From Protected Vehicles to Aiming Laers

Rheinmetall will show a variety of products and services at MILIPOL oriented towards law enforcement and security forces, demonstrating its commitment to “only the best will do” in partnering with the men and women who protect our liberty and security.

The SURVIVOR R protected special operations vehicle epitomises Rheinmetall’s commitment to the twin imperatives of security and mobility. It is extremely well suited for police special operations. In Germany, state-level police forces in Berlin, North Rhine Westphalia and Saxony have already opted to equip their SWAT teams with the SURVIVOR R and it is now in the running to become the standard special operations vehicle for Germany’s federal and state police agencies.

Developed in cooperation with specialist vehicle maker Achleitner and based on a high-performance 4×4 MAN truck chassis, the SUVIVOR R is fitted with a steel armour cab. Capable of reaching speeds of over 100km/h, the vehicle combines tried-and-tested automotive technology from major production runs with the latest force protection concepts from Rheinmetall. Systematic use of off-the-shelf civilian parts and serially-produced military components make the vehicle an affordable option, while users can rely on Rheinmetall MAN’s global service network for maintenance and repairs. This makes the SURVIVOR R a cost-effective, easy-to-maintain platform with low lifecycle costs and a high level of operational readiness.

An armoured monocoque cab with add-on protection elements can be individually and discreetly modified to meet evolving threat situations, while a ventilation system for filtering out nuclear, biological and chemical agents is standard equipment in every SURVIVOR R vehicle. Well-lit and ergonomically designed, the interior is spacious enough to seat up to eleven personnel with their personal equipment as well as extensive C4I and communications equipment. This versatile vehicle can also be equipped with remotely operated weapon stations. At MILIPOL 2019, Rheinmetall is showcasing a SURVIVOR R fitted with a FIELDRANGER weapon station. This variant is designed for protecting airports, for instance, as well as for operations against terrorists employing military tactics and equipment.

In the field of special or customised effects, Rheinmetall offers a comprehensive array of pyrotechnic products. When it comes to SWAT team-type operations, the group’s portfolio of multi-bang grenades and improved-performance flash-bang grenades with bottom-top venting (BTV) technology offers the perfect solution. They are extremely safe to handle, highly precise and very reliable.

Rheinmetall has also developed a wide assortment of flares for signalling and for illuminating the area of operations at night. These include the handheld MITHRAS, with ranges of 300, 600 and 1,000m, with versions available for the visible and infrared sector.

The RSG60, a new 60mm mortar for infantry and special forces, features innovative design and engineering characteristics which make this indirect fire system very light and easy to handle. A few quick manual adjustments turn the 15.8kg standard infantry version into a commando mortar weighing just 6.8kg, with no need for tools. This makes the RSG60 a two-in-one solution. Depending on the ammunition and charges, the standard version can attain ranges of up 3,200m, which can be increased by 500m by using a 30cm-longer barrel, while the commando variant has a range of around 2,000 metres.

As a leading maker of munitions, Rheinmetall’s extensive portfolio of 40mm products covers multiple operational scenarios. These range from distraction rounds and marking charges as well as non-lethal impulse ammunition and highly effective special solutions for methods of entry, or MOE, including airburst technology.

Moreover, as a top maker of military systems and equipment, Rheinmetall offers a wide variety of relevant weapon concepts. These include the Magazine-Fed Grenade Launcher (MFGL), which features integrated hydraulic shock absorption. The Group’s fire control and aiming devices – including the VINGMATE family – make Rheinmetall a one-stop shop for 40mm system technology.

Rheinmetall has recently added further modular components to its VarioRay family of laser light modules. The new Variable Tactical Aiming Laser (VTAL) laser is extremely robust and compact. The system is specially designed for today’s shorter assault rifles. VTAL is compatible with all standard night observation devices. Furthermore, the system can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights such as Rheinmetall’s modular LUMENATOR weapon light and operated using a combined two-button cable switch. The new products are key components for boosting the operational effectiveness of modern small arms. Moreover, visitors to the Rheinmetall stand at MILIPOL 2019 can learn about other members of the VarioRay family as well as the Group’s TAC-Ray Ballistic sniper build-on module with integrated ballistic computer.