| Project Rhino | |
|---|---|
Field testing |
|
| Type | 4-wheeled |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Frontline Services / RALLYEWERK |
| Designed | 2006 - 2009 |
| Manufacturer | Joint Venture |
| Produced | 2010 |
| Variants | 110SW-R (currently build) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 2,800 kg |
| Length | 5,240 mm |
| Width | 1,960 mm |
| Height | 2,160 mm |
| Crew | 4 |
|
|
|
| Armor | optional |
| Engine | Ford Puma (modified) 162 bhp |
| Payload capacity | 1,200 kg |
| Transmission | Ashcroft Transmissions |
| Suspension | rated to 4,500 kg |
| Ground clearance | 380 mm (differential housing) |
| Fuel capacity | 320 l |
| Operational range |
On-Road 3,000 km Off-Road 2,100 km |
| Speed | Forward Road: 120 km/h Off road: 120 km/h Reverse: |
| Steering system |
hydraulic assisted |
The Land Rover Defender 130CC-R(hino) (LR 130CC-R) is a joint venture project to develop a new highly mobile off-road vehicles.
Contents |
Since its first presentation at the Bad Kissingen “Abenteur & Allrad” show in June 2010, and at the LRO Show[1] in Billing (July 2010) the field test of the LR 130CC-R is commencing while new developments and prototypes are installed, tested and evaluated on this platform.
The current vehicle is prepared to function as press support car offering a mobile work environment for 2 journalists and a passenger. The latter configuration allows two passengers to comfortably work on their computers while on the move.
Depending on mission requirements a mobile satellite unit can be installed, too.
All of these installations match current requirements for command vehicles.
With its operation range and multiple sources of electric power the 130CC-R is not only highly autonomous but can also provide assistance to other vehicles without compromising it´s own operation.
In particular, the Land Rover Defender was not designed to be an armored combat and scout vehicle but has been employed as one, whereas the Rhino will be designed from the ground up for this role adding unsurpassed offroad capabilities and an unmatched range of operation. The latter makes it interesting for NGOs in operating in remote areas, too. Due to the increasing risks to humanitarian projects and personel in today´s conflict zones[2] an inexpensive and modular security upgrade package is required here, too. Due to the humanitarian aspect of their work a non-military vehicle is mandatory to facilitate this work even when operating in high-risk areas.
Even though the LR 130CC-R is designed with future military requirements[3] in mind it´s not following any current competitor´s designs or concepts. Experiences from rallye racing and expeditions went into the project just as were experiences made in the field while working assignments.
The most visible design approach chosen was the incorporation of portal axles into the vehicle concept. Unlike former designs where complete axles where developed with portal drop boxes, the Rhino runs on bolt-on portal drop boxes which can be fitted to a wide range of vehicles in service today. This approach adds an improvement of offroad capability and, for vehicles used in crisis zones it adds an unsurpassed passenger protection without replacing the whole vehicle.[4] Existing underbody blast protection is consequently upgraded as the increased ground clearance gives any explosion´s pressure wave 5" to 7" of additional space to dissipate.
This article will be updated and completed in due course.