The Rheinmetall robotic vehicle Mission Master will participate in a Concept Development & Experimentation program of the Dutch armed forces.
The Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) unit of the Dutch 13th Light Brigade is conducting this multi-year concept development and testing phase to pave the way for an operational unit. Various innovative concepts are being tested to form the combat units of the future. These should enable the Dutch army to perform its tasks more effectively. The operational concepts also include the use of autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGV). Rheinmetall’s Mission Master, an autonomous light 8×8 vehicle, was handed over in November. Following initial successful trials in the Netherlands and Scotland, the Rheinmetall Mission Master is now participating in the two-year CD&E program to further develop concepts where adaptability and autonomy are key criteria. In the course of developing these concepts, Rheinmetall and the RAS unit are cooperating with other Dutch companies, science centers and universities. Robotics is already changing the battlefield of the future. With the Mission Master, Rheinmetall offers a modular unmanned vehicle with autonomous capabilities (A-UGV) that can increase the combat effectiveness of troops in a variety of tasks. With the Mission Master, soldiers can use artificial intelligence and “robotic muscles” for the unpopular 3D missions (dull, dirty, dangerous) and carry out missions safely in the field.
The Mission Master can serve as an autonomous or semi-autonomous element of the battle group. The platform is characterized by extreme flexibility and can be adapted to a wide range of applications thanks to its modular, quick-to-fit superstructures. In addition to resupply, this includes other applications such as casualty evacuation, CBRN reconnaissance, surveillance and fire support (where the target is engaged in remote-controlled mode by a human operator and not autonomously). It can also be used as a telecommunications relay. The platform is considered to be robust and at the same time has a long service life and runs quietly. The recent handover to the Dutch armed forces marks the second success with a NATO customer. In April, the British armed forces ordered four Unmanned Ground Vehicles in the Cargo version, which are part of the British Robotic Platoon Vehicle Program. With this project, the British armed forces want to test how unmanned vehicles can improve the combat strength and capabilities of dismounted fighting forces at platoon level. The scope of supply also included two stretcher systems that can be integrated onto the cargo vehicle within 60 seconds. The order also includes training and services as well as spare parts. The vehicles will be delivered by Rheinmetall Canada, while Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) will provide local support services as a cooperation partner. In the Netherlands, Rheinmetall Defence Nederland in Ede acts as Rheinmetall Canada’s cooperation partner.
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