DSEI 2023: Rheinmetall unveils C-UAS version of Mission Master XT UGV

Rheinmetall unveiled a C-UAS version of its Mission Master XT UGV at DSEI 2023. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)

Rheinmetall unveiled a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) version of its 4×4 Mission Master XT (Extreme Terrain) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the DSEI 2023 defence exhibition, held in London from 12 to 15 September.

The UGV has a remote-controlled weapon station with a Dillon Aero 7.62 mm gatling gun with a rate of fire of 3,000 rds/min and a range of 1,200 m, and a FLIR 3D dual-use (land and air) radar that can detect micro-UAS targets up to 1,200 m. Alain Tremblay, vice-president for business development and innovation at Rheinmetall Canada, told Janes that a target acquired by this radar is automatically transferred to the electro-optical targeting weapon sight to engage it when it enters the maximum effective range against micro-UASs of 800 m or less. Larger UASs can be engaged at longer distances, he added.

A Rheinmetall spokesperson told Janes that the company developed the UGV because of market interest in C-UAS applications.

Tremblay said Norway has received two Mission Master XT UGVs. The Nordic country is the first Mission Master XT customer and plans to experiment and trial with the UGV in a logistics role.

The Mission Master XT has larger wheels than the electric Mission Master SP (Silent Partner) 6×6 UGV.

The amphibious UGV can be operated in swamps and used in littoral operations, with an option for installing an outboard motor to cover long distances. It has a 2.7-tonne combat weight, weighs 2,217 kg, and can carry a 1,000 kg payload, according to Rheinmetall.