Image Gallery: February 2004
Defence Minister inspects Bushmaster
17 February 2004
Defence Minister Robert Hill will today inspect and take a test drive in 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.
The vehicle is designed to move infantry troops into the field with greater manoeuvrability and protection than the 6x6 Land Rover which is currently performing this role. The armoured Bushmaster can carry nine people for three days up to 1,000 kilometres on one tank of fuel. The armour plating offers protection from light infrantry weapons fire up to 7.62 mm as well as protection from land mines.
Read release: Defence Minister inspects Bushmaster
| Bushmaster
Trials MPEG Video 4.2Mb |
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| 2004_S080_005 Defence Minister Robert Hill will today inspect and take a test drive one of the first production Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles produced by ADI. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_012 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. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_023 Four Bushmasters are currently being tested to ensure they can perform a variety of tasks. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_044 According to Senator Hill, subject to passing its final critical trial ending in April, the vehicles will be introduced into service from May next year. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_048 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. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_058 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. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_072 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. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_079 According to Senator Hill, 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. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| 2004_S080_101 Senator Hill said there was 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. (Date taken: 17 February 2004) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| CAND99042 Army Bushmaster trials. (File image) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| CAND99042-02 Army Bushmaster trials. (File image) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| CAND99042-04 Army Bushmaster trials. (File image) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| CAND99042-08 Army Bushmaster trials. (File image) Low-res | Hi-res |
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| V9916733 Army Bushmaster trials. (File image) Low-res | Hi-res |
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