The Multimission UGV – P is Rheinmetall’s unmanned ground vehicle solution for force protection and is specifically designed for perimeter protection, escorting, target acquisition, and engagement tasks. The vehicle’s modular design consists of three components: a tried-and-tested robotic multipurpose vehicle platform; either a subsystem integrated into this vehicle platform or a system of systems in line with user specifications; and a command post where missions are planned, controlled, analysed and evaluated. It can also be used for amphibious operations. (rheinmetall canada)
(Volume 24-11)
By Micaal Ahmed
Rheinmetall Canada, a member of Germany’s Rheinmetall Group, has always been a leading player in the Canadian defence industry, and is living up to that reputation with a whole new technological arsenal in the works.
For starters, the company’s Argus soldier system will soon be entering its final production stages. The Argus will allow soldiers to perform functions such as detecting, locating, identifying, and engaging threats. This modular system went into development in 2015, when Rheinmetall Canada was awarded the contract to develop the integrated soldier system (ISS) for the Canadian Armed Forces. They were contracted to develop 1,632 systems, 32 of which have been delivered to the CAF and are currently being tested; the remaining units will enter production by the end of this year.
The Argus soldier system offers a range of features and capabilities, including such functions are pre-mission planning and mission loading, positioning and situational awareness, wayfinding, blue force tracking, geo-referenced free-hand sketching, mission overlay creation and display, digitized order and message templates, and multiple sensor support using communication protocols.
Another of Rheinmetall’s technological advancements that will soon be available on the international market is its multimission unmanned ground vehicle (MMUGV).
Adaptable, modular, and made to order, this new generation of vehicle features a platform that allows operators to easily install different payloads onto the basic vehicle to accomplish a range of mission profiles, from mule to force protection and surveillance. Capable of performing in dangerous environments and difficult terrain, Rheinmetall’s remote-controlled MMUGV provides safety and security to mounted and dismounted combat forces, increases their operational effectiveness, and keeps them out of harm’s way.
The MMUGV – P, for force protection, has been specifically designed for perimeter protection, escorting, target acquisition, and engagement tasks. Its counterpart, the MMUGV – S (Multimission Unmanned Ground Vehicle – Surveillance), has been specifically designed for perimeter observation, reconnaissance, and scouting tasks.
Rheinmetall Canada also offers a family of fully digital and stabilized remotely controlled weapon stations that can be integrated onto various armoured vehicle platforms and used for different mission profiles.
Originally developed when General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) contracted Rheinmetall Canada to produce the Nanuk for the LAV IIIs being deployed to Afghanistan, the company has since ‘navalized’ the remote weapon station for the Royal Canadian Navy so it can be used on its ships. So far, one prototype was installed and tested successfully aboard HMCS Goose Bay, and now all that remains is a final approval before these remote weapon stations can be installed fleet-wide.
Similarly, the Nanuk-Dual weapon station, designed with a versatile weapon cradle that supports two weapons simultaneously, offers full stabilization as well as long-range day/night all-weather sights. Furthermore, both the main and coaxial weapons can be designed according to customer requirements to use a variety of ammunition, bringing the development of remote weapon systems to a whole new level.
These are just a few of the developments currently being made by this Canadian company specializing in the development, integration and production of defence platforms, with locations in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and Ottawa.
With this product range — and with even more in the pipeline — Rheinmetall Canada seems poised to maintain its prominence in the world of Canadian defence.
