Rheinmetall AG announced that it has received a new order within the framework agreement in force with the Bundeswehr for the supply of an additional 1,515 high-mobility off-road logistics vehicles of the HX family.
Of these 1,515 vehicles, 265 will be equipped by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) with protected cabins and with roll-off containers/mobile platforms or swap-body systems (WLS).
The framework contract for these WLS systems signed in June 2020 includes another supply. This new large-scale recall is largely financed by the Bundeswehr’s special fund.
In addition to the vehicles, the Bundeswehr’s procurement agency, BAAINBw, has ordered 500 WLS platforms that serve as interchangeable load carriers and another 500 equipped with tarpaulin bodies.
The new order has a gross value of over 920 million euros and delivery of the vehicles will begin in the second half of 2024 and be completed by mid-November 2024.
With over 4,000 vehicles delivered since 2018, RMMV’s HX series military trucks represent an essential component of the Bundeswehr’s logistics capabilities.
The multi-year framework agreement valid until 2027 for the supply of up to 4,000 trucks with swap-body systems to the Bundeswehr has been in force since June 2020, of which 1,008 have already been delivered.
These trucks equipped with interchangeable bodies add to the successful Unprotected Transport Vehicles, or UTF, project and expand the Bundeswehr’s fleet of HX military family vehicles.
The main equipment of the container/swap body handling system is the hook loader developed by Hiab which is capable of lifting and depositing this type of material in service with the Bundeswehr on practically any type of terrain, without the need for additional equipment of movement in extremely rapid times.
Alternatively, vehicles can transport a swap body platform or container via a standardized 20-foot ISO interface.
Most of these trucks destined for the Bundeswehr will be equipped with an armored cab to improve the survivability of the three-man crew from the effects of shrapnel, infantry ammunition and landmines, as well as the tactical flexibility of the Heer’s logistical units and formations. Logistics platforms equipped with a handling system and protected cabin are mainly used to supply combat formations close to the front line with loose consumables such as ammunition, fuel and water transported in containers/swap bodies.
The success of the HX vehicles has also been demonstrated by the interest shown by other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Norway, who use them within their Armed Forces.
Source and photo @Rheinmetall
