The SX is a family of high-mobility off-road tactical trucks manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH later known as the RMMV division. Production ended in early 2019 and it evolved from the MAN KAT1 range, marketed as the SX90 or S2000 range. It was marketed as the "most mobile and reliable truck on earth". The same chassis and cabin were declined into 8×8, 6×6, and 4×4 variants, with only the first two kept in production in later years. All were also air-transportable by C-130 Hercules. There was even a 10×10 demonstrator built with a 1000 hp engine. These trucks were declined in many configurations, and largely produced and exported, notably to Algeria, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Lithuania, Norway, Oman, Slovenia, Sweden, UAE and the UK. For the latter, it was chosen by the British DoD to replace the fleet of Foden, Bedford, and DAF Trucks with 7,285 ordered by April 2010 alone. It was replaced bby the HX range in 2018.
About MAN and RMMV
It's origin is the "Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg" company of Munich in Bavaria. It traced its origins all the way back to 1758. Its start was the "St. Antony" ironworks in Oberhausen, now celebrated as the first heavy-industry enterprise in the Ruhr. In 1808 "St. Antony", "Gute Hoffnung" and "Neue Essen" merged to create Hüttengewerkschaft und Handlung Jacobi in Oberhausen, later Gutehoffnungshütte (GHH). In 1840, German engineer Ludwig Sander created in Augsburg "Sander'sche Maschinenfabrik", later "C. Reichenbach'sche Maschinenfabrik" after printing machines pioneer Carl August Reichenbach and eventualy "Maschinenfabrik Augsburg". Süddeutsche Brückenbau A.G. was created in 1859 to built railway bridge over the Rhine at Mainz.
In 1898, Maschinenbau-AG Nürnberg (1841) and Maschinenfabrik Augsburg AG (1840) merged to create the Vereinigte Maschinenfabrik Augsburg und Maschinenbaugesellschaft Nürnberg A.G., which in 1908 was renamed Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nürnberg AG (M·A·N). At first it stayed in its heavy industries business between ore mining and iron production in the Ruhr. However in between mechanical engineering started to grow as its main activity between Augsburg and Nuremberg. Heinrich von Buz managed to go from a modest 400 employees company to an industrial giant of 12,000 by 1913.
Between its many departments, the company provided a wide range of models in Locomotion, propulsion, and still steel building, and piled up technological innovations notably thanks to the engineering unit under Heinrich Gerber, signing for example the Wuppertal monorail and steel bridges like Großhesseloher Brücke and Müngsten railway bridge. The company also manufactured a rotary printing press and from 1893, teamed up with Rudolf Diesel in Augsburg to produce a first workable diesel engine. In WW1 its war production was mostly indirect.
In 1921, the majority of MAN was taken over by the Gutehoffnungshütte Actienverein für Bergbau und Hüttenbetrieb, Sterkrade (GHH) and integrated Deutsche Werft (1918), Ferrostaal (1921), Deggendorfer Werft und Eisenbau (1924), to reach 52,000 employee that year in 1921. Its first vehicle range was of tractors with "MAN Ackerdiesel" from 1938 onwards (terminated 1962). MAN, or especially GHH suffered of the Ruhr occupation by Belgo-French troops. Its total personel went down to 7400 in 1931-32, not helped by the economical crisis. Howerer if the civilian market shrunk, the arrival of the nazis changed the game entirely. Production wad redirected to the military and rapidly grew again.
GHH/MAN supplied indeed finished tanks, diesel engines for submarines or surface craft as well as cylinders for projectiles and artillery. It was renown soon for its workable Panzer diesel engines, but Maybach still had a monopoly on design and manufacture and no diesels engines were installed in production armoured fighting vehicles. MAN however produced gun parts, such as for the legendary 98k rifle. The manufactures at Augsburg concentrated on diesel engines for U-boats and surface craft whereas MAN works in Nuremberg still built 40% of Germany's Panther tanks and suffered greatly from Allied bombing attacks.
The allies split up the GHH group. The MAN firms of Southern Germany concentrated on engineering, plant construction, commercial vehicles, and printing machines, notably the acquiring truck and bus division of Büssing in 1971, and took shares in Deutsche Werft Shipyard in 1966/67) as well as acquiring the printing machine producer Faber + Schleicher (MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG in 1979). In 1980, MAN acquired Danish engine producer Burmeister & Wain, a world leader in marine diesel engines.
In 1982/83 the company suffered a deep corporate crisis after the second oil crisis and a bad internal economic situation and from an obsolete company structure. However resistance to change came from GHH's major shareholders Allianz AG and Commerzbank. However in 1986, with Klaus Götte, the group was reorganized into a contractual group with economically independent divisions. MAN headquarters went from Oberhausen to Munich, and the new name became MAN AG.
RMMV became the former MAN as joint venture as of January 2010, between MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG (MAN Truck & Bus) and Rheinmetall AG. The latter used it to market a quantity of military versions. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH, was the result of a merger of MAN Truck & Bus AG and Rheinmetall AG. RMMV is part of Rheinmetall's Vehicle Systems Division with Rheinmetall AG holding a 51% stake, the remaining 49% by MAN Truck & Bus. RMMV is capable of providing a wide range of armoured and unarmoured transport ad well as command and specific vehicles in 2010, however the 2019 restructuration focused on specific military trucks.
MAN SX Range
MAN SX range orignated in the cold war (1976) KAT1 trucks series (8,618 to the Bundeswehr alone until 1982=. The follow-on KAT 1A1, was launched in 1993 and the KAT 1A1.1 in 1997. The later were based on the F2000 commercial truck and with its driveline, the designation became "SX" with a range wihich continue o evolve like the 2000s using the TGA commercial range driveline components.
So the MAN SX series succeeded to the KAT 1 high mobility military truck range introduced all the way back to late 1960s. MAN market these now as the most mobile and reliable military trucks on the plaet and it entered service with the German military in many configurations. The British armed forces notably replaced all its ageing Bedford, Leyland DAF, Foden truck range by some 7 000 various MAN SX/HX series with deliveries starting in 2007. Austria, Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden among others became customers of SX vehicles, which were reputed to have a service life of 30 years.
The MAN SX series shares many parts with the HX family, as well as FX and LX families, but with a stiffer chassis and greater mobility. The MAX SX family is the only one with a modular cab that could accept an add-on armor protection kit jointly developed by MAN and KMW to provide protection against 7.62x39-mm rounds and shrapnel or grenades and anti-personnel mines. The cabin also can accept extra armored modules (ex. versus RPGs) attached outside and the Armored kit can be installed within 10 hours, in the field.
MAN SX 45
General Layout and configuration
We will start with the largest in town, the 8x8 MAN SX 45 introduced in 2007. The SX range shared a number of technologies such as the modular military-specific cab with the HX, FX, LX and MX range. It is a 8x8 heavy utility truck design to carry heavy loads on tough off-road conditions. Its aft payload capacity ranges from 14 to 16t. Specially developed to meet military requirements, for heavy, specialized equipment. It accepts radars, command shelters and long range telecopic antenna masts, as well as anti-air, anti-ship missile launchers among others, or just any specialized sheltera and could be turned into a light or heavy recovery vehicle as well. It could also carry flatracks and standard containers.
The most military feature of the MAN SX45 is its optional, integrated armored cab, providing protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The chassis and cabin could even withstands a 8 kg anti-tank mine. On top of this integrated cab a remotely controlled weapon station (RWS) would be fitted either sporting a 12.7-mm heavy machine gun or a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. There is enough space inside for a driver and single passenger, but with a a third folding central seat, for an extra passenger. Windscreens are mounted vertically to minimize light reflections as well and the glass could be treated wth an anti-reflective and polarized cover.
General Layout and configuration
The MAN SX45 is powered by a MAN D2066 LFG 10.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine rated for 440 hp meets EURO 4 emission requirements. Engine is located behind and under the cab. Such layout allowed to reduce overall height of the truck. Engine is coupled with fully-automatic 6-speed transmission. Maximum road speed is electronically limited to 90 km/h. Gradient 60%, side slope 40%, vertical step 0.6 m, trench 1.9 m and fording up to 1.5 m. The standard SX engine was turbocharged and intercooled, as a six-cylinder, common rail diesel with max output pushed as far as 480hp and 2,300Nm torque in some configurations. It is in any case coupled to a ZF HP902 six-speed Powershift automatic transmission plus two-speed transfer box.
The chassis is made of a boxed-section, torsionally rigid design with beam axles sprung by long-travel coil springs (320mm per wheel, 16° offset per axle).
The frame and cab are manufactured in Poland by Star Trucks plant acquired in 2000. The vehicle was designed to keep pace with tracked combat vehicles across any terrain. This high mobility truck is fitted with a central tyre pressure system. Without preparation if fords water obstacles up to 1.2 m deep. After preparation vehicle is capable of fording up to 1.5 m. Trucks with standard equipment can operate in temperature ranges from -32°C to +50°C. With special arctic kit these trucks can operate in extreme conditions down to -46°C.
This military vehicle is also available in 6x6 configuration (SX44) and a number of variants, such as a load handling system, bridgelayer, tanker, wrecker. Also there is HX81 prime mover, which can carry main battle tanks across rough terrain. Some of these military trucks can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules after preparation. The vehicle is not amphibious but tactically it can be deployed by all air tansporters down to the C130 Hercules (and Airbus A400M). In some cuntries they are distribted under the Steyr badge, acquired by MAN in 1993.
Bundeswehr SX vehicles
MULTI A1.1
15t tmil gl MULTI A1.1, 358 Tactical truck on Chassis MAN SX 2000 32.403 VFAEG, 8×8 procured in 1994, option for 452 not exercised.
Multi 2 A4 FSA
15t, milgl MULTI A4 FSA: Armoured tactical truck, 157 procured on Chassis RMMV SX45, 32.486 VFAEG, 8×8. 2 pre-serie MULTI 2 A3 FSA and 157 MULTI 2 A4 FSA ordered in December 2006, delivered 2010-2012. The pre-serie trucks were tested with the KFOR prior to the order of the final variant A4. They are autonomous to unload containers anywehere with an Atlas Weyhausen AWL 172 T swap loading system, KMW 1530 RCWS equipped with MG 3, M2 Browning or HK GMG, NBC protection and Rheinmetall ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System).
RMMV HX-38.540 MULTI 2
The RMMV HX-38.540 MULTI 2 (Wechselladersysteme Ungeschütztes Transportfahrzeug, ZLK 15t, 8×8) is either unarmoured (WLS UTF) or armoured (WLS GTF). The second is called the Wechselladersysteme Geschütztes Transportfahrzeug, ZLK 15t, 8×8. It has been also ordered by Austria as a Tactical truck with hydraulic hooklift hoist. Total today 1,008, with 2,841 ordered (1,066 UTF and 1,785 GTF). Successor of the MULTI A1.1 and the MAN KAT1. By June 2020, 4,000 swap body trucks were ordered for €2 billion valid until 2027, Tranche 1 540 (310 UTF, 230 GTF), Tranche 2 in June 2023, 367 (203 UTF, 164 GTF), Tranche 3 in June 2024, 1,515 (265 UTF, 1,250 GTF), Tranche 4 by November 2024, 200 (180 UTF, 20 GTF) and Tranche 5 was approved in December 2024, ordered in January 2025, 219 (98 UTF, 121 GTF). In grand total, thats 3,421 swap-loading platforms and 2,820 with tarpaulin and bow superstructures. The first rolled of the line by May 2022, 600 by June 2023, 1008 by June and 2,921 swap bodies, 2,320 tarpaulin and bow bodies so far.
The typical model, armoured or not, is given the HIAB hooklift Multilift MSH-165-CL with NBC protection, Rheinmetall ROSY smoke system and optional FLW 100 RCWS in case of war.
RMMV HX42M
RMMV HX42M - UTF mil 6×6 or Ungeschütztes Transportfahrzeug, ZLK 5t, HX42M 6×6 had been ordered by Austria so far, unarmoured tactical truck, with 1,987 6×6 vehicles, Successor of the MAN KAT1. The production took place at Vienna with mostly German parts for the RMMV HX2 family. The 6x6 was ordered through two framework agreements, in July 2017, 2,271 trucks for €900 million and by January 2020, 1,000 trucks for €389 million. Orders for the 6×6: Tranche 1, July 2017, 558, Tranche 2, May 2019, 252, Tranche 3, November 2019, 60, Tranche 4, January 2020, 675, Tranche 5, January 2021, 292, Tranche 6, January 2021, 150.
RMMV HX44M
UTF mil 8×8 or Ungeschütztes Transportfahrzeug, ZLK 15t, HX44M 8×8. Also unarmoured tactical truck, 1284 ordered in 2020 as part of the second contract seen above: Tranche 4 (January 2020) 325, Tranche 5 (January 2021) 109, Tranche 6 (January 2021) 850. Started in 2019, Last delivered by June 2023. Optional FLW 100 RCWS for self defence. Note that a large numbers are also to be built in Austria, 6500 ordered, approved in June 2024. The order comprises the RMMV HX40M UTF mil 4×4, RMMV HX42M UTF mil 6×6 and RMMV HX44M UTF mil 8×8.
Rheinmetall HX81 tractor
Elefant 2, "SaZgM" ("Sattelzugmaschine") Tank transporter with Unprotected cabin. 80 delivered + 57 on order with a new contract for 137 vehicles capable of 70t tanks signed in 2018 (Leopard 2A7V), 32 ordered in 2018, 48 in November 2020, 57 ordered in May 2023.
Faltstraße
148 Trackway/carpet layer specialist 8x8 trucks based on the MAN SX200 (Lkw 15 t mil gl). Load capacity is MLC70 50 x 4.2m carpet. System designed by KMW, 1 prototype in 1985, 147 ordered in 1988, delivered 1990s.
IRIS-T
The IRIS-T (infrared imaging system tail/thrust vector-controlled) is a family of short range infrared homing air-to-air + short/medium range surface-to-air missiles (SAM) also classed by nATO as the AIM-2000. It was developed in the late 1990s to the early 2000s by a German-led program for a short-medium range infrared homing air-to-air missile in order to replace the antiquated AIM-9 Sidewinder still used by many NATO countries. It needed to be fully compatible with the racks carrying the Sidewinder and was first fielded in 2005 with a later SAM variant from 2015, and the longer range IRIS-T SLM from 2022.
Albeit shorter range compared to the Patriot it was developed as an alternative carried by trucks (MAN range). An IRIS-T SLM battery was supplied by Germany to Ukraine: Each consists of three truck-mounted launchers (eight missiles each in 2x4 canisters arms). They have a range of 40 kilometres or 25 miles so they could shoot down any aicraft at any altitude and intercept large missiles as well in their last leg. Each truck platoon is assisted by a separate command vehicle that could stay behind as far as 20 kilometres (12 mi) away. The latter is using powerful radar, and house a multiple display station to track multiple radar sources, to control up to 24 missiles simultaneously on targets. The IRIS-T SLM was tested against cruise missiles with success, such as the Kalibr.
The IRIS-T was developed in concert with Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada, and batteries are in service on some of these, but all have the earlier air-to-air version replacing the Sidewinder. The IRIS-T is a 5th gen IR missile, capable of a seeker receiving cues from radar, helmet mounted display, infrared search and track device, missile approach warner and data link, comparable to the AIM-9X and ASRAAM. It is capable of good resistance against DIRCM.
The SAM variant IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM, is usable against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar rockets and large-calibre rockets as well as UAVs and other small, quick manoeuvring threats at very-short range if needed. The Swedes deploys it not on a truck, but on a snow-track vehicle. The system is called the Luftvärnsrobotsystem 98 (lvrbs 98), with the Eldenhet 98 (elde 98) launcher installed on a variant of the Bv 410.
The German AF IRIS-T SLM was developed for the NATO MEADS program. The rocket is 25mm larger, and it had GPS-aided inertial navigation system, with radio data link for initial and unjammed IR seeker head activated in the terminal stage. So far, one battery was received, 5 more planned FY 2027. It could be carried as well on the MAN SX44 6x6 7-ton IRIS-T SL launcher as alightweight variant for export. The Luftwaffe uses the MAN SX45 8x8 IRIS-T SLM launcher.
Pantsyr S1E
(Next update)
Sky Sabre
Sky Sabre, replacing its predecessor Rapier, is the latest high mobility British air defence missile system, comprising of three separate motorized components: The radar, command and control and missile vehicles. It can control the flight of 24 missiles simultaneously whilst in flight, guiding them to intercept 24 separate targets. The launching vehicle and the radar vehicle are both based on the 8x8 MAN SX 45 under licence. They are expected to operate at distances of up to 15km apart.
Variants and Exports
Algeria
Austria (badged OAF)
Denmark
Germany: 358 Multi A1 (SX 2000) procured in 1994, 160 Multi 2 A4 (SX45), 4000 RMMV HX-38/41/44, etc.
Italy:
Kuwait
Lithuania
Norway
Oman
Slovenia
Sweden
UAE Pantsir-S1 (SX 45 8×8 truck).
UK: 7285 cargo versions ordered April 2010, plus ARV, 288 ordered.
⚙ specifications |
| Weight | Empty 13-21t, Max load 14-16t |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 2.55 x 3.92 m |
| Propulsion | MAN D2066 LFG diesel 440 hp |
| Speed | 90 km/h |
| Range | 750 km |
| Armament | Depending on the version |
| Protection | None |
| Suspensions | Configuration 8x8 coil springs |
| Crew | Cab seating 1+2 men |