Rheinmetall has achieved another sales success in the UK with an order for four more MISSION MASTER UGVs under the second phase (Spiral 2) of the Robotic Platoon Vehicle (RPV) programme. The announcement today comes after Rheinmetall successfully placed its robotic vehicle in the Spiral 1 subproject of the UK’s RPV programme, which tests how unmanned vehicles can boost the firepower and capabilities of dismounted combat troops at platoon level.
Having already procured four MISSION MASTER vehicles with cargo modules in the spring of 2020, the British military will now be acquiring MISSION MASTERs equipped with a fire support module to explore potential future capabilities. The contract was awarded at the end of February and delivery of the four vehicles will take place between May and August 2021. The order, which will be handled by Rheinmetall Canada, also encompasses training and support activities as well as spare parts. The UK based joint venture company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land will also be supporting the project.
MISSION MASTER UGV Features
Boasting a whole host of innovative features, the MISSION MASTER’s nerve centre is the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit. This comprises a suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms that assure advanced situational awareness, enabling the vehicle to find the safest route through the surrounding environment. This ensures that the vehicle can navigate challenging terrain safely and complete its mission successfully, without collisions. Featuring a built-in security circuit board, a tablet computer running Rheinmetall Command and Control software lets the operator steer the platform and control the weapon station in a safe wireless way.
The MISSION MASTER – Fire Support is armed with the Rheinmetall 7.62mm cal. FIELDRANGER MULTI, a Remote Controlled Weapon Station which is fully stabilised and features a wide vertical and horizontal slewing range, thus assuring high accuracy and effectiveness even at long distances. Targets are never engaged autonomously, there is always a human in the loop.
Jack Richardson
