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.

History
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 The earlier LX range was superseded by the HX range in 2004. The FX range was superseded in 2005.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).

Description (HX/HX2)
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.

World record attempt - Chile
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.

Gallery

Operators

Germany

Other operators 
 
 2536 HX models ordered in July 2013 as the Phase 3B part of project Land 121. Australia was the first customer to receive HX2 variants. First vehicle handover occurred on 7 April 2016, when 6 HX77 (8×8) and 6 40M (4×4) were handed over. A further 1044 ordered in July 2018 as Land 121 Phase 5B, an extension of Phase 3B. Initial Operating Capability for Phase 3B trucks declared in February 2020. As of April 2021 around 800 trucks were left to build and deliver, with final deliveries occurring during 2024.
 
 Just over 75 HX trucks with a framework contract in place from 2023. Totals pre-framework deliveries include 20 HX77 8×8 configured with a load handling system and armoured cab in 2006, 20 42M 6×6 and four HX81 HETs ordered around 2017/2018, five 44M 8×8 (2 x TEP 90; 3 x heavy recovery) on order as of 2019, and 24 medium recovery vehicles (mittleres Bergefahrzeug HX2 (mBgeFzg)) delivered in 2022. Austria's Bundesbeschaffung GmbH Wien procurement organisation signed a seven-year framework agreement in May 2023 for up to 1,375 vehicles, with a potential order value of up to EUR525 million. The agreement allows for the delivery of HX range trucks plus TG MIL (TGM and TGS). 
 
 In November 2024, Canada's Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) requirement was awarded to Rheinmetall Canada. The award includes two contracts, a five-year purchase agreement valued at $325 million CAD for 85 heavy recovery trucks and 24 armoured cabs (with an option for additional orders), and an eight-year $30.4 million CAD support contract with options periods up to 16 years. The first trucks are to be delivered during 2027. The HX2 range trucks being supplied are 44M 8x8, these equipped with a recovery package based around a Miller 1050M rotator and a Rotzler TR200 capstan-type main winch with a 25 tonne single line pull for 103 m of cable. The rotator is fitted with twin Tarvos TA15 drum winches, these rated at 10 tonnes on the bottom layer and 6.6 tonnes on the top layer.
 
 Small quantity (possibly 2); system carrier.
 
 Just over 200 HX trucks to all branches of the armed forces from late 2006. Totals include 113 HX77 8×8 fitted with a load handling system, 83 HX77 8×8 in conventional cargo/tanker truck configurations, about five HX58 6×6 in tractor unit configuration to the Danish Air Force, and four HX60 4×4 in container/cargo configuration.
 
 HX2 44M are used as the basis of Egypt's IRIS-T SLM medium-range ground-based air defense (GBAD) missile system designed and manufactured by the German company Diehl. The initial production batch of this order was diverted to Ukraine.
 
 A single ex-UK HX60 has been converted to left-hand drive (LHD) with a view to acquiring surplus UK HX60.
 
 Contract award to Rába. Production of Rába H-14, H-18, and H-25 trucks commenced in 2004, these initially locally designed chassis fitted with MAN engines, associated components including cooling system and the MAN modular military cab. Later production was HX CKD using some locally sourced components such as axles. About 300 examples were built using components supplied between 2004 and 2006, with a further 250 assembled from CKD kits delivered from 2007. Hungary also received around 80 RMMV HX77 8×8 trucks, plus around 40 44M and 45M HX2 models as support vehicles for Lynx and Leopard, plus system carrier roles.
 
 Five HX60 4×4 fitted with specialist EOD container bodies to the Army. Delivery of the latest two examples was announced on 22 August 2016.
 
 Used for the chassis of Type 19 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. At least 44 8x8 chassis have been ordered since 2019, with a further 14 to be ordered in 2025.
 
 10 purchased by the KSF. Five further examples donated by the German government. All WLS configuration and from German Army stock. 
 
 In July 2012 a sale of 83 HX60 4×4 trucks in cargo, water, and fuel tanker configurations to the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) was disclosed.
 
 Under a Defence Force Land Transport Capability Programme project to replace an aged Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicle Fleet (MHOV), New Zealand received 194 HX range trucks. Also in service are four HX77 8×8 supplied from UK stocks.
 
 The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO) announced on 31 March 2014 it had signed two contracts with RMMV, an initial purchase contract and a through-life logistics support contract. Norway's initial order calls for about 120 HX2 and TG MIL range trucks, with HX2 variants accounting for the bulk of the order. It includes 95 HX 8×8 and eight 45M 10×10 recovery. First deliveries occurred during 2018. As of April 2021 around 250 HX range trucks were thought to have been ordered by Norway and Sweden combined. This is a framework agreement that includes Sweden and the original intention was to buy up to 2,000 military logistics vehicles before 2026.
 
 6 units delivered in 2024 WFEL Dry Support Bridges mounted on Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle (RMMV) 45M 10x10 heavy duty off-road military trucks acquired as part of the Philippine Army's Combat Engineering Equipment - Dry Support Bridges Acquisition Project, which is a Horizon 2 phase project under the RAFPMP and  awarded to UK's WFEL as part of G2G deal between the Philippines DND and UK MOD.
 
 In November 2016 it was announced that an undisclosed international customer had awarded Rheinmetall a €134 million contract for 110 HX81 with semi-trailers for delivery between January 2018 and February 2019, with additional orders envisaged. Specific configuration details of the combination were not released, but the contract value included comprehensive service and logistical support for a period of five years. During 2023 it became known that the vast majority of these trucks and trailers (around 90) were not delivered due to German export licence issues. They were later supplied to Ukraine.
 
 Singapore operates around 60 44M 8×8 with recovery hampers provided by Miller. Further trucks in for use in a system carrier role are understood to be on order as of 2024.
 
 From May 2011 the Slovakian Army received 20 HX77 8×8 configured as container carriers.
 
 In exchange for sending 28 Slovenian M55S tanks (upgraded T-55 tanks) to Ukraine, Germany transferred over 40 44M trucks in WLS configuration to Slovenia in December 2022. These were from German Army stocks. 
 
 In May 2014 Sweden placed an initial order with RMMV for trucks. The initial order was for 215 trucks, of which 62 were HX2, the bulk of these 44M 8×8. Deliveries commenced during 2017. In 2018 another 40 HX2 were ordered as a system carrier for the Patriot air defense system, and in 2019 an initial 24 (now 48) HX2 were ordered as a carrier for the ammunition handling system belonging to the Archer artillery system. Swedish orders (excluding Archer) are under a framework agreement that includes Norway, and the original intention of this agreement was to buy up to 2,000 military logistics vehicles before 2026. By November 2024 around 350 HX range trucks are thought to have been ordered by Sweden and Norway combined.
 
 Small quantity, use unknown but thought to be system carrier application, and possibly radar.
 
 Supplied via Aselsan; small quantity, use unknown but thought to be system carrier application.
 
 Ukraine has received a selection of HX trucks, the total number of which is thought to be around 350. These have included surplus HX60 from UK stocks, and used 40M from Austria (total around 200), around 75 mainly 44M from German stocks in WLS and system carrier configurations, and around 90 HX81 HETs with semi-trailers that were originally destined for Saudi Arabia and delivered by July 2024.
 
 Between 2011-2014 it is understood that 32 (4 + 28) HX81 with 28 Crossmobil five-axle full-width semi-trailers were delivered to the UAE. Most of the HX81 have an extended version of the standard RMMV modular military cab, and the rear two drive axles have the standard 16.00 R 20 tyres replaced with wider 24 R 21 tyres as fitted to the semi-trailer.
 
 It was announced in October 2004 that the UK Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) had selected the MAN ERF UK Ltd proposal for the UK armed forces' Support Vehicle requirement; a contract award followed in March 2005. The base contract award covered 5,165 vehicles and 69 recovery trailers with the first vehicles entering service in June 2007. Total Support Vehicle contract deliveries to the UK Ministry of Defence totalled 7,415 + 69 trailers (7,484), this figure including a contract option, plus some delivery revisions and additional orders. The Support Vehicle contract called for two model ranges to be delivered to the MoD, SX and HX, with a >90% quantity bias towards HX models. The UK has of 2023 confirmed a surplus of HX60 trucks, with some of these supplied to Ukraine. Also, during 2023/2024 the UK received 500 44M from German Army stocks in WLS configuration.
 
 Small quantity supplied for OPFOR roles during training.
 
 HX58 and HX77 variants are used to mount the Israeli-made SPYDER surface-to-air missile systems that is operated by the Vietnamese Air Force. From 2015 around five or six batteries are thought to have been acquired.

See also
 MAN LX and FX ranges of tactical trucks - Predecessors of HX range
 MAN KAT1 - Predecessor of SX range
 MAN SX - Successor to KAT 1, originally complemented HX range
 RMMV Survivor R - Wheeled armoured vehicle offered by RMMV
 YAK - Wheeled armoured vehicle offered by RMMV
 Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle - Wheeled light armoured/multirole vehicle offered by RMMV in a JV with KMW
 Boxer - Wheeled armoured vehicle offered by RMMV in a JV with KMW
 Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles - JV of MAN and Rheinmetall for wheeled vehicles
 TPz (Transportpanzer) Fuchs - Wheeled armoured personnel carrier
 List of modern equipment of the German Army

References

Notes

Bibliography

External links

 First trucks to Australia
 Australia Land 121
 Eurosatory 2016: IHS Jane's talks to Rheinmetall MAN Military vehicles on their HX range of trucks
 New Zealand Army
 Rheinmetall Defence - HX Series High Mobility Trucks
 Rheinmetall Defence - Mammut HX 8×8 High Mobility Truck (HX81)
 HX81 with Goldhofer trailer
 Rheinmetall Defence - Military Mobility Trucks
 Rheinmetall Defence - HX Series High Mobility Trucks (Danish)
 MAN HX77 (Danish)
 MAN HX 77 protected by Rheinmetall ROSY
 MHOV - All New Army trucks (New Zealand)
 HX - High mobility truck system (Rheinmetall Defence page)
 Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (Rheinmetall Defence RMMV page)
 Trucks on track. A successful year for Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV)
 Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles IDEX 2013

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Post–Cold War military vehicles of Germany
Military trucks of the United Kingdom
Military trucks of Germany
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Off-road vehicles
Military transport
Military logistics