The Australian Army has unveiled a prototype of a new hybrid Bushmaster 4×4 protected motor vehicle at the 2022 Army Chiefs of Staff Symposium in Adelaide from 9-11 August.
Workshops including Army Innovation Day, Army Future Forum, Army Robotics Expo and Army Quantum Technology Challenge brought together industry, academia and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Assistant Minister of Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said the prototype, called the Electric Protected Military Vehicle (ePMV), was a key part of the Australian Army’s modernisation efforts.
“We’ve seen great success with Australian-designed and built vehicles in keeping people safe, and the new ePMV represents the next stage of innovation in that legacy,” Thistlethwaite said in a statement. The benefits of electric vehicles are brought to the field, especially being quieter than their burning counterparts, and I look forward to seeing it play out in field trials.”
“As we see around the world today, modern military personnel are joining their missions through machines,” he added, noting that the workshop enabled the Australian Army and the wider ADF to work with the local defence industry to explore new and Emerging Technologies.
The prototype ePMV features a series hybrid propulsion system that includes a diesel engine that produces up to 400 kW of continuous power for vehicle electronics and mission systems, as well as a rechargeable battery that enables the vehicle to operate for up to 24-36 hours. Silent watch’ or 200-300 km driving distance.
By comparison, conventionally powered Bushmaster vehicles offer a fuel-free range of up to 800 kilometers.
In addition to the Bushmaster ePMV, other 4×4 protected vehicles that may be powered by a hybrid drive include the Nexter Serval in service with the French Army.
by Jr Ng
