LAND 400 blasts through final tests

Testing to help select the Army’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle has finished on schedule.

CAPTION: The Rheinmetall Boxer undergoes blast testing at Proof and Experimental Establishment – Graytown Victoria. ADF photo.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne congratulated the two shortlisted contenders, Rheinmetall and BAE Systems Australia, for their involvement in the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA).

The test and evaluation program assessed the vehicles and their support systems across a wide range of criteria, with a particular focus on protection, lethality and mobility.

Three phases of user evaluations were conducted by Australian soldiers at Puckapunyal in Victoria and the Mt Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory – culminating with a blast test to measure crew and passenger survivability against land mines and improvised explosive devices.

The final series of blast tests were recently completed on the two shortlisted contenders at the Proof and Experimental Establishment, Graytown, Victoria.

To assess their survivability, Rheinmetall’s Boxer and BAE Systems Australia’s AMV-35, were exposed to simulated mine blasts.

 

 

Mr Pyne said the blast tests were conducted under the wheels and under the belly of the vehicles, and represented a final trial by fire.

“The aim of this project is to deliver a world-class armoured fighting vehicle which can take a hit and protect our soldiers,” he said.

“Importantly, these trials have been conducted by Australian soldiers who will operate these vehicles when they are delivered, closely supported by Defence Science and Technology Group staff.

“During the last 12 months, the vehicles’ protection, lethality and usability have been measured and assessed.”

Defence will buy 225 of the winning vehicle, costing between $4 and $5 billion.

The winner will be announced in the first half of next year.

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