I feel like the new RMMV HX3 truck wasnt given due focus, we all got excited about the artillery module and ignored that this is a big deal for the world of tactical military logsitics vehicles, a veritable Leopard 3 of the military truck world.

A brief thread of features:

HX3 succeeds HX/HX2 series, introduced in 2003 and fielded by British Army in 2004. HX/HX2 are based on chassis/driveline components of the commercial TG WorldWide heavy trucks with difference being HX2 has a dedicated chassis with minor tweaks versus repurposed commercial item

HX3 is a full family of configurations from 4x4 through 10x10, much as the precursor HX/HX2 and any meaningful tactical truck family will be. Very much targeted as a whole fleet option for military users.

Note in the various promo videos that the 8x8 is sporting 3-axle steering (1st, 2nd and 4th axles), also available on the 10x10 too.

HX3 brings a lot of tech from commercial trucking into the military domain, and a few unique to military features. Commercial elements include Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), all norms in civilian trucking...

...but relatively novel in military trucks. The automation systems are collectively called the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) and are based on the MAN EE-Architecture (EE = electronic and electrical) which is NGVA compliant.

For the future, the MAN EE Architecture allows HX3 to be prepared for optionally-manned operation. It can be controlled remotely or operated with a military autonomy kit including the ALHS loading system or other hosted mission and weapon systems.

As with any mil vehicle a blackout mode is provided but the interesting new angle is so-called "digital blackout" which disables all transmission and 'reception functions' to reduce the truck's digital signature in EW environments. Logistics leading the way with this concept?

They can be supplied with active suspension on the rear axles for 'enhanced mobility' which combined with the ADAS elements also gives much more safety in off road travel and loading scenarios, where rollovers are high risk on such tall trucks

New Auotmated Load Handling System (ALHS) loads/unloads flatracks and contains (paging @thinkdefence) from within the cab by single operator. Whilst details are scarce, claims point to signficiant off-axis capability for loading, making it viable in austere military applications

As part of the all-new integrated armoured cabin, they've introduced a single piece flat mine blast protecting floor assembly, which enhances underbody protection and still allows commercial truck seats to be retained.

By relocating kit around the cab and strengthening it, including air con now in the dash rather than the roof, integrated defensive systems can be installed. Includes ROSY soft kill APS, and we've seen the ADS APS system offered before for the HX2 as a roof mounted configuration

Chassis, subframe and body flex is a big factor in off road vehicles, with a certain degree of flex critical to high mobility. Problem for logistics vehicles in particular is that a flexing chassis will also impart a torsion to the load area, distorting whatever is loaded there.

If you want to host weapon systems and particualrly delicate C4ISR kit like radars you cant afford any flex to transfer into the load. HX3 has Universal Torsion-Resistant Subframe (UTRS) alongside the active rear suspension option to isolate the load, which is pretty advantageous

On the subject of weapon systems and all the hype about the artillery variant shown, the key part here is the Artillery Truck Interface (ATI) onto which the turret has been mounted, this modular interface mounts the weapon and provides the traverse and stabilisation for firing.

There's plenty more but a few headline elements that are interesting to see if nothing else. One wonders with trucks becoming this tech reliant and complex, how easy they are to maintain in the field, where recovery to a dealer is not viable like it is in commercial trucking.