Upgrade for current fleet By Cpl Andrew Hetherington
Edition 1174, September 6, 2007
THE current Bushmaster fleet will undergo a number of upgrades in the near future, according to Lt-Col Sam McPhee, SO1 Armoured Fighting Vehicle Capability Implementation Team.
“We are purchasing additional protected weapons systems (PWS) to fit to all vehicles that are deployed on operations. PWS is a remote weapons mount that fits on the roof of the vehicle and at the moment holds a MAG 58,” Lt-Col McPhee said.
“PWS is stabilised and can be fired on the move, has a thermal imager for night use, a day camera for day use and a laser range finder.
“The vehicle commander has in front of him an electronic package. A display unit, a joystick and switches enable him to operate the system remotely from his position. It’s a very lethal system.”
To further enhance crew survivability, Lt-Col McPhee said spall liners would be fitted to 116 existing vehicles.
Other features to be fitted to the vehicles are a fire suppression system, a cool-water drinking system in which water will be drawn from the under-floor water tank, and an additional seat.
