Rheinmetall is teaming with Textron Systems in pursuit of the US Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program.
Rheinmetall's Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) was last year disqualified from the US program to replace the Bradley IFVs with an optionally-manned successor. US media reports indicated that Rheinmetall was unable to meet the US Army's requirement to deliver a working Lynx 41 vehicle to Maryland on schedule.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles is now forming a US industry team that will consist of 'numerous' US defence companies, including Raytheon Technologies, who are coming together as “Team Lynx.”
Textron Systems will reportedly be a 'vital member' of the team, bringing land systems technology development and production capabilities developed over decades as a major combat platform provider to the US armed forces.
“This teaming agreement brings together two of the world’s leading providers of defense industry solutions in order to offer the US Army an OMFV that’s second to none," Matt Warnick, Managing Director at American Rheinmetall Vehicles, said. "Textron Systems brings decades of experience in production with robotic capabilities that further enable our growing Team Lynx to provide a transformational product to the US Army."
“Textron Systems’ Slidell, Louisiana vehicle production facility has supported more than 15 armored vehicle programs of record supporting over 20 countries,” Senior Vice President Henry Finneral said. “We stand ready to support the team and the US Army and deliver a trusted platform for the future."