information in the network from other contributors to improve its own situational awareness with regard to terrain as well as the location of friendly and enemy forces. The built-in BMS allows many Mission Master platforms to operate as an UGV team when carrying out standard military missions in direct support of troops on the ground.

The Mission Master XT will also benefit from the systematic integration of new artificial intelligence applications, allowing it to evolve and continue contributing to successful outcomes in the complex JADO battle space of tomorrow.

To make room for the newcomers in the Mission Master family, the existing Mission Master platform now becomes the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP. Named for its role as “silent partner”, the Mission Master SP remains an invaluable asset for dismounted troops in a wide range of missions, including high-risk situations.

Each Mission Master vehicle is already networked with both Rheinmetall’s soldier system and the Rheinmetall Command and Control Software, which are compatible in any user’s battle management system.

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