RMMV HX range of tactical trucks

The HX family are a range of purpose-designed tactical military trucks manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV). The HX range was disclosed in 2003, and the first order was placed in 2004. The HX range replaced the earlier FX and LX ranges in production.
The HX2 range, which currently (as of 2024) complements the original HX range, was announced in 2012. The first HX2 range trucks were delivered in April 2016. The HX and HX2 ranges originally complemented the SX range, but as of 2019 they had replaced the SX range as the type was no longer produced.
The HX3 range was announced in May 2021, with series production scheduled for from 2027.
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (then MAN) confirmed it was developing the HX range at Defence Vehicles Dynamics (DVD) 2003 and a developmental example shown later in the year at DSEi 2003. The earlier LX range was superseded by the HX range in 2004. The FX range was superseded in 2005.
The first order for the HX range came from the British Army which announced in October 2004 that it had selected the then MAN ERF UK Ltd proposal to meet the Support Vehicle requirement. The contract was awarded in March 2005.
At Eurosatory 2012, RMMV displayed publicly for the first time an example of the HX2 range.
On 6 May 2021, Rheinmetall unveiled the HX3. Introduction of HX3 models was held back by RMMV so that the significant TG model year 2025 (MY25) updates (predominantly electronic) could be integrated into the development of the range. HX models are based around commercial TG range components.
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) For clarity, the HX range of trucks were developed and initially manufactured by MAN (Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg) Nutzfahrzeuge AG, however the umbrella corporation making them is now Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV). RMMV resulted from the 2010 merger of the military truck branch of the former MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG with Rheinmetall's wheeled military vehicle branch. Under the terms of the agreement, Rheinmetall had a stake of 51% and MAN 49% in the new company.
In July 2019, Rheinmetall announced that the company was pursuing a buyback of some shares held by MAN Truck & Bus in the RMMV joint venture (JV) company, specifically 100% of shares in the tactical vehicle segment of the business. As of September 2019, RMMV (which remains a 51/49% JV) only produces military and militarised trucks, with tactical vehicles now produced by Vehicle System Division Europe (VSE), which itself is part of the larger the Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (RLS).
MAN is now part of the Volkswagen-owned Traton Group, along with Scania and International Motors LLC (previously Navistar).
The HX range (HX-HX3) of trucks are essentially the continuance of the earlier FX and LX range concept, this the combination of commercial driveline and chassis with a modular military-specific cab.
The original HX range are based on chassis and driveline components from the heavier elements of MAN's commercial TG WorldWide heavy truck range which was first introduced in 2000. The HX2 range, while retaining the use of commercial automotive components, is based on a purpose-designed chassis. Official details of the HX3 range remain limited, but the type can be considered a further development of the HX2 range. Limited available details of the HX3 are included in a separate sub-section.
The HX range is continually evolving throughout its production run, and while there have been three defined generations (HX and HX2 produced; HX3 pending) there have also been incremental improvements and range additions within generations that have not resulted in any formal designation change or revision.
The designation system most commonly applied to HX range trucks is that of MAN/RMMVs internal model designation. There is no sequencing within model designations, and from the three original HX models released, the HX60 was a 4×4 chassis, the HX58 was a 6×6 chassis, and the HX77 an 8×8 chassis. On HX2 range models an additional M (Military) is included in model designation, while the HX is dropped from individual model nomenclature. The current HX2 designations are 40M (4×4), 42M (6×6), 44M (8x8), and 45M (10x10). There is also the HX81, a HET that is technically a HX/HX2 hybrid. Designations for HX3 models have yet to be released.
In addition to internal model designation each model has technical designation nomenclature that is broadly comparable to that of MAN's commercial product line. The base designation identifies permissible gross vehicle weight and engine power output, the latter figure rounded to the nearest 10 hp (7.457 kW). For example, the HX range model 18.330 has a technically permissible gross vehicle weight rating of 18,000 kg and an engine power output of 326 hp (243 kW). Until the Bundeswehr's WLS UTF/GTF awards these designations did not appear on the trucks themselves, and for the first time there are derivations of internal model designations with the 44M being available as the 38.450 (unprotected configuration) and 41.450 (protected configuration).
The base designation is then expanded by the addition of a short sequence of letters that are not displayed on the vehicle. Retaining the earlier mentioned 18.330 as an example, this is a two-axle all-wheel drive truck (4×4) with leaf spring suspension front and rear (BB; B = Blattfederung/leaf suspension). In the case of tractor trucks, an additional S (BBS) denotes tractor truck configuration (S = Sattelzugmaschinen/tractor unit).
HX trucks are of a conventional design and are based on a single piece C-section ladder-frame chassis of profiles determined by a mix of GVWR, intended usage, and configuration. The original HX range use chassis from the heavier elements of MAN's commercial TG WorldWide heavy truck range. For the HX2 range a purpose-designed chassis with 400 mm of torsional twist is used. Wheelbase options for the HX range are extensive, the range including two-, three-, four-, and five-axle chassis. Gross vehicle weights (GVWs) range from 18,000 kg for a 4×4 chassis to 50,000 kg for a five-axle chassis, with the HX81 8×8 tractor truck having a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 130,000 kg. Payload varies by role and configuration, but for rigid chassis actual maximum load on chassis ranges from around 8,000 kg to 30,000 kg. In certain instances, and particularly with single-tyred axles, GVW ratings can be restricted.
HX trucks are fitted with MAN/RMMV's modular military-specific cab, this tracing back to the Category 1 trucks that entered service in 1976. The evolution of this cab used for HX models is 290 mm deeper than preceding designs, and has more than 600 litres of gross stowage space in the rear. The interior of the walk-through cab is primarily steel or washable plastic/vinyl. Two types of modular detachable hard-top roof are available, a standard flat roof or a version with extended height for the optional air-conditioning equipment, plus an NBC filtration system for the over-pressured IAC cab option if required. The reinforced roof can take the weight of two soldiers and the recoil forces of a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun in a ring-mount. A riot protection kit is available for the cab.
To meet increasing demands for crew protection on deployed operations the HX range was designed from the outset with protection options in mind. Appliqué protection kits, for which vehicles are prepared to accept at the production stage, were developed for the cab. Known as the Modular Armour Cabin (MAC), these kits offer protection according to STANAG 4569. Weight of these kits is about 1,500 kg and the hard-top remains removable for air-transport if required. A swap-cab armouring solution known as the Integrated Armour Cabin (IAC) is also available. The IAC was originally developed in conjunction with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) for the SX range of trucks, this is suited to models with twin front axles only. A Rheinmetall-developed IAC option is available, this is suitable for all HX range trucks, depending on front axle rating and protection levels.
MAN water-cooled diesel engines of various power outputs and emissions compliance are used across the range. The four primary engines used are the D0836, D2066, D2676, and D2868. All engines are qualified for operation with F34 fuel, and across the range power outputs vary from 326 hp (243 kW ) for a EURO 4 or 5 emissions compliant version of the six-cylinder 6.871-litre D0836 fitted to the HX60, to 680 hp (507 kW) for a EURO 5 emissions compliant version of the V10 18.273-litre D2868, this fitted to the HX81 heavy equipment transporter. Emissions compliance options are dependent on engine model, build year, and territory, but are currently EURO 2 or EURO 5, the latter requiring fuel additives.
The engine remains in the conventional position (longitudinally between the chassis rails) but the cooling pack has been moved transversally to the rear of the cab where it is better protected from damage and the radiator is less prone to getting clogged up when driving off-road. It also allows for a larger radiator for extended hot climate capability.
A ZF AS-Tronic automated constant mesh gearbox (branded TipMatic in MAN's commercial product line up) with 12 forward and two reverse gears was originally standard fit. Model dependent this could be either the AS Mid (HX60/HX61), AS Tronic (HX58/HX77), or TC Tronic (HX81). For higher GVWs, including the HX81 HET, the addition of a torque convertor in the driveline is optional. For HX2 models, the 40M 4×4 retains the AS Mid gearbox, and while the 42M 6×6 and 44M 8×8 originally retained the AS Tronic, this is now superseded by the 12F/2R automated TraXon gearbox. The 45M 10×10 is fitted as standard with a ZF Ecolife seven-speed automated transmission with torque convertor and primary retarder, this an option for the 42M and 44M. As a further option, a fully automatic transmission can be fitted to most models. All HX models feature a MAN two-speed transfer case, with a neutral position an option for the transfer case.
Drive axles are MAN single tyre hub-reduction, and with the exception of the heavier tractor units which are full-time all-wheel drive for traction and torque distribution reasons, all models have selectable front wheel drive. All axles have cross-axle differential locks and there are longitudinal differential locks in rear (and front on 8×8 and 10×10 chassis) axle combinations and the transfer case. Axle weight ratings are 9000 kg or 11,000 kg for front axles, and 13,000 kg for rear axles with single wheels/tyres.
Front steer-drive axles (including the 2nd axle on 8×8/10×10 chassis) are sprung by a combination of parabolic leaf springs with progressively acting rubber assistors and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Steering is ZF hydraulically actuated and steering lock on the front axle is 36°, steering lock on the second axle is 18°. On the five-axle 45M the rearmost axle contra-steers. Rear axles are sprung by inverted multi-leaf trapezoidal springs with a radius rod and an anti-roll bar. A conventional rear bogie set-up is employed for 6×6 and 8×8 chassis. The 45M 10×10 features hydropneumatic suspension for the three rearmost axles. Anti-roll bars are fitted front and/or rear on an as-required basis.
The standard 14.00 R 20 tyres may be replaced by 395/85 R 20, 525/65 R 20 or 16.00 R 20 tyres if required. On heavy tractor trucks, a 24 R 21 option exists for rear axles. Tyre chains for all tyre sizes up to 16.00 R 20 are permitted. A central tyre inflation system (CTIS) or semi-automatic tyre inflation system (STIS) and run-flat inserts are options.
All models can climb a 60% gradient, traverse a 40% sideslope, and have an approach angle of 40 degrees. Fording was initially 750 mm of water without preparation, this increasing to 1.5 m with preparation. For HX2 models this increased to a standard 1.5 m without additional preparation. Climatic operational range is from -32 °C to +49 °C without additional preparation, with -46 °C an option.
With the exception of the modular military cab, the location of the cooling pack and a small number of military specific ancillary items and modifications, for cost efficiency reasons RMMV has strived for maximum commonality with the TG commercial product.
HX3
The HX3 was unveiled on 6 May 2021. Like it predecessors, the HX3 is designed for purpose and is classed a military-off-the-shelf (MOTS) product. The HX3 will be available in 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 10x10 configurations, with the 8x8 and 10x10 options available with active rear suspension and rear-axle steer options. A fully Automated Load Handling System (ALHS) and Universal Torsion-Resistant Subframe (UTRS) will further enhance capability in the traditional logistics role, while the Artillery Truck Interface (ATI) will enable the 10x10 to be utilised as the basis for various artillery or similar systems.
The HX3 remains based around militarised MAN commercial components, with new safety features carried across from the commercial product including Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), all of these disconnectable for tactical applications. EURO 5 engines are standard, these compatible with military grade fuels following limited modifications. For consistent use on lower grade fuels (up to 5000 ppm sulfur), a EURO 2 engine option is an option, and for users requiring current European emissions compliance a EURO 6 option is also available. Autonomous driving options will also be available.
The flat-paneled military cab of the HX/HX2 models has been redesigned for the HX3. A new single piece flat mine blast protecting floor is used, this allowing for standard commercial seats to be used for the crew, these with five-point harnesses if required. Air-conditioning is now relocated from the roof to within the new dashboard assembly, the compressed air cylinders now moved from the chassis frame rails to the roof. All stowage boxes are watertight, the HX3 capable of fording in up to 1.5 m of salt water. Other off-road performance criteria includes a vertical step of 590 mm and an approach angle of 40 degrees. The HX3-specific chassis frame allows for up to 400 mm of torsional twist.
On 6 November 2017 Rheinmetall announced the company was a main sponsor for high-altitude record-breaking attempt that had commenced that day. Using two HX range trucks (a 340 hp 4×4 40M and a 440 hp 6×6 58) the expedition aimed to reach the highest point on earth accessible to motor vehicles – the 6890 m-tall Ojos del Salado, the world's highest active volcano, located on the border of Chile and Argentina. In order to set a new world record the vehicles would have to reach an altitude of at least 6,690 metres above sea level. On 19 December it was announced the altitude record attempt had been called off at a height of 6,150 m for a combination of factors including an insurmountable rock barrier and adverse weather conditions. The team had, however, built two refuge huts during their ascent, the highest of these built at 6,100 m, a record.