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 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.
RMMV (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 The earlier LX range was superseded by the HX range in 2004. The FX range was superseded in 2005.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 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.
For clarity, RMMV is a 49%/51% joint venture established in January 2010 between MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG (now MAN Truck & Bus) and Rheinmetall AG.
The HX/HX2 ranges of trucks combine militarised commercial driveline and chassis with the latest version of a modular military-specific cab. The HX/HX2 ranges are based on chassis and driveline components of MAN's commercial TG WorldWide heavy truck range which was first introduced in 2000. The HX2 range use a dedicated chassis.
MAN water-cooled diesel engines of various power outputs and emissions compliance are used across the range, these including the D0836, D2066, D2676 and D2868. The engine remains positioned conventionally (longitudinally between the chassis rails), however, the cooling pack is located transversally at the rear of the cab. This location offers protection from damage and blockage of the radiator with mud etc. when operating off-road. It also allows for a larger volume radiator to be used, which enhances hot-climate operating 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 is standard fit, this coupled to a MAN two-speed transfer case. A powershift-type fully automatic transmission is an option.
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 axle(s) drive. All axles have cross-axle differential locks and there are longitudinal differential locks in rear (and front on 8×8 and 10x10 chassis) axle combinations and the transfer case. Axle weight ratings are 9000 kg or 11,000 kg for front axles, and 10,000 kg for rear axles with single wheels/tyres.
Front steer-drive axles (including the 2nd axle on 8x8/10x10 chassis) are sprung by a combination of parabolic leaf springs with progressively acting rubber assistors and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Rear axles are sprung by inverted multi-leaf trapezoidal springs with radius rod and an anti-roll bar. A conventional rear bogie set-up is employed for 6×6 and 8×8 chassis. The HX45M 10×10 features hydropneumatic suspension for the rear three axles.
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. A central tire inflation system (CTIS) or semi-automatic tire inflation system and run-flat inserts are options.
All models can climb a 60% gradient, traverse a 40% sideslope, have an approach angle of 40 degrees, and ford 750 mm of water without preparation, this increasing to 1.5 m with preparation.
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.
To meet increasing demands for crew protection on deployed operations the HX range was designed from the outset with protection options in mind. In standard configuration a blast-proof vertical split-windscreen is fitted, and a riot protection kit is available for the cab. For more significant threats an appliqué protection kit, for which vehicles are prepared to accept at the production stage, have been developed in conjunction with Ressenig of Austria and Rheinmetall of Germany. Known as the Modular Armour Cabin (MAC), in basic specification these kits weigh around 1500 kg. The cab 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 suited to models with twin front axles only. A Rheinmetall-developed IAC option is now available, this suitable for all HX range trucks, depending on front axle rating and protection levels. Australia, Norway, and Sweden are receiving trucks with this cab which is manufactured at a purpose-constructed facility recently opened at Rheinmetall's facility in Unterluss, Germany.
On 6 November 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 4x4 HX40M and a 440 hp 6x6 HX58) 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 December 19 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.
Complete article available at this page.
