 |
|
A
prototype Bushmaster
|
| |
|
Specifications
|
Configuration: 4x4, fully independent suspension with
central tyre inflation system
Crew: Up to 9 (incl. Driver)
Max speed: 100km/h
Cruise speed: 90km/h
Max road range: 1000km
Fuel capacity: 320 litres
Gradient: 60%
Ground clearance: 470mm
Power-to-weight ratio:16kW/ton
Engine: Caterpillar 6 cylinder, turbocharged diesel
224kW @ 2400 rpm
Transmission: ZF automatic, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse,
hydrodynamic retarder, and converter lockup
Water capacity: 270 litres
Defence suite: Weapon mount for 5.56mm or 7.62mm light
machine gun. Fitted (only) for 1 set of high explosive/smoke
grenade dischargers. Air transportable in C130 Hercules
with preparation.
Protection: Protected against small arms ammunition,
artillery fragments and anti-vehicle blast mines.
Habitability: Fully air conditioned, internal communications
between occupants, 4-point safety harness. |
|
THE
Air Force is expected to take delivery of 12 troop-carrying variants
of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle in late 2005.
The
vehicles will be allocated to RAAF Base Amberley’s No. 2
and 3 Airfield Defence Squadrons.
A
further six could be allocated to RAAF Base Edinburgh’s No.1
Airfield Defence Squadron from the Army if required.
The
Bushmasters, custom built for the Army and Air Force by Australian
Defence Industries, successfully passed the first stage of reliability
testing late last year.
The
initial production vehicle will be delivered to the Army in August
ahead of the second stage of reliability trials in November.
Under
Project Bushranger, a revised contract signed with ADI in July
2002 will procure 299 Bushranger vehicles for the ADF at a cost
of $316 million.
The
Bushmaster will introduce a new and unique capability to Army
and Air Force, with superior vehicle mobility and unrivalled protection
for troops from small arms ammunition, mortar fragments and anti-vehicle
blast mines, according to
Project
Bushranger Assistant Program Manager Major Paul Finch.
The
vehicle can maintain speeds up to 100km/h on Australian roads
with a range of 600-1000km dependent on terrain. It carries nine
troops and sufficient supplies of food, water and ammunition to
last three days.
Designed,
developed, and built in Australia, the Bushmaster will be introduced
into service in troop, command, assault pioneer, mortar, direct
fire weapon and ambulance variants.
