Rheinmetall Launches Cutting-Edge Mission Master: The Future of Armed Reconnaissance UGVs!
Rheinmetall’s revolutionary Mission Master Autonomous – Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) series has just welcomed an exciting newcomer: the Mission Master – Armed Reconnaissance. Outfitted with intelligence-collecting technology and a Rheinmetall Fieldranger remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), this fresh Armed Reconnaissance component is engineered to gather tactical intelligence within operational zones while delivering frontline fire support as necessary.
Autonomous robotic vehicles present numerous benefits, particularly in reconnaissance scenarios. The Mission Master – Armed Reconnaissance is crafted to undertake high-risk scouting assignments and convey a real-time common operational picture without endangering personnel. Given the extensive data collected during such operations, Rheinmetall’s latest A-UGV is fitted with robust, highly dependable systems. Its payload features long-range EO/IR sensors, a surveillance radar, a full 360° ring camera, a laser rangefinder, and a laser designator to pinpoint potential threats. To further optimize sensor visibility while maintaining a discreet profile, the reconnaissance payload is mounted on a 3.5-meter extendable mast with a tilting mechanism. This practical feature facilitates enhanced and secure transport across various platforms, including a CH-53 or CH-47 Chinook.
The Armed Reconnaissance component also showcases radio-agnostic architecture, enabling it to support any radio type that customers may require. The bidirectional communication system allows for seamless exchanges with headquarters and other A-UGVs, enhancing commanders’ situational consciousness. When engaging adversary forces, the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Light 7.62 mm RCWS delivers significantly more firepower than conventional man-portable section weapons. All target engagements are remotely operated and never autonomous.
Ensured safety in all operations
Similar to other components of the Mission Master series, the Armed Reconnaissance relies on the Rheinmetall PATH autonomous kit (A-kit) for its autonomous capabilities. Trusted, adaptable, and extremely autonomous, PATH is designed to allow military vehicles to function in unmanned mode, permitting soldiers to focus on diverse assignments while avoiding immediate risks. The A-kit offers a variety of teleoperation functionalities for the Mission Master, including a tablet, smartwatch, soldier system, and single-handed controller. These devices facilitate comprehensive access to advanced PATH features like follow-me, convoy, and autonomous navigation modes. Each control mode incorporates multiple safety layers to guarantee the vehicle operates securely at all times. Moreover, Rheinmetall prioritizes maintaining a human in the decision-making loop for all kinetic operations, ensuring that a person ultimately decides when to engage targets, never a machine.
A Versatile Mission Master Family
The new Armed Reconnaissance component is the latest enhancement to the modular Mission Master family, renowned for its all-terrain agility and capability to safeguard troops deployed in perilous environments. The Cargo module can transport over half a ton of supplies, alleviating the burden on troops and keeping them energized. The Fire Support modules amplify the combat prowess of dismounted units, while the Rescue module autonomously evacuates casualties and carries specialized gear for medical emergencies in the field. Additionally, every module is outfitted with a Blue Force tracking system fully compliant with NATO standards.
Like all members of the Mission Master series, the Armed Reconnaissance variant is already integrated into the Argus soldier system and Rheinmetall Command and Control Software, easily incorporable into any user’s battle management framework.
The Strength of the Wolf Pack
The inclusion of the Armed Reconnaissance in the Mission Master lineup actualizes Rheinmetall’s innovative Wolf Pack concept. The Wolf Pack consists of multiple Mission Master vehicles collaboratively functioning as a unit to execute various tasks, including zone surveillance, reconnaissance, target position transfer, and slew-to-cue. All units communicate amongst themselves and leverage artificial intelligence to maintain the comprehensive situational awareness essential for mission execution.
A true force multiplier, the entire Wolf Pack can be operated by a single controller from virtually anywhere using LTE networks, SATCOM, or military cloud technologies. This intuitive approach empowers one operator – rather than several uncoordinated operators – to concentrate on the overall mission rather than managing the individual tasks of each A-UGV. As Rheinmetall advances in creating new modules for the Mission Master family, the capabilities of the Wolf Pack will undoubtedly expand, significantly enhancing the military’s capacity to achieve superiority against increasingly formidable adversaries.
