From the mind into the machine
11. October 2024
14. October 2024
With a striking modern design and an aggressive design language, Rheinmetall gives its military utility and armoured vehicles an unmistakable look, and thus making the company the pioneer of an entire industry.
What defines good design, Mr Oberhoff?
Rheinmetall has developed its new design language in close cooperation with the innov-ation agency KT design, based in Hagen, close to the Teutoburg Forest. “Military transport and armoured vehicles are combat equipment. They have to look appropriately deterrent and aggressive,” says chief designer Thomas Oberhoff. His formula for success: imprinting a character to the vehicles. At the same time, the design reflects the technological strength. The central design elements are fanned-out triangular and trapezium surfaces, which are reminiscent of protective shields and give the soldiers a secure feeling. “The more diagonal edges the cladding has, the more stable and dynamic the vehicle appears,” says Oberhoff. “The trick is to find the right angles and proportions.”
Hardly any other military vehicle characterises the image of international armed forces more than the MAN KAT1. Originally created in 1962 as a special development for the Bundeswehr, more than 20,000 trucks of its successor model, the HX, are now in service worldwide. The iconic design from back then, with its angular shapes and split windscreen, is cult. It is currently undergoing a far-reaching facelift with a completely redesigned vehicle cab, as Christoph Pickert, Vice President Sales at Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, states: “The latest generation of our HX series not only means more protection, ergonomics, and automotive assistance systems for soldiers,” says the sales manager. “The vehicles are also particularly visually impressive.”
A mix of revolution and evolution
Dynamic edges, shifted trapeziums, surface diagonals, and, last but not least, the “angry look” characterise the new appearance of the HX3. The completely redesigned vehicle cabin looks threatening, personifying power and stability. In addition to the revolutionary design language in the look and feel of the new Rheinmetall design, there are also reminiscences of the MAN Kat1. “It was important for us to continue its successful history and to let the old generation live on in the design of individual elements such as the windscreen,” emphasises Pickert.
Iterative design process
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles began the project back in 2018. “As the trucks are approved for road use, the design is highly regulated,” explains Pickert, adding: “Whether it’s dimensions, field of vision sizes, or the position of indicators and rear-view mirrors – many things are required by law.” Not all of the ideas that emerged during the design process could therefore be realised for construction or cost reasons. “It was a very iterative process until what was technically feasible was on the digital drawing board in the form of a CAD construction.” The result is impressive. The team presented the prototypes in 2020. The vehicles are currently being trialled, not only internally. The U.S. Army has also shown interest in the HX3 vehicle family as part of its Common Tactical Truck programme. Assuming everything goes according to plan, serial production of the new generation will begin in 2027.
Between functionality and aesthetics
Rheinmetall implemented its new design language for the first time with the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. This was followed by the Fuchs Evolution armoured transport vehicle and the Panther KF51 main battle tank. Each vehicle has its own individual character, and yet it is unmistakably clear that this is a Rheinmetall product. The fact that military combat vehicles are defined by their aesthetics and brand identity in addition to their functionality is a novelty. Nevertheless, the credo here is also “Form follows function”. Klaas Krause, Vice President of Product Management at Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, explains: “Yesterday, as today, the basic functionalities of military vehicle systems are driving, radio transmission, and firing. Changes in type and construction are primarily the result of new disruptive technologies, rather than aesthetic factors.” The product manager cites the larger usable volume of modern armoured vehicles as an example: “In the past, vehicles had a very flat silhouette, so they could move undetected and offer less of a target when under fire.” In today’s transparent battlefield with satellite and drone reconnaissance, sensors, and thermal imaging cameras, this strategic advantage has faded into the background.
What is important today? “Ensuring as much safety, mobility, and usable volume as possible,” answers Krause. Thanks to the human-machine interface and artificial intelligence, soldiers no longer have to leave the protection of the armoured vehicle. But the electronics need space. And, as with the Lynx, Fuchs, and Panther, it must be harmoniously integrated into the overall contours of the vehicle. After all, even military users cannot ignore aesthetic aspects, says Klaas Krause. The success of the new model series with their unmistakable design language proves him right.
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