Nooteboom Trailers has partnered with Rheinmetall to develop a new heavy equipment transporter trailer for military applications, unveiled at the EUROSATORY defence and security exhibition in Paris. The new MPL-121-08(D) is an eight axle Manoovr MPL semi low loader designed to transport heavy tracked and wheeled vehicles in the most demanding operational environments.
With a technical maximum gross weight of 121 tonnes and a payload capacity of 92 tonnes, the trailer has been engineered to meet the requirements of modern military logistics. Its design combines high carrying capacity with excellent off road performance, compatibility with military tractors and flexible loading capabilities.
From left to right: Maurice Geraets (member of the Supervisory Board of Nooteboom Trailers), Raymond Belderink (CTO Nooteboom Trailers), Christoph Müller (CEO Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH), Marinka Nooteboom (CEO Nooteboom Trailers), Dr. Björn Bernhard, (CEO Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe), Dr. Nick Stirban (CEO Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL), Leonhard Ingenpass (CFO Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL) at EUROSATORY in Paris.
The trailer features 600 mm suspension travel and a hydraulically adjustable gooseneck that enables it to negotiate uneven terrain while maintaining optimal traction for the towing vehicle. Adjustable guides for tracked vehicles and removable wheel chocks for wheeled equipment allow a wide range of military assets to be transported safely.
Additional features include an integrated recovery system for controlled winching operations, hydraulically adjustable loading ramps, rear support legs for improved loading stability and an advanced steering system with wireless remote control. The Automatic Straight Ahead Alignment system quickly returns the axles to their neutral position after manual steering, improving manoeuvrability in confined areas.
The MPL-121-08(D) has also been designed to comply with NATO interoperability requirements and relevant international standards covering chassis, braking systems, electrical systems and load securing, making it suitable for multinational defence operations.
