German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall delivered a Mission Master XT to the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment in August, its first customer delivery of the uncrewed ground vehicle.
During field tests in Finland in March, the vehicle demonstrated Arctic mobility capabilities on icy rivers and steep, slippery banks in minus-30 degrees Celsius temperatures.
According to Alain Tremblay, vice president for business development and innovation at Rheinmetall Canada, the UGV’s performance shows that “we are in a strong position to meet the needs of Nordic countries that face similar challenges to us here in Canada.”
Launched in June 2021, Mission Master XT has a 1,000-kilogram payload and features a diesel-powered engine that gives the UGV a 750-kilometre range without refueling. Its other features include a continuous tire inflation system and lithium-ion batteries for “silent watch” operations of up to six hours.
The vehicle weighs 2,217 kilograms, is able to float and swim with a full payload, and provides an option for a human driver to operate it directly.
Rheinmetall said the UGV is compatible with NATO-standard battle management systems.