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ADI’s Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle has performed strongly in two, three-day evaluation trials in the harsh environment of the United Arab Emirates.
In temperatures reaching 58 degrees C and very high humidity, the five-year old left-hand drive prototype vehicle conquered mountainous sand dunes, plus a variety of deserts and rocky tracks in successfully completing the 2500km evaluation.
Separate maintenance testing included the timing of the removal, replacement and installation of vehicle components. ADI’s team at the trials won praise when it removed and re-installed Bushmaster’s power pack in less than three hours.
ADI managing director, Mr. Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said that Bushmaster’s strength, capability and reliability had impressed UAE defence officials.
“The importance of the central tire inflation system, air conditioning and the engine cooling system capable of operating in the harsh environment are fundamental requirements for the vehicle’s deployment in the UAE,” he said.
“Our team has reported that the Bushmaster crossed the entire country from north to south, handling the most daunting cross country conditions and unrelenting heat without faulting. One of the keys to Bushmaster’s success in the UAE was the extensive trials and development work done by ADI in similar conditions in northern and central Australia.
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The testing of Bushmaster was part of the UAE Defence Force’s “Summer Trials” when equipment that might be purchased is evaluated. While ADI was required to provide the driver, a UAE observer was a passenger in the vehicle throughout the trials.
The Bushmaster vehicle tested by the UAE will be on display at AUSA 2004, the major defence exhibition in mainland America, in October.
ADI is now producing Bushmaster vehicles for the Australian Defence Force BUSHRANGER project. |
