HX3 10x10 155mm Radhaubitze (wheeled howitzer)
The HX3 10×10 self-propelled howitzer – building on the highly-prized strengths and ‘family’ concept of its predecessor, addresses the likelihood that truck-based artillery systems will play an increasingly prominent role in the short- and mid-term future. Rheinmetall used DSEI 2021 in London to showcase the HX 10×10. The Rheinmetall wheeled self-propelled howitzer is mounted on a high-mobility HX 10x10 chassis. It is equipped with a highly protected cab and a fully automatic, remote-controlled artillery turret, which, though unmanned, can be entered by the crew. This means that it takes only two soldiers to operate the system from the safety of the armored cab.
The turret can rotate and fire through 360 degrees, drawing on a turret magazine containing projectiles and propelling charges for forty rounds. The tried, tested and in-service Rheinmetall L52 gun has been selected as the system’s main armament, with the L60 gun, now in development, offering future growth potential. The L60 can project low-cost standard projectiles (boattail; base bleed; V-LAP) more than 80 kilometres. Precision guided munitions such as the Vulcano will allow to engage high-value targets at even greater ranges.
Compared to other wheeled platforms, which are already hitting their weight and payload limits, using the HX 10×10 offers the advantage of unused growth potential of circa five tonnes of additional load capacity. Given an assumed service life of 30-40 years, this additional payload could be used to incorporate a multitude of additional mission systems as well as for carrying extra ammunition. Moreover, because the howitzer was designed from the start for remote-control and semi or full automatic operation, it can function without a crew. In keeping with the “human in the loop” principle, however, the fire order is never an autonomous decision.
Rheinmetall on 08 May 2021 unveiled the HX3, the latest generation of its HX family of heavy-duty trucks. The new features of this pure military truck are very impressive. Thanks to various assistance systems, the HX3 offers soldiers and the civilian environment increased safety in everyday vehicle use and guarantees considerably more protection in theatre, for example with a completely redesigned cabin.
More than 15,000 HX trucks are on the road worldwide, deployed by armed forces. They all carry a heritage that is expressed in unrivalled superiority. We have built on this heritage. In order to make the best even better, we listened to everyone who has been able to get to know and appreciate it – not only in everyday use, but also in the most extreme situations. Be it as fleet manager or as a soldier on the vehicle.
Fleet management also becomes simpler and more efficient. A consistently implemented fleet commonality impresses thanks to previously unattained standardised parts and functions. All in all, this not only ensures the future viability of the HX – like its predecessors, the HX3 can go from one mission to the next. With its even greater variety of variants and systems, the HX3 is the answer to the customer's need to own a truck that can handle a wide range of tactical roles and tasks in future scenarios. In addition to its classic role as a logistic vehicle, which is enhanced by the availability of new systems such as the new Automated Load Handling System (ALHS) or the Universal Torsion-Resistant Subframe (UTRS), the HX3 is also, more than ever before, suitable as a system carrier.
Like its predecessors, the HX3 is designed as a pure military truck. Thanks to its robust chassis concept combined with powerful military engines, it is able to cope with all emerging requirements – anytime, anywhere. A new optional active suspension system on the rear axles greatly improves the truck's on-road and off-road mobility. Various driving modes, the driving level control option and active damping also help to consistently cushion the shocks and vibrations of demanding off-road use.
As an option, HX3 trucks can be equipped with an armoured cab, whose protection level can be modularly augmented. Furthermore, in addition to conventional camouflage, the new generation of vehicles feature a digital stealth mode: if necessary, all data transmission and receiver functions can be switched off to reduce the vehicle’s digital signature. As an active self-defence measure, the reinforced roof offers space for weapon stations with heavy weaponry. As a further option, additional active and passive protection systems are available, including Rheinmetall’s ROSY Rapid Obscuring System and the very short-range ADS Active Defence System.
Especially carrier trucks for complex radar and weapon systems, e.g. truck-based artillery systems, will become much more important in the coming years. When it comes to procurement and utilization, the howitzer offers an excellent price-performance ratio compared to traditional tracked self-propelled howitzers as well as other wheeled tactical vehicle-based systems, while at the same time substantially enhancing a core capability intrinsic to all howitzers: achieving favourable outcomes through range superiority. Thanks to the high-mobility HX 10×10 truck chassis, the artillery system can flexibly redeploy over large distances without additional logistic support, and with no need for routine maintenance or repairs upon arrival. Furthermore, logistic uniformity owing to the extensive use of HX trucks in the Bundeswehr, the British Army and numerous other armed forces will result in lower lifecycle costs, while simultaneously facilitating multinational operations, thus strengthening national and alliance defence capabilities.
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