Rheinmetall’s Boxer and BAE Systems Australia’s AMV-35 vehicles have completed a final series of blast tests at the Australian Department of Defence's Proof and Experimental Establishment in Graytown, Victoria, Australia.
The two vehicles have been shortlisted for the LAND 400 Phase 2 programme, which seeks to acquire a new combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
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During testing, the two vehicles were exposed to simulated mine blasts tests that were conducted under the wheels and midsections of the vehicles.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said: “The aim of this project is to deliver a world-class armoured fighting vehicle which can take a hit and protect our soldiers.
“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.”
The blast tests are the final phase of a Risk Mitigation Activity, which included a 12-month test and evaluation programme to assess the vehicles’ protection, lethality and usability in a range of operating environments.
In addition, the programme involved three phases of user evaluation, testing the vehicles’ transportation compatibility using C-17 aircraft and driving them aboard a landing helicopter dock for testing with the ships on-board systems.
The ADF is expected to spend between $4bn and $5bn to procure 225 CRVs, which will replace the Australian light armoured vehicles (ASLAV).
Pyne added: “The project secures the ADF’s sovereign CRV expertise and over 1,000 jobs across more than 300 Australian based companies.
“The winner will be announced in the first half of 2018.”
Image: The Rheinmetall Boxer undergoes blast testing at the Proof and Experimental Establishment in Graytown, Victoria, Australia. Photo: courtesy of Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.
