2 July 2021
Members of 2/14 Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) are coming to grips with the full capability of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, (CRV) as the platform continues its introduction into the Australian Army.
Boxer CRV Reconnaissance variants, fitted with Lance turrets, are now at Gallipoli Barracks, allowing staff from Rheinmetall Defence Australia to conduct the first commander / gunner conversion course with 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) members.
Troop Commander Lieutenant Riley Brassil said the main 30mm armament was one of multiple impressive features on the CRV.
“The Lance turret is incredible. It’s a very complex system that is made very user friendly by a really good user friendly interface,” he said.
“It allows you to pull multiple different sensors into play, scan multiple arcs at the same time and switch tasks between the gunner and the commander with ease.”
The Boxer CRV will replace the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) that has been in service since the early 1990s.
The vehicle will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved protection to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.
Parked in front of several turreted Boxer CRVs was an ASLAV, however Lieutenant Brassil said straight comparisons didn’t make sense.
“Aside from the fact it has eight wheels and a turret, it’s not fair to compare the ASLAV with the Boxer. It’s a completely different system,” he said.
“The Boxer CRV has the exact same level of sensors for the gunner and commander. The gunners’ sight and the commanders’ sight are exactly the same in terms of their dimensions and their specifics of what they can see, yet they are able to operate independently.”
Gunner Trooper Harrison Dietrich also comes from the ASLAV platform.
He agreed the increased situational awareness offered by the Boxer CRV was its biggest selling point.
“The Troop Commander can hit the Laser Range Finder, ballistically range the target for me, press another button and then I am straight on it,” Trooper Dietrich said.
“The Commander can then continue scanning, this new setup will save seconds in finding a target.
“In a quick engagement, particularly an encounter battle, it make be the difference between us being alive or not.
“It’s a massive leap forward in capability, I think we’ll find the time between identifying and engaging a target will rapidly decrease.”
The commander / gunner conversion courses will end with live firing at Wide Bay Training Area.
