AUSA 2019: Rheinmetall proposes next generation solutions to US Army highest priority modernization challenges


At this year's annual meeting & exposition of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) in Washington DC, Rheinmetall is showcasing a wide array of next-generation lethal technologies that address many of the U.S. Army's top modernization priorities. These include the next-generation combat vehicle, individual soldier lethality, long-range precision fires, and a synthetic training environment for cross-functional teams.


AUSA 2019 Rheinmetall proposes next generation solutions to US Army highest priority modernization challenges
Rheinmetall's Wiesel Wingman concept is adapted to current and future combat needs, namely in an urban environment (Picture source: Rheinmetall)


Rheinmetall has several US subsidiaries, with locations in Virginia, Arkansas, Maine, and Michigan. American Rheinmetall Defense, based in Reston, VA, heads the Rheinmetall Group's activities in the USA.

Rheinmetall features advanced combat vehicle autonomy and remote operation capabilities

Robotics, artificial intelligence, and net-centrism are already changing the face of the future battlefield. Rheinmetall is a recognized global leader in developing solutions for this next generation battlefield, including combat and tactical vehicle solutions with advanced autonomous, robotic and remote operations capabilities. At AUSA, Rheinmetall is unveiling its proposed solution for the US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle – Light (RCV-L) program: the Wiesel Wingman concept. It combines a fully digitized Rheinmetall Wiesel platform with autonomous operational capabilities of the Rheinmetall Mission Master UGV to develop an advanced, lethal robotic combat vehicle platform. American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) is leading Rheinmetall's US-based effort for this critical platform.

Next Generation Lethality to address the modern battlefield with 130mm developmental tank main gun and a full array of next-generation medium and large caliber munitions, including airburst solutions

Increased lethality, airburst technology, and networkability are all hallmarks of future weapons systems. At AUSA 2019, Rheinmetall is displaying its prototype for a future main battle tank primary armament, a 130 mm smoothbore gun, which represents leap ahead advances in main gun lethality. Visitors to the Rheinmetall stand can also learn about the Group's innovative, expansive 40 mm ammunition family of munitions, including the latest airburst and fire control technology. Rheinmetall uniquely possesses the ability to develop fuze, munition and programming solutions in a single integrated system. Rheinmetall is also showcasing its large-caliber tank and artillery solutions, including solutions it can offer to the U.S. Army's highest modernization priority of long-range precision fires. Rheinmetall's US munitions and armaments efforts are led by American Rheinmetall Munitions with headquarters in Stafford, VA, and production in Camden, AK.

Advanced protection technology: introducing a hybrid active protection module capable of providing substantial survivability enhancements

Rheinmetall is demonstrating its depth of expertise with force protection technology during the AUSA exhibition including unveiling to US customers Rheinmetall Active Protection's new Hybrid Active Protection Module technology that combines the Strike Shield APS and passive armor protections in a uniquely integrated survivability enhancement system well suited for less effectively armored vehicles. At the Rheinmetall booth, visitors can learn about this new Rheinmetall Hybrid Protection Module, as well as the Strike Shield active protection system offered with US partner United Business Technologies, and Rheinmetall's next-generation, fast-acting ROSY smoke/obscurant system which underwent initial Army testing this year.

Expanding soldier lethality with enhanced fire control systems, soldier systems and training solutions

In the ongoing campaign to digitize the modern military, Rheinmetall is leveraging its unsurpassed systems expertise, setting particularly high standards for soldier systems, sensors, effectors, networking and C4I systems. For example, Rheinmetall Defence continues to expand its lead in the world of soldier systems, with solutions such as the Gladius 2.0 and the Argus New Generation. At AUSA, Rheinmetall will also highlight the company's outstanding expertise in the field of simulation technology with the Lynx Turret simulator. Based in Biddeford, ME, American Rheinmetall Systems represents the Group's electronics business in the USA. They showcase a series of advanced fire control solutions, the MK93 advanced weapons mount and other next generation Soldier systems on the Rheinmetall stand.

Next Generation Lynx IFV for the US Army OMFV program

Raytheon Rheinmetall Land Systems, a recently established Joint Venture, is offering the next generation Lynx IFV to the US Army. The Lynx IFV recently was one of two IFV's down-selected by the Australian Army in its Land 400 Phase 3 program and represents the only true, next-generation IFV currently available to global customers.