The Rheinmetall’s future-oriented infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was designed to crack down on the challenges of the amorphous multi-domain conflict scenarios of today and tomorrow. This design approach combines the functional, cost and through life advantages of a modular structure, and the weight, space and cost advantages of an integral hull design. Modular to the core, next-level adaptability is one of Lynx KF41’s key features to facilitate mission success and meet specific national requirements. Scalable armament, various layers of protection, upgradeable systems and the ability to be completely re-roled within hours render the Lynx an unprecedented first-choice asset in vehicle-based defence.
Lynx is an armoured fighting vehicle developed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme (part of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division). The Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 is built around a sponson-shaped hull with a long, shallow glacis and angled belly plate. The driver compartment is at the front left, the engine the front right, fighting compartment in the middle (when fitted with a turret) and there is a dismount compartment at the rear, access to which is via a ramp in the rear of the vehicle. A key feature of the Lynx KF41 design concept is the separation and modularity of the vehicle into two primary parts: the basic vehicle and specialist mission and role equipment.
Lynx variants are designed around a common drive module with scalable armour and armament options upon which the mission kits are installed. Available kits currently include an IFV as well as an APC. For the former, a turret is fitted to the roof of the hull, for the latter the turret is removed and replaced by a roof plate that includes an array of vision devices and an ROWS. It is understood that this transformation can be carried out near to, or in the field, within eight hours. Future variants will include command, engineer reconnaissance, and joint fires vehicles all armed with the standard turret, as well as non-turreted versions including repair, recovery, combat engineer, and ambulance.