The last of more than 3500 vehicles was handed over at Rheinmetall’s MILVECOE in Ipswich. Photo: ADF.
The last of more than 3500 heavy trucks has been delivered to the Australian Defence Force in a ceremony in Queensland.
The Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) trucks were mostly delivered to the Army under Project LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B in several configurations, with most of them being assembled at and delivered from Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicles Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Ipswich.
A total of 3580 HX series medium and heavy military logistics trucks and 3165 modules and protected cabs were delivered on schedule and under budget in recovery vehicle, transporter, self-loading hook-lift, fuel truck, tractor and tipper configurations over the decade-long program. HX trucks are powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and can weigh up to 41,000 kg.
Chief of Staff of Rheinmetall AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RMMV Australia Pty Ltd, Michael Wittlinger said the HX truck is the workhorse of the Australian Army and provides the Australian Defence Force with outstanding capabilities.
“The entire workforce of Rheinmetall Defence Australia and RMMV Australia are grateful to have successfully completed the project together with the Commonwealth of Australia.
“The first HX trucks procured under the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program entered service more than 10 years ago. Since then, the HX truck has proven to be a mainstay for the Australian supply force.
“These vehicles are the logistical backbone of the Australian Army, transporting troops, food, water and other equipment throughout Australia,” he added.
“The HX trucks are built in the Austrian capital of Vienna by RMMV. Final assembly of the Australian fleet was undertaken at Rheinmetall Defence Australia in southeast Queensland and supported by our team members in Victoria and Queensland.”
Australian Army, CASG and RMMV officials at the handover. Photo: ADF.
With the assembly and delivery of the vehicles now complete, MILVECOE will transition to support and sustain the HX fleet through a national network of partners and suppliers.
“Our team of field service representatives follow the members of the Australian Army with the HX trucks to all corners of Australia to ensure the reliability and serviceability of the vehicle fleet,” he said.
More than 20,000 RMMV HX trucks are in service with various NATO member and partner nations, including New Zealand, Germany, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Singapore and Canada.
An Army HX 77 heavy truck. Photo: ADF.
Army’s Head Land Systems Division LTGEN Jason Blain said the new trucks had become the public face of so much of Army’s transport and logistics.
“Wherever our modern Army goes, these trucks and their ancillary equipment are never far away,” he said.
“You’ll see them on our bases, towing artillery, moving stores and troops, and providing much needed humanitarian support in times of crisis, both at home and overseas.
“The trusted and collaborative relationship built over many years between Defence Industry partner RMMVA, other key industry partners, CASG and Army has led to the delivery of this outstanding capability.”
