High-mobility Quad Ermine by Rheinmetall Offers New Tactical Solutions for Armies at DVD 2024
At the DVD 2024 exhibition in Millbrook, Rheinmetall introduced the Ermine Quad, a vehicle from its range of lightweight tactical vehicles designed to meet the diverse needs of modern armed forces. This unveiling comes at a time when military organizations are focusing on enhancing their mobility and autonomy in land transport, particularly in conflict zones where discretion and adaptability are crucial. The Ermine Quad, which has already been tested in the Netherlands following the delivery of prototypes to the Dutch Army, offers features and performance tailored to current military operational requirements.
The Ermine Quad is a 4×4 vehicle equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain. This technological choice aligns with the growing demand for flexible and environmentally friendly solutions in the military sector. With an empty mass of 875 kg, the quad can carry a payload of 500 kg, making it suitable for a range of operational needs. It is powered by a 30 kW motor on each axle, supported by a 16 kWh lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery. This battery can be recharged by an onboard diesel engine that uses F34 fuel, a standard fuel type in NATO forces.
One of the key features of the Ermine Quad is its range. While the initial all-electric version had a limited range of 100 km, the new hybrid model unveiled this year boasts an impressive range of 1,000 km thanks to its range extender. This makes the vehicle particularly well-suited for long missions and operations in remote areas. Additionally, the quad has towing capabilities, allowing it to transport trailers weighing more than 750 kg. Its ability to be airlifted by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter further emphasizes its strategic flexibility and rapid deployment potential across various operational theaters.
Designed for easy tactical use, the Ermine Quad operates silently in electric mode, a crucial advantage for discreet maneuvers in conflict zones. When not used for mobility, it can serve as a mobile energy source, meeting operational needs while reducing the military’s carbon footprint. Its local energy storage capacity is in line with current environmental standards, providing a sustainable and autonomous solution for armed forces. The vehicle’s height is reduced to 1,100 mm due to the absence of a roll bar, making it suitable for dense and low-clearance terrain.
The development of the Ermine Quad is part of a close collaboration between Rheinmetall and REEQ, a Dutch start-up integrated into Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. in March 2024. This partnership combines technological innovation with industrial production capacity, offering a vehicle tailored to European defense markets. In a context where the demand for versatile and highly mobile tactical vehicles is on the rise, the Ermine Quad addresses the growing needs of modern armies. Ongoing tests and preparations for mass production suggest that this vehicle could soon be adopted by armed forces seeking advanced mobility solutions.
With a focus on sustainability, modularity, and adaptability, Rheinmetall’s Ermine Quad presents itself as a potential asset for future military operations. Its ability to function as both a mobility platform and a mobile energy source reflects the evolving tactical requirements of modern conflicts and the increasing role of versatile vehicles on the battlefield.