Facing tough challenges
in tough environments demands world class equipment, the Minister
Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, said today
at the official hand over to the Defence Materiel Organisation
of the Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle from ADI Limited
in Bendigo. "The Bushmaster vehicle has received widespread
acclaim among Australian Army soldiers on operations in Iraq
and Afghanistan and has received significant international
interest in its capability," Mr Billson said.
"A production contract was signed in July 2002 with ADI
Limited for the provision of Bushmaster vehicles. ADI Limited
has now achieved delivery, on time and on budget, of a world
class vehicle with capabilities unmatched by any comparable
vehicle in operation anywhere in the world today. "The
hand over ceremony at the ADI's production facility in Bendigo
marked the last of the 152 Bushmaster Troop Variants to come
off the assembly line.
"The Bushmaster provides anti-vehicle and small arms
protection and is the first Australian-designed and developed
armoured vehicle to be selected for the Australian Army since
WWII," Mr Billson said. "Bushmaster also provides
exceptional mobility to Australian forces and carries three
days' supplies for extended operations, with a range of 600-800
kilometres dependent on terrain."
The Troop Variant is the common vehicle of the Bushmaster
fleet and forms the base for all other variants including:
