Reconfigurable Vehicle to Inform Unmanned Integration Experiments

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) has secured a training and maintenance contract with Rheinmetall Canada to support delivery of the MISSION MASTER UGVs ordered by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD). MON reported the original UK order on 17 April (https://monch.com/mpg/news/land/6922-uk-orders-4-rheinmetall-mission-master-cargo-ugv.html)

RBSL will provide training for operators and maintenance support for the British Army, which will use the vehicles in the UK’s Robotic Platoon Vehicle experimentation programme. The objective is to determine the extent to which UGVs can enhance combat capabilities and effectiveness, especially for dismounted troops at platoon level. 

A new capability for the British Army, MISSION MASTER is a versatile platform that can perform multiple roles from surveillance and protection, to reconnaissance, rescue and firefighting.  The British Army will receive four UGVs in a cargo configuration, which reduces the combat load soldiers have to carry.  The vehicles can carry up to half a ton of supplies, tactical kit, or medical equipment and comes with two stretchers that can be easily attached in just 60 seconds to carry wounded personnel. 

The vehicles can operate in autonomous or semi-automatous mode via remote control.  They are amphibious, highly mobile across all types of terrain and are integrated with an audio communication system.  There are also modular storage compartments, meaning the vehicles can be tailored to a specific mission.

The vehicles have already been delivered to the British Army, the first order for MISSION MASTER from a NATO customer.  The contract includes a comprehensive training and maintenance support package from RBSL, including access to spare parts. 

“The Rheinmetall MISSION MASTER vehicles are testament to how the modern battlefield is changing and we look forward to supporting Rheinmetall Canada and our armed forces with capability insights that will inform future force development,” comments Peter Hardisty, RBSL Managing Director.