RMMV HX3, under test in the US, tests starting in Europe, available in 2027
Exiting the RMMV Vienna facility hosting the trucks assembly line three vehicles produced at the factory were visible. Two of them were “green” 8×8 HX2 trucks, the third standing out for its white painting; this was the first of the six HX3 functional vehicles currently being produced in Vienna, which will soon start factory testing in Europe
In fact, three HX3 trucks are already undergoing trials on the other side of the Ocean, all in the 8×8 configuration, one of them a tank transporter. These were delivered to the Program Executive Office Combat Support and Combat Service Support – Project Manager Transportation Systems, as part of the US Army Common Tactical Truck programme. The CTT will replace the M915 Line Haul Tractor and M1088 Medium Tractor, Palletized Load System (PLS), and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) currently in US service, the service aiming at lowering procurement cost through commercial economies of scale and insert technology upgrades to include Predictive Logistics /Telematics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and autonomy. To cope with the CTT programme timetable, the first three functional vehicles were delivered to the United States in 2023, and each of them has already logged over 5,000 miles, 8,000 km.
In fact, the HX3 was seen in Europe in 2021, when three vehicles, one 10×10 and two 8×8, were presented at various exhibitions, the 10×10 fitted with an automated artillery turret developed by Rheinmetall and armed with a 60-calibre 155 mm gun being unveiled at DSEI 2021 in London. However, these were defined by RMMV representatives as “show vehicles”, definitely not produced for tests, and this was further underlined by the fact that at the demonstration day at the Offroad Zentrum Stotzing the HX3 8×8 was part of the static exhibition.
The HX3 is powered by a 6-cylinder MAN D2676 diesel engine providing 520 hp (382 kW) of power, with a maximum torque of 2,650 Nm (versus the 440 hp engine of the HX2); it is available at Euro V and Euro Vie emission standards and is compatible with F-34 military fuel. Two types of transmission are available, either a 7-speed fully automatic or a 12-speed automated, a 2-speed transfer case being part of the automotive system. Most other automotive elements remain those of the HX2, such as axles, the front one being 11 tonnes, the other being 13 tonnes axles.
Gross vehicle mass is respectively 33,000 kg (6×6), 41,000 kg (8×8) and 82,000 kg (10×10), with respective carrying capacity, with protected cab, of 13,000 kg, 21,000 kg, and 30,000 kg.
The protected cabin, produced by Rheinmetall, can host up to three military and ensures a higher protection compared to that of the HX2, protection levels remaining classified. It provides better situational awareness thanks to the larger windscreen and side windows, the windscreen allowing the driver to observe the ground at closer distance compared to the HX2, a key element when driving on difficult terrain. The cabin roof is designed to carry a remotely controlled weapon station, such as Rheinmetall’s MSSA (Main Sensor Slaved Armament), as well as defensive systems such as the ROSY_VL screening system.
Mobility parameters are similar to those of the predecessor, with 40° approach and departure angles, 60% gradient, 40% side slope, and 1.5 metres fording ability, the reason why all RMMV military trucks have their cooling system in a raised position behind the cabin. HX3 trucks can be equipped with tires up to 16.00 R20 tires, central or semi-automatic tire inflation systems being provided.
On board electronics is totally new; the driver has a digital cockpit derived from the one adopted by MAN on commercial trucks, and the electric-electronic open architecture will allow easy integration of new subsystems and technologies, including those for transforming trucks in automated/unmanned platforms such as the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), already fitted on this new family of trucks. More electronics means more risks of cyber-attacks, therefore cybersecurity features are native on the HX3.
Depending on the payload, HX3 trucks can be fitted in several configurations: cargo, crane, tanker, tipper, container carrier, tractor, recovery, system carrier, 155 mm artillery, radar carrier, air defence, rocket system carrier, bridge layer, etc. To provide sufficient power to on board systems the HX3 is fitted with a 190 A generator.
As said a first functional test vehicle was visible at the RMMV plant in Vienna, the company explaining that the white paint helps in identify possible cracks. Overall, six functional test vehicles are being produced, one more 6×6 while the remaining four will be 8×8, some in the cargo configuration and some with the hook of the palletised loading system. As soon as they will be produced, they will undergo mobility tests, ECM tests, and so on. The HX3 will be made available on the market in 2027. During that year, the German Army will receive some trucks for validation, series deliveries being planned between 2028 and 2030.
Photos by P. Valpolini
