Minister for Defence Media Mail List
Tuesday, 17 February 2004 28/2004
Defence Minister Robert Hill will today inspect and take a test drive one of the first production Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles produced by ADI.
Senator Hill said the state-of-the-art vehicles would be used by the Australian Defence Force to transport troops into battle and provide protection against land mines, mortars and small arms ammunition.
"Four Bushmasters are currently being tested to ensure they can perform a variety of tasks," Senator Hill said.
"Subject to passing its final critical trial ending in April, the vehicles will be introduced into service from May next year."
The $316 million project will equip the Army's 7th Brigade in Brisbane and the Air Force's Airfield Defence Guards with 299 Bushmaster vehicles.
The Bushmaster can maintain speeds in excess of 90 km/h on Australian roads, with a range of up to 800km carrying nine infantry soldiers with sufficient supplies of food, water and ammunition to last three days.
Each vehicle will be fitted with a weapon station capable of mounting the Army's family of light machine guns. They have also been designed to deflect the effects of a landmine explosion, providing unprecedented protection to soldiers in the battlefield.
"The Commonwealth and ADI have worked extremely hard to progress this project and in anticipation of successful trial results, ADI's Bendigo facility is preparing for full production of the vehicles," Senator Hill said.
"There is also the prospect for sales overseas, with early interest in the vehicle after ADI displayed it at the Defence Systems Exhibition in London last year."
Tuesday, 17 February 2004 28/2004
Defence Minister Robert Hill will today inspect and take a test drive one of the first production Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles produced by ADI.
Senator Hill said the state-of-the-art vehicles would be used by the Australian Defence Force to transport troops into battle and provide protection against land mines, mortars and small arms ammunition.
"Four Bushmasters are currently being tested to ensure they can perform a variety of tasks," Senator Hill said.
"Subject to passing its final critical trial ending in April, the vehicles will be introduced into service from May next year."
The $316 million project will equip the Army's 7th Brigade in Brisbane and the Air Force's Airfield Defence Guards with 299 Bushmaster vehicles.
The Bushmaster can maintain speeds in excess of 90 km/h on Australian roads, with a range of up to 800km carrying nine infantry soldiers with sufficient supplies of food, water and ammunition to last three days.
Each vehicle will be fitted with a weapon station capable of mounting the Army's family of light machine guns. They have also been designed to deflect the effects of a landmine explosion, providing unprecedented protection to soldiers in the battlefield.
"The Commonwealth and ADI have worked extremely hard to progress this project and in anticipation of successful trial results, ADI's Bendigo facility is preparing for full production of the vehicles," Senator Hill said.
"There is also the prospect for sales overseas, with early interest in the vehicle after ADI displayed it at the Defence Systems Exhibition in London last year."