Last week, the German systems supplier Rheinmetall and the US company Honeywell agreed to co-operate in various fields of technology as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). These include vision systems and auxiliary units for vehicles.
Specifically, the Honeywell 360 display is to form the basis of a new visual system. Various cameras, including thermal imaging cameras, are installed in the exterior of a vehicle in the Honeywell 360. The resulting images converge in a display that the crew wear on their helmets.
If a joint product is developed, Rheinmetall plans to install it on established platforms. For example, on the Marder infantry fighting vehicle. However, completely new weapon systems could also be equipped with the product.
With regard to the auxiliary power units, the two companies are aiming to increase the operating time and operational readiness of the turret system via power units for tactical wheeled and tracked armoured vehicles. The thermal and acoustic signature of the platforms is to remain identical even when the power packs are deployed. Rheinmetall also holds out the prospect of using the systems to operate infrastructure or property.
Honeywell and Rheinmetall are also planning to cooperate in the field of decentralised maintenance. Support for other Honeywell products in Bundeswehr operations is also on the cards.
The MoU also envisages the development of joint solutions for high-energy applications in the civilian sector.
‘From sophisticated subsystems to building automation – the list of potential areas of cooperation for our two companies is long. We are pleased to have Honeywell as a strategic partner with a long history of innovation and a broad technology portfolio,’ said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.
Matt Milas, President of Defence and Space, Honeywell Aerospace, added that new and existing programmes will benefit from the joint efforts.