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American Rheinmetall wins US Army contract for hybrid autonomous UGVs
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American Rheinmetall has been awarded an 18-month contract under the US Army's Project Sustainment to develop hybrid-powered, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) for tactical logistics. The contract, facilitated by the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC), focuses on autonomous transport of supplies to and from front lines to reduce soldier risk. Key features include enhanced autonomy, hybrid power integration, and voice control via natural language processing. American Rheinmetall is partnering with Harbinger (commercial vehicle expertise), Forterra (autonomy solutions), and Primordial Labs (Anura human-machine interface). The vehicles are designed to support company-sized unit logistics and align with Army modernization priorities. Work will occur at various US locations and test ranges, with potential for future orders as the Army expands its autonomous logistics fleet.
Source report
American Rheinmetall has secured a contract to deliver new autonomous ground vehicle technologies for the US Army under Project Sustainment.
The 18-month agreement, awarded via the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC), tasks the company and its partners with developing hybrid-powered, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) designed to support tactical sustainment missions.
Project Scope and Objectives
The project calls for UGVs capable of autonomously transporting supplies and materiel to and from the front lines. This capability aims to reduce soldiers' exposure to danger while supporting the Army's broader modernisation agenda.
According to the company, the vehicles will feature:
- Enhanced autonomy
- Hybrid power integration
- Support for logistical operations at the company-unit level
Key priorities for Project Sustainment include the integration of commercial technologies, advanced autonomy, and improved human-machine interfaces. Among the features being developed is voice control, intended to enable soldiers to interact with robotic systems using natural language commands.
Industry Partners
American Rheinmetall is partnering with several firms on the programme:
- Harbinger – Contributing commercial vehicle and technology expertise to support rapid development and production.
- Forterra – Providing autonomy solutions to facilitate distributed, low-intervention operation in challenging environments.
- Primordial Labs – Supplying its Anura human-machine interface, which uses natural language processing to translate commanders' intent and streamline vehicle control.
Contract Details
Work on the contract will take place at various locations and test ranges across the United States, according to the announcement. The contract also allows for the possibility of future orders as the Army continues to evolve its autonomous logistics fleet.
Executive Comment
Jim Schirmer, American Rheinmetall Sales & Marketing Vice President, said:
"This award expands American Rheinmetall's growing portfolio of uncrewed ground systems within the US market and reinforces our position as a leader in ground robotics and autonomous technologies. Project Sustainment directly supports the Army's modernisation priorities by delivering autonomous load-handling and transport capabilities that increase readiness and reduce the burden on Soldiers."
Background
In May this year, American Rheinmetall partnered with Harbinger to develop and field a family of robotic and uncrewed ground vehicles to support US Department of War modernisation priorities.
Prototype uncrewed military ground vehicle for American Rheinmetall, built on Harbinger's dual-use hybrid chassis. Credit: Harbinger/PRNewswire.
Source
Army TechnologyWestern
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