Description
Case Study: Rheinmetall
How Good Design Found Its Place in Defense Technology
We first made contact with Rheinmetall through our long-standing project partner, R. T., who moved from KNDS to Rheinmetall following our successful joint Mungo project. Through our close collaboration, he had seen firsthand the contribution professional design can make—even to highly complex technical products—and became a staunch advocate of our approach.
Even today, professional design is by no means a given in defense technology. It took about 18 months for R. T. to secure an opportunity for us to present our approach within the company. The presentation was followed by an initial small-scale project. After its successful completion, we were gradually entrusted with additional development tasks. As is customary in the security and defense industry, much of our work is subject to confidentiality. However, there is one project we are permitted to present.
An Exhibit for the Whole World
R. T. described a practical problem to us: Due to legal export regulations, transporting operational weapon systems to international trade shows involves considerable organizational effort. Extensive permits are required for each exhibit.
Our solution was a detailed demonstration model of the MK30-2/ABM that clearly illustrates the technology without falling under the usual export restrictions. At the same time, we designed the model so that it can be completely disassembled and shipped safely and cost-effectively worldwide in a compact, reusable transport case.
The Result
An exhibit that has since been featured at numerous international trade shows and has made it significantly easier for Rheinmetall to showcase its technology. The weapon is built to scale—but as an aluminum model. To make the model more interesting and informative, some of the components are “pulled apart” and illuminated with LEDs. This attracts attention at the trade show. The weapon’s functional design is clearly visible. The model has a particularly high-quality appearance thanks to the anodized surfaces.
The concept from our presentation for the exhibition design. Here: The weapon model on the display with the corresponding graphics on a separate platform.
The packaging concept from our design presentation. The model is detachable to simplify transport significantly. An ingenious system allows the model, together with its platform and display, to be reduced to the specified size.
Once it is folded up, it can be stored in the specially designed transport box. This case also serves to protect the model, so it can be shown again and again at trade fairs.
All parts in a functional overview for assembly instructions:
The Beginning of a New Story
Technical Director Hubert Schneider was present at nearly all of our project meetings. After one of our presentations, he said something we still remember to this day:
“I’ll be retiring soon. Then I’ll start my own company, develop a precision rifle—and I’ll do it with you.”
That statement gave rise to a new collaboration—and another exciting story that began under the name TTS. See TTS.
