Rheinmetall, Honeywell to Collaborate on Visual Systems, Auxiliary Power

Rheinmetall and Honeywell have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing new visual systems and auxiliary power units for military vehicles.

The companies aim to develop visual systems that incorporate Honeywell's 360 Display technology, a driver vision system featuring thermal imaging and daylight cameras distributed around the vehicle. This system, combined with augmented and mixed reality technologies, provides drivers with advanced situational awareness, including a 360-degree view even without direct vision through windows or periscopes.

Potential applications include upgrading existing vehicles such as the Marder infantry fighting vehicle and use in new tactical vehicle builds.

Rheinmetall and Honeywell will also cooperate on auxiliary power units (APUs) designed for tactical vehicles when they are stationary. APUs can increase the operational readiness of vehicle systems while reducing thermal and acoustic signatures, serving as a supplement to battery storage. APUs are also applicable for stationary uses like protecting critical infrastructure.

The planned strategic cooperation includes potential collaboration in localized maintenance and support for Honeywell products on platforms used by the Bundeswehr. The two companies also plan to explore joint industrial high-energy applications in areas such as building automation and thermal management for future weapons systems. Discussions are also underway regarding capabilities in counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) and electronic warfare.

Further details of the cooperation will be determined in the coming weeks and months.