At the beginning of October 2018, the Austrian Armed Forces received new Mammut decontamination systems from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV). The eight new vehicles replaced the three-decade-old NBC decontamination vehicles ÖAF S-LKW.
The new Mammut decontamination system from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) can be used in a variety of ways and supports the defense against radiological, biological and chemical hazards through personnel decontamination, weapons and equipment decontamination, infrastructure decontamination and decontamination of sensitive equipment. In contrast to the old ÖAF S-LKW vehicles, the 36-tonne Mammut enables the simultaneous use of personnel decontamination and weapons and equipment decontamination. After disasters or terrorist attacks, the Mammut can also be used for the decontamination of buildings, roads, border control points, important facilities – and, thanks to the new technology of hot gas/hot steam chambers and a vacuum chamber, also sensitive ICT equipment such as radios or cell phones, as Vice Lieutenant Andreas Hämmerle (Chief Training Sergeant for Decontamination) told us in an interview confirmed. In the following, we take a closer look at some of the highlights and technical features of the DA40:
NBC warfareagents
The Mammut decontamination system forms the basis for setting up a decontamination station and is suitable for carrying out decontamination after the use of NBC warfare agents (nuclear, biological, chemical) or after the release of industrial hazardous substances.
Environmental compatibility
The Mammut’s new, more environmentally friendly and efficient decontamination chemistry significantly reduces the need for chemicals and water consumption.
Carrier vehicle
The chassis is a MAN TGS 35.480 8×8 BB-MIL with fully automatic manual gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive and engageable
differential locks.
Temperature insensitivity
The decontamination equipment allows use at temperatures from minus 30 degrees to plus 50 degrees Celsius.
Working crane
The 33-meter-tonne loading crane with workman basket from Palfinger is versatile and makes it easier for the crew to handle the entire system.
Decontamination equipment
Three containers (modules) are mounted on the vehicle. The first can be used to decontaminate armored combat and combat vehicles, as well as small vehicles. The second is used for equipment such as night vision devices or radios. The third module is used to decontaminate people
Vehicle decontamination
The first step is to set up a collection tray (maximum length 20 meters and width 4 meters). The waste water is collected in this and pumped out. It is then cleaned in three stages: First the pre-cleaning for the coarsest dirt, then – with the addition of the decontamination chemicals – the main cleaning takes place and finally the post-cleaning.
Personal decontamination
Two tents are set up next to the truck for this purpose. The awning is used for undressing contaminated persons, while both tents provide visual and weather protection. Personal decontamination is carried out using the so-called “Module 3”. Up to 40 people can be decontaminated in one hour
You can also read our interview with Vice-Lieutenant Andreas Hämmerle, Chief Training Sergeant for Decontamination.
Click here to see our other infographics, here to further reports about Rheinmetall Defence (international) and here for further reports on Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV).
