Image Gallery: May 2004
New light armoured vehicle boosts Army capability
04 May 2004
A squadron of 25 new state-of-the-art Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) was formally delivered to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Darwin on 4 May 2004, providing Army with a major boost in land capability. Defence Minister Robert Hill said the new ASLAVs were equipped with the Army’s premiere night-fighting equipment, the latest target locating system and fire control measures, which incorporate advanced thermal imager technology.
“A new electric turret drive system has replaced the earlier hydraulic-drive system improving the ASLAV’s weapon aiming capability and crew safety,” Senator Hill said. “Additional improvements to the vehicles suspension system will also improve on and off road handling.” Senator Hill said the new ASLAVs would make a significant contribution to 1st Brigade’s ability to be a readily deployed combat capable force able to meet a wide range of possible threats and tasks. He said he is pleased the new ASLAVs have been delivered on schedule and on budget as part of Project LAND 112.
“The squadron being delivered today represents only one element of the $700 million program. “The complete acquisition program involves the procurement and staged delivery of a total of 144 new ASLAVs and the upgrading of the current 113 vehicle fleet to incorporate the new enhanced capabilities.
“The 2nd Cavalry Regiment will be the first of two Land Command units to receive the enhanced ASLAVs,” Senator Hill said. “Defence will hand over another squadron of ASLAVs later this year to 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, Queensland Mounted Infantry in Brisbane. All ASLAVs have undergone an extensive retrofit at the General Dynamics Land Systems facility at Pooraka in South Australia.
“Key to the success of this program has been the excellent working relationship forged between the prime contractor General Dynamics Land Systems and the Defence Materiel Organisation.”
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based at Robertson Barracks, marked the occasion of the formal handover of the ASLAV with mobile, static and live fire demonstrations at the Mount Bundy Training Area highlighting the enhanced capability provided by the new vehicles.
Read Ministerial Release: New Leading Edge ASLAVs Boosts Army Capability
| DNB100029_127 Live firing at Mt Bundy, Northern Territory. (Date taken: 04 May 2004) Low-res | High-res |
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| DNB100029_143 Minister for Defence, Senator Hill talks to 2 Cavalry troops after the ASLAV display at Mt Bundy, Northern Territory. (Date taken: 04 May 2004) Low-res | High-res |
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| DNB100029_172 Minister for Defence, Senator Hill takes part in live firing at Mt Bundy, Northern Territory. (Date taken: 04 May 2004) Low-res | High-res |
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| DNB10029_016 Mock attack on VIP escort at Mt Bundy, Northern Territory. (Date taken: 04 May 2004) Low-res | High-res |
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| DNB10029_056 A 2 Cavalry trooper deploys during the mock attack on a VIP escort at Mt Bundy, Northern Territory. (Date taken: 04 May 2004) Low-res | High-res |
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| DNB10029_066 ASLAV deploys during mock attack on VIP escort at Mt Bundy, Northern Territory. (Date taken: 04 May 2004) Low-res | High-res |
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