Concept Bushmaster EV unveiled
An ‘electric Bushmaster’ protected military vehicle (ePMV) was unveiled at the Chief of Army Symposium (CAS) 2022 in Adelaide last week (press release emailed today).
CAPTION: A concept Bushmaster electric protected mobility vehicle at the Chief of Army Symposium 2022. Photo by WO2 Max Bree.
As with many concept vehicles – even in the civilian-vehicle market – this concept ePMV may never see the light of day – especially in its current configuration.
Reports suggest the prototype is powered by a battery giving a maximum range of just 100km, but future batteries could support up to 300km range.
The all-electric version as displayed is expected to be field-trialled to explore its capabilities, including quiet running, but production models (if it is ever produced) would likely to be built as hybrid vehicles using a small diesel engine to act as a range extender.
The battery in the vehicle unveiled at CAS22 completely filled the engine compartment of the base vehicle, so, future models would likely have to be modified significantly or even redesigned completely to house bigger batteries and a diesel engine, all without compromising Bushmaster’s now-famous and battle-proven blast protection – as well as vehicle weight limits and other key constraints.
Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said Chief of Army Symposium 2022 gave Australian Defence Force personnel and industry partners the chance to get hands-on with the latest technology to support the ‘Future Ready’ Army.
“As we are seeing around the world today, modern military personnel are joined on their missions by machines.
“This symposium enables Army to work with industry to explore new and emerging technologies.
“It is vital we support the exploration and development of these technologies, creating innovative advantages for the Australian Defence Force while supporting Australian industry and jobs.”
Mr Thistlethwaite said the ePMV was a key part of Army’s efforts to become future ready.
“We have seen great success with Australian-designed and -built vehicles keeping personnel safe under fire and the new ePMV represents the next innovative stage in that tradition,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
“This ePMV brings the benefits of electric vehicles to the battlefield, particularly being quieter than its combustion counterparts, and I look forward to seeing it perform in field trials.”
Chief of Army Symposium 2022 included Army Innovation Day, Army Future Forum, Army Robotics Exposition and the Army Quantum Technology Challenge, bringing together industry, academia and the ADF.
It was held from 9 to 11 August in Adelaide.
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Whoever approved this garbage should be discharged quick smart. What idiots we have in the higherarchy these days in Defence, and Army in particular
As John McEnroe often said, “YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS”.
This is the sort of stuff that the public call out as boys playing with toys.
How does the ADF get sucked into trying to be part of a Political Ideology of Zero Carbon Omissions.
Surely we should have only one focus and that is Building a Warfighting Culture and Capability.
Can the wasting of Defence Budget funds on dinky toys, be stopped, please.
Regards
Peter Billington
Another toystory to deflect the real issue. Our lack of capability to defend ourselves
Disillusioned
One great advantage is the absence of a noisy engine when moving from one location to another or, advancing on a enemy position.
A solution to recharging could be the inclusion of solar panels and dedicated support re-charging vehicles, similar to the role carried by fuel tankers.
Yep, solar panels, great idea, then we wouldn’t need to stop and recharge. BECAUSE THE ENEMY WOULD SPOT THE UN-CAMOUFLAGED PANELS AND KILL THE VEHICLE AND OCCUPANTS.
I was thinking the same thing once the battery is flat, we just let everyone know that we are going NON TAC. Should work?? It must go through the heads of the nutters who come up with such ridiculous bloody ideas. How much of the Defence budget was spent on this crap.
Totally agree what a waste of money ,
Once they go flat just pull up the nearest tree and plug in what a wank.
What a great addition to our fleet of never to be used M.B.T.’s and S.P.G.’s!
The A.D.F. distracts with useless ‘boy toys’ while we sleep-walk into endless and unnecessary Wars for our U.S. (”you’re either with us, or against us”) ”Ally.”
A 2A/AD system like China’s would be the first useful Military purchase we’ve made since the S.M.L.E.
Neutrality for Australia!
DUTY FIRST.
How is it recharged after the batteries are flattened in 100km? Diesel generator?
Do we call a 12-hour truce while it recharges?
How well does it burn when its lithium batteries are damaged and exposed to air?
Fortunately, Oz has no enemies so we can afford to play around with toys rather than warfighting weapons …
‘Stupid’ does not do justice to the clownshow that spent money on this idiocy
No enemies? China rings a bell.
Stop wasting time with stupid crap and start looking into becoming lethal.
Another solution in desperate search of a problem…