Meet the Rhino. No, not the horned animal that weighs as much as a small truck. This Rhino is a truck. A very large, very armored, very futuristic truck from Singapore defense contractor ST Engineering.
Officially called the Rhino Next Generation Protected Vehicle, this 4×4 armored machine looks like somebody took an MRAP, gave it a degree in computer science, and then stuffed it full of batteries. The result is what ST Engineering claims is the world’s only production hybrid-electric mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle.
Built for everything from law enforcement and peacekeeping duties to border patrols and armed conflicts, Rhino is designed around a modular platform that can be configured for a wide range of missions. Troop carrier? Check. Ambulance? Check. Mortar carrier, maintenance vehicle, signal vehicle, counter-drone platform, and even a manned-unmanned teaming vehicle? Also check.
The headline feature is its hybrid-electric drive system. Rhino can travel up to 780 km (485 miles) on a full tank, creep along silently for up to 25 km (15.5 miles), and conduct silent watch operations for up to 24 hours. It can even export up to 100 kW of power, which means it can double as a mobile power station when needed.
As for the hardware, this beast measures 7.3 meters (24 ft) long, 2.7 meters (8.9 ft) wide, and 2.6 meters (8.5 ft) tall. Gross vehicle weight is 20,000 kg (44,092 lb), while payload capacity stands at a hefty 4,500 kg (9,921 lb). Inside, there is room for a crew of two plus ten passengers. Power comes from a turbo-diesel hybrid system producing 600 hp, good for a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).
Survivability is handled by a structural monocoque hull designed to enhance protection against mines and blasts. Protection levels are configurable up to STANAG 4569 Level 2 for both ballistic and mine threats.
Rhino is also packed with digital goodies. There are digital side mirrors that eliminate blind spots, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, rear object detection up to 8 meters (26 ft), and a fully digital dashboard. Optional technologies include drive-by-wire controls, teleoperation, thermal imaging cameras, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and even auto parking. Yes, this armored vehicle can potentially park itself.
The most interesting version may be the MUM-T configuration, short for manned-unmanned teaming. Think of it as an armored command vehicle that can work alongside drones and robotic systems. Which means Rhino is not just built for today’s battlefield. It is preparing for tomorrow’s too.
In short, Rhino is what happens when an MRAP meets a hybrid SUV, a mobile command center, and a science-fiction movie prop. But how well it works remains to be seen. But I’ve got to say, theoretically, it does sound pretty impressive.
Images: ST Engineering.