RMMV Survivor R

Development
The RMMV Survivor R is a medium weight armoured-wheeled vehicle developed jointly between Germany’s Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles or RMMV and Austria’s Achleitner, and was publicly displayed for the first time at Eurosatory 2014. The Survivor R is the initial result of a strategic co-operation between RMMV and Achleitner. Disclosed at Eurosatory 2014 and intended to combine the flexibility and innovative strength of a mid-size vehicle manufacturer with the global reputation, market presence and corporate resources of a leading European defense multinational corporation.

This vehicle is the latest from RMMV, created in 2010 as a joint company between Rheinmetall AG and then-named MAN Nutzfahrzuege AG. RMMV inherited the expertise in protection and systems integration of Rheinmetall, and complimenting this has access to Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components from the volume truck production of the now MAN Truck & Bus AG.

Survivor R adds a 15-tonne GVW class protected wheeled vehicle to RMMV’s increasing portfolio of multirole vehicles. The version shown at Eurosatory is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear configuration.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) announced on 11 February 2015 that Survivor R would be shown at IDEX 2015 held in Abu Dhabi 22 - 26 February. This was the first time the vehicle was shown in the Middle East, and the first time it had been shown in command and control configuration.

Description
To minimise both initial procurement and through life costs, SURVIVOR R is based on a militarised MAN TGM 17-tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW) commercial truck chassis and automotives.

SURVIVOR R uses only series-produced COTS components, with the bulk of the militarisation required integrated into the TGM production line at MAN’s truck plant in Steyr, Austria. Through-life support will be based on the worldwide service, support and manufacturing networks of Rheinmetall and MAN, this ensuring the SURVIVOR R can offer users supportability, high levels of operational availability and genuine service longevity.

SURVIVOR R is powered by a high-sulphur fuel tolerant MAN 6.9-litre, 6-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine, this rated at EURO 3 emissions compliance (EURO 5 optional) and developing 330 hp and 1,250 Nm torque. A MAN 12 AS 1210 Tipmatic 12-speed automated gearbox and MAN G 103 2-speed transfer box are fitted. The MAN front axle is rated at 7.1-tonnes, the rear at 11.5-tonnes. Suspension is by leaf springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Standard tyres are 365/85R 20 Michelin XZL fitted with Hutchinson run flat inserts

SURVIVOR R’s armoured steel monocoque cabin provides undisclosed levels of protection and one of the highest internal volumes in its class. With an unladen weight of 10.9-tonnes and up to 4.1-tonnes of military payload the SURVIVOR R offers a respectable payload-to-weight ratio. This combination of protection, workspace and payload makes SURVIVOR R well suited to requirements involving complex systems integrations.

SURVIVOR R is air transportable by C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

Optional equipment includes a central tyre inflation system, a fully automatic gearbox, a 10-tonne hydraulic self-recovery winch and a dozer blade.

RMMV has also suggested other variants of the Survivor R, these including an internal security vehicle, an ambulance (shown), a command and control vehicle (shown), and logistics version with a rear cargo body.

Displayed variants
The primary mission of the CBRN reconnaissance variant will be to detect, identify, mark, sample and report chemical, biological and radiological contamination and provide forecast information to units deployed in the area of operations.

The CBRN SURVIVOR R is equipped with fully automated detectors for nuclear radiation as well as sensors for identifying chemical warfare agents and other hazardous materials. These include a remote standoff sensor for detecting distant clouds of chemical agents, providing immediate analysis and warning. Moreover, the CBRN SURVIVOR R can operate on the move.

In addition to its inherent identification capabilities the system can collect samples from soil, water, and ground for later reference analysis. It allows real-time transmission of all relevant CBRN information up the chain of command as well as immediate marking of contaminated areas to enhance the survivability and mobility of ground forces.

As shown at Eurosatory, the Survivor R CBRN variant was equipped with a comprehensive suite of CBRN detection equipment including an OWR sampling system, a Bruker MM mass spectrometer and a RMMV NBC Inspector.

When shown at IDEX 2015 the Survivor R command and control variant was displayed fitted with a battle management system, roof-mounted Kongsberg Nordic remote weapon station armed with a .50 machine gun, and banks of Rheinmetall, ROSY grenade launchers. This latest version of the Survivor R features twin doors at the rear, which allows it to be used for other roles, such as specialised ambulance, for which the vehicle could be fitted with equipment to assist in rapidly loading stretcher patients into the vehicle.

At DESI 2015, RMMV displayed Survivor R in a field ambulance configuration. In the configuration shown, the vehicle is able to transport two casualties on stretchers or three seated casualties plus one stretcher accompanied by two medical attendants. The medical equipment is comparable to a civilian paramedic ambulance. It contains advanced procedure equipment, heart monitors, medications and other supplies necessary to provide lifesaving tactical combat casualty care.