Best of both worlds for Rheinmetall’s Lynx
An image of Rheinmetall's Lynx KF41 with the new rubber tracks. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall has successfully completed demonstration trials of the Soucy Composite Rubber Track (CRT) system on the Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
The CRT demonstration confirmed the Lynx IFV was capable of utilising both steel and composite rubber tracks.
The flexibility of incorporating CRT as a track option on Lynx increased the vehicles’ ability to meet a dynamic threat environment.
With the CRT system fitted to the Lynx, the platform can be reconfigured for a lighter weight, to allow easier air transportation and potentially reduce overall running costs through service life.
Gary Stewart, managing director at Rheinmetall, explained: ‘The Lynx IFV has the modularity and flexibility to be operated with both types of track systems, allowing armies to configure the vehicle to meet the operational need.’
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the KF41, the second member of its Lynx modular tracked IFV family, was first unveiled at Eurosatory 2018 and can be operated by a crew of three.
However, an uncrewed variant may be available in the future, as Rheinmetall has put forward a design based on the Lynx KF41 for the US Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle programme.
Rheinmetall claims to be the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force, and last month, in October 2021, submitted a final offer for the Australian Army’s Project Land 400 Phase 3.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.