Eurosatory 2018: US Army orders WEW Hippo container systems.

WEW, a THIELMANN company, has signed a $27.5 million contract to supply new Hippo water container systems to the US Army, the company announced at Eurosatory 2018.  The company will supply 241 units under the contract, with delivery to begin within three months. All units will be delivered within 12 months of the contract signing. At full rate production the WEW Weitefeld facility will produce one unit per day.

A scale model of the WEW Hippo water container system

The Hippo water system has been in use with the US Army since 2003. WEW was part of the team that supplied 1,400 units between 2003 and 2013. These systems are still in use with the army, supporting deployed units around the world.

The new Hippo systems will be identical in form, fit and function to the original design. With a capacity of 7,700 litres (2,000 US gal), Hippo is a self-contained, ‘drop and go’ drinkable water storage and distribution system fitted within a standard 20ft ISO frame. With integrated heating, pumping and diesel engine systems, Hippo can pump 125 gallons per minute and can be transported on existing US Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) logistics vehicles. It is compatible with Load Handling Systems and requires no site preparation prior to its deployment.

The Hippo water systems will fulfil an ‘unusual and compelling urgency’ requirement of the US Army, with the contract placed under the US European Re-Assurance Initiative program.

Björn Stolz, Managing Director, WEW, said: ‘This new US Army order for Hippo is a clear signal that WEW continues to retain its position as the market leader for containerized fuel and water supply systems.

‘After almost two years of heavy re-structuring and workforce investment, this project will be the reference point for the future of the THIELMANN Weitefeld entity, as we continue to strengthen our portfolio and invest in R&D.’