RMMV HX range of tactical trucks

The HX family are a range of purpose-designed tactical military trucks manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV). The HX range was disclosed in 2003, and the first order was placed in 2004. The HX range replaced the earlier FX and LX ranges in production. The HX2 range, which currently complements the original HX range, was announced in 2012. The first HX2 range trucks were delivered in April 2016. The HX and HX2 ranges complement the SX range.

History
RMMV (then MAN) confirmed it was developing the HX range at Defence Vehicles Dynamics (DVD) 2003 and a developmental example shown later in the year at DSEi 2003. The earlier LX range was superseded by the HX range in 2004. The FX range was superseded in 2005.

The first order for the HX range came from the British Army which announced in October 2004 that it had selected the MAN ERF UK Ltd proposal to meet the Support Vehicle requirement. The contract was awarded in March 2005.

At Eurosatory 2012 RMMV displayed publicly for the first time an example of the HX2 range.

For clarity, RMMV is a 49%/51% joint venture established in January 2010 between MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG (now MAN Truck & Bus) and Rheinmetall AG.

Description
The HX/HX2 ranges of trucks combine militarised commercial driveline and chassis with the latest version of a modular military-specific cab. The HX/HX2 ranges are based on chassis and driveline components of MAN's commercial TG WorldWide heavy truck range which was first introduced in 2000.

MAN water-cooled diesel engines of various power outputs and emissions compliance are used across the range, these including the D0836, D2066, D2676 and D2868. The engine remains positioned conventionally (longitudinally between the chassis rails), however, the cooling pack is located transversally at the rear of the cab. This location offers protection from damage and blockage of the radiator with mud etc. when operating off-road. It also allows for a larger volume radiator to be used, which enhances hot-climate operating capability.

A ZF AS-Tronic automated constant mesh gearbox (branded TipMatic in MAN’s commercial product line up) with 12 forward and two reverse gears is standard fit, this coupled to a MAN two-speed transfer case. A powershift-type fully automatic transmission is an option.

Drive axles are MAN single tyre hub-reduction, and with the exception of the heavier tractor units which are full-time all-wheel drive for traction and torque distribution reasons, all models have selectable front axle(s) drive. All axles have cross-axle differential locks and there are longitudinal differential locks in rear (and front on 8×8 and 10x10 chassis) axle combinations and the transfer case. Axle weight ratings are 9000 kg or 11,000 kg for front axles, and 10,000 kg for rear axles with single wheels/tyres.

Front steer-drive axles (including the 2nd axle on 8x8/10x10 chassis) are sprung by a combination of parabolic leaf springs with progressively acting rubber assistors and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Rear axles are sprung by inverted multi-leaf trapezoidal springs with radius rod and an anti-roll bar. A conventional rear bogie set-up is employed for 6×6 and 8×8 chassis. The HX45M 10×10 features hydropneumatic suspension for the rear three axles.

The standard 14.00 R 20 tyres may be replaced by 395/85 R 20, 525/65 R 20 or 16.00 R 20 tyres if required. A central tire inflation system (CTIS) or semi-automatic tire inflation system and run-flat inserts are options.

All models can climb a 60% gradient, traverse a 40% sideslope, have an approach angle of 40 degrees, and ford 750 mm of water without preparation, this increasing to 1.5 m with preparation.

With the exception of the modular military cab, the location of the cooling pack and a small number of military specific ancillary items and modifications, for cost efficiency reasons RMMV has strived for maximum commonality with the TG commercial product.

Armoured cabs
To meet increasing demands for crew protection on deployed operations the HX range was designed from the outset with protection options in mind. In standard configuration a blast-proof vertical split-windscreen is fitted, and a riot protection kit is available for the cab. For more significant threats an appliqué protection kit, for which vehicles are prepared to accept at the production stage, have been developed in conjunction with Ressenig of Austria and Rheinmetall of Germany. Known as the Modular Armour Cabin (MAC), in basic specification these kits weigh around 1500 kg. The cab hard-top remains removable for air-transport if required.

A swap-cab armouring solution known as the Integrated Armour Cabin (IAC) is also available. The IAC was originally developed in conjunction with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) for the SX range of trucks, this suited to models with twin front axles only. A Rheinmetall-developed IAC option is now available, this suitable for all HX range trucks, depending on front axle rating and protection levels. Australia, Norway, and Sweden are receiving trucks with this cab which is manufactured at a purpose-constructed facility recently opened at Rheinmetall's facility in Unterluss, Germany.

World record attempt - Chile
On 6 November Rheinmetall announced the company was a main sponsor for high-altitude record-breaking attempt that had commenced that day. Using two HX range trucks (a 340 hp 4x4 HX40M and a 440 hp 6x6 HX58) the expedition aims to reach the highest point on earth accessible to motor vehicles – the 6890 m-tall Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest active volcano, located on the border of Chile and Argentina. In order to set a new world record the vehicles will have to reach an altitude of at least 6,690 metres above sea level.

Operators

 * 🇦🇺 Australia - 2536 HX models ordered in July 2013 as part of project Land 121. Australia is the first customer to receive HX2 variants. First vehicle handover occurred on 7 April 2016, when 6 HX77 (8x8) and 6 HX40M (4x4) were handed over.
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark - Just over 200 HX trucks to all branches of the armed forces from late 2006. Totals include 113 HX77 8x8 fitted with a load handling system, 83 HX77 8x8 in conventional cargo/tanker truck configurations, about five HX58 6x6 in tractor unit configuration to the Danish Air Force, and four HX60 4x4 in container/cargo configuration.
 * 🇩🇪 Germany - The Germany army operates a fleet of HX81 (8x8) heavy equipment transporters coupled to DOLL semi-trailers. On 6 July 2017 it was announced that RMMV had entered a seven-year framework agreement with the Bundeswehr to supply up to 2271 HX2 trucks worth around €900 million. An initial batch of 558 trucks worth around €240 million (including training support) has been placed, with delivery between 2018 and 2021. Under the Bundeswehr’s Unprotected Transport Vehicle (UTF) programme, these HX2 trucks will replace the old KAT I generation of trucks made by MAN, some of which have been in service for forty years.
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary - Contract award to Rába. Production of Rába H-14, H-18, and H-25 trucks commenced in 2004, these initially locally designed chassis fitted with MAN engines, associated components including cooling system and the MAN modular military cab. Current production is CKD using some locally sourced components such as axles. About 300 examples were built using components supplied between 2004-2006, with a further 150 assembled from CKD kits delivered from 2007. Hungary will also receive up to 150 RMMV HX77 8x8 trucks, with 63 delivered since 2007.
 * 🇮🇪 Ireland - Five HX60 4x4 fitted with specialist EOD container bodies to the Army. Delivery of the latest two examples was announced on 22 August 2016.
 * 🇰🇼 Kuwait - In July 2012 a sale of 83 HX60 4×4 trucks in cargo, water, and fuel tanker configurations to the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) was disclosed.
 * 🇳🇿 New Zealand - Under a Defence Force Land Transport Capability Programme project to replace an aged Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicle Fleet (MHOV), New Zealand received 194 HX range trucks. Also in service are four HX77 8x8 supplied from UK stocks.
 * 🇳🇴 Norway - Norway's Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO) announced on 31 March 2014 it had signed two contracts with RMMV, an initial purchase contract and a through-life logistics support contract. Norway's initial order is for about 120 trucks, with HX2 variants accounting for the bulk of the order. It includes 95 HX 8×8 and eight HX45M 10×10 recovery. First deliveries are expected during 2018. This is a framework agreement that includes Sweden and the intention is to buy up to 2,000 military logistics vehicles before 2026.
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia - From May 2011 the Slovakian Army received 20 HX77 8×8 configured as container carriers.
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden - In May 2014 Sweden placed an initial order with RMMV for trucks. The initial order is for 215 trucks, of which 62 are HX2, the bulk of these HX44M 8x8. Deliveries are to commence summer 2017. This is a framework agreement that includes Norway and the intention is to buy up to 2,000 military logistics vehicles before 2026.
 * 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates - The UAE is understood to operate a small number of HX81 8x8 heavy equipment transporters.
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - It was announced in October 2004 that the UK Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) had selected the MAN ERF UK Ltd proposal for the UK armed forces' Support Vehicle requirement; a contract award followed in March 2005. The base contract award covered 5,165 vehicles and 69 recovery trailers with the first vehicles entering service in June 2007. Total Support Vehicle contract deliveries to the UK Ministry of Defence totalled 7,415 + 69 trailers (7,484), this figure including a contract option, plus some delivery revisions and additional orders. The Support Vehicle contract called for two model ranges to be delivered to the MoD, SX and HX, with a >90% quantity bias towards HX models.
 * Vietnam - In July 2016 it was reported that Vietnam had received initial examples of the Israeli-made SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) air defense missile system based on RMMV HX58 and HX77 trucks. Numbers involved remain undisclosed.
 * In November 2016 it was announced that an undisclosed international customer had awarded Rheinmetall a €134 million contract for 110 HX81 with semi-trailers for delivery between January 2018 and February 2019, with additional orders envisaged. Specific configuration details of the combination have not been released, but the contract value includes comprehensive service and logistical support for a period of five years.