The world's leading companies are engaged in the development of promising robotic systems suitable for solving various combat and auxiliary tasks. The German company Rheinmetall Defense offers the Mission Master RTK for this. Such a project provides for the construction of a universal wheeled platform chassis with remote control, suitable for mounting various systems and weapons.
Modular approach
For the first time, the Mission Master project was told in 2017. In the future, the developer company disclosed new information and showed the newly developed modifications of this RTK. The latest information about the development of the project came just a few days ago. In another promotional video, the work of the new Mission Master combat modification, which received missile armament, was demonstrated.
RTK from Rheinmetall is based on a universal wheeled chassis with the required characteristics. The chassis has a cargo area suitable for mounting various equipment. It can be equipped with a means of transporting goods, optical systems or a variety of weapons. The installation of target modules is not associated with altering the chassis itself, although the finished vehicles may differ significantly from each other. The maximum payload is 600 kg. At the same time, some modules are noticeably lighter and leave a certain margin of carrying capacity.
The platform is designed as a compact four-axle vehicle and has a recognizable appearance. An unnamed type of power plant and control equipment are placed inside the hull. The chassis is equipped with a set of driving video cameras, and can also be equipped with lidars. Onboard equipment provides constant two-way communication with the operator, and also allows you to connect to various target loads and control it remotely.
The Mission Master chassis on the highway develops a speed of up to 40 km / h. The car can swim due to the rotation of the wheels, accelerating to 5 km / h. Control and communication are carried out using a wearable remote control. All RTK functions are controlled by one operator.
Unmanned transport
The simplest option for retrofitting the chassis is called Mission Master Cargo. It is regarded as a "mule" and is designed to carry a variety of goods. The payload is placed directly on the roof of the hull or on additional roof racks of several versions. Such devices can be mounted on the sides or over the roof - depending on the type of cargo and the problem being solved.
Equipment, ammunition, etc. it is proposed to be transported on the roof and in side restraints made of frames and belts. Mission Master Cargo can also work as an ambulance. A pair of stretchers on longitudinal baskets on the roof is used to evacuate the lying wounded. The safety of the wounded is ensured by seat belts and restraints.
Scout car
RTK type Mission Master UGV-S is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance. In this case, a larger superstructure and a telescopic mast are mounted on the chassis. The latter houses a block of optoelectronic equipment. The UGV-S can go to the required position and perform observation by raising the optics to the required height.
The UGV-S operator monitors in real time, and thanks to this, the unit immediately receives up-to-date information about the situation. At the same time, reconnaissance does not lead to risks for the personnel - the fighters can remain in a safe place while the RTK operates in the danger zone.
Combat versions
The first of the combat options appeared RTK UGV-P. This vehicle is designated as a unit fire support and has the appropriate equipment. In this version, the chassis receives a remotely controlled weapon station with machine gun and grenade launcher weapons. Also, the prototype shown was complemented by a rear equipment cover and roll bars.
The main task of the UGV-P is the direct fire support of the unit or independent work at a distance from the operator. It was also proposed to use such a technique for patrolling, assault, etc. The proposed set of weapons allows you to effectively fight manpower, lightly armored vehicles and unfortified buildings.
This spring, Rheinmetall showed a new combat version of the Mission Master. This modification of the RTK is equipped with a missile launcher. A rotary support was used, on which two packages of the FZ220 type with seven guides on each and a block of optoelectronic equipment for guidance are installed. In fact, we are talking about the creation of a short-range robotic multiple launch rocket system.
This Mission Master variant can use 70 mm unguided and guided missiles. It is proposed to be used for inflicting point or area strikes against enemy targets. Depending on the type of missiles used, MLRS based on Mission Master is capable of destroying manpower, fortifications and various equipment. Control systems allow you to shoot single and volley. Shooting all ammunition takes 1, 6 seconds.
Technique on landfills
Since 2017, various prototypes of the Rheinmetall Mission Master family have been regularly tested in various conditions. Checks are carried out both in Germany and in other countries. With their help, the strengths and weaknesses of the new technology and the ways of its modernization are determined. In addition, the interaction of the RTK and living fighters is being worked out.
Some of the results of such events are of interest. So, in September last year, Rheinmetall took part in the RTK ELROB-2018 competition. Her RTK Mission Master won by a wide margin in the category of "mules" - vehicles for escorting infantry.
A few days ago, the development company published a new video showing the operation of the complex in the MLRS configuration. Rough terrain and gunfire footage was filmed at the Denel Overberg training ground in South Africa. It should be expected that new tests will take place in the near future, and Rheinmetall will certainly show the most interesting moments.
Waiting for order
The promising RTC Mission Master was first shown two years ago. Then the specialists and the public were shown a universal chassis and several options for the target load for it. To date, all this equipment has been tested at various test sites, and in addition, new models for other purposes have joined it.
However, RTK Mission Master has not yet been launched into series. This system attracts attention and becomes a topic for discussion, but contracts for the supply of finished samples are not yet available. Apparently, potential customers are not yet ready to purchase and put into service such a complex - for all its advantages.
The advantages and positive qualities of the Mission Master RTK and others like it are obvious. Such equipment in transport configuration is able to follow the soldiers and transport their supplies, weapons or equipment, simplifying the route and the solution of the combat mission. RTK with surveillance systems allows reconnaissance with minimal risks, and the combat vehicle is capable of supporting the infantry with fire or even independently solving all fire missions.
However, this technique has certain drawbacks. First of all, it is a high degree of novelty, which requires long-term development in order to eliminate possible risks. In addition, for the operation of the RTK under the control of the operator, stable radio communication is required, which is why the enemy's electronic warfare equipment becomes a serious threat. The defeat of the RTK by enemy fire can lead to the loss of ammunition and other "baggage" or to the impossibility of fire support in difficult conditions.
Nevertheless, with the solution of all technical issues and the correct organization of the use of the RTK Mission Master in any configuration, it is able to make a significant contribution to the solution of certain combat missions. This allows us to assume that the modular complex from Rheinmetall will still be of interest to customers and will be able to go into series production.
The lack of contracts at the moment cannot be considered an unambiguous problem. In the current conditions, the development company gets the opportunity to carry out all development work without haste and bring to the market a full-fledged and finished military product. In addition, the development of the idea of a modular RTK can be developed, and in the future there will be new Mission Master variants for other missions and operations. And the future customer will be able to get a robotic complex with wider possibilities.
