Ermine
A high-performance hybrid platform
Ermine – Modular hybrid vehicle family for all modern combat requirements
The Ermine adds a high-performance hybrid platform to Rheinmetall's wheeled tactical vehicle portfolio.
It is a new lightweight tactical system that combines the robustness of a diesel unit with many advantages of an electric drive, such as Silent Move & Silent Watch.
The combination of the powertrain and its design (can be used as a 4x4 quad, 4x4/6x6 buggy or UGV) allows the vehicle to cover long distances of up to 1,200 km, if necessary with high agility and with a payload up to one tonne. Small, manoeuvrable and air-transportable, the Ermine is ready for many operational scenarios on the battlefield of the future and offers military users a wide range of adaptable weapons and/or reconnaissance systems.
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The fundamental structure of the Ermine has been designed for maximum modularity, offering the military user maximum possibilities for integrating reconnaissance or weapon systems with a payload of 500 kg for the 4x4 and 1,000 kg for the 6x6 (by adding an additional self-driven axle).
The system can be used in an unmanned ground vehicle, side-by-side buggy or manned quad, with in-field conversion possible. Each of the vehicles can travel to GPS coordinates, follow soldiers or other systems autonomously or be used for teleoperation.
Noiseless
- The electrical powertrain makes the Ermine almost silent. It is capable of driving up to 50 km silently through heavy terrain and up to 100 km on the road. The system offers its users significant tactical advantages in avoiding enemy reconnaissance.
- The Ermine can be used as a network-independent power source, particularly by infantry units or special forces operating deep in the room for the use of C4I and reconnaissance equipment, due to its hybrid concept.
Hybridisation
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The Ermine is superior to its competitors in terms of agility and mobility in almost any terrain. The integrated 16 or 32 kWh batteries power the 30 kW electric motors, which in turn are used on each axle.
- The Ermine is designed to be transported as an internal or external load on all NATO-introduced transport helicopter types.
4x4 Quad: Silent Move- and Silent Watch-, as well as Hit- and Run-Operations.
4x4 Buggy: Silent Move- and Silent Watch-Operations, as well as the use of a light weapon station.
6x6 Buggy: Silent Move and Silent Watch operations, as well as the use of a heavy weapon station, integration of launcher systems for missiles, drones or loitering ammunition.
UGV / MUGS: Silent Move- and Silent Watch-Operations, as well as the transportation of wounded soldiers or supplies using waypoint navigation, remote control or the follow function of the autonomy kit.
Current customers:
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