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http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1152/topstories/story04.htm
Better Bushmasters
Volume 11, No. 52, September 21, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney
A PROTECTED Weapons Station (PWS) and drinking water cooling system will be among the improvements to Bushmaster as a result of soldiers’ feedback.
Lt-Col Sam McPhee from the AFV Implementation Team said DMO had been working closely with manufacturer ADI on a variety of enhancements based on advice from soldiers serving in the MEAO. “These enhancements reflect both our operational experience and also the expanded role of the Bushmaster under HNA,” he said.
In July, the Government app-roved rapid acquisition of 44 PWS for Bushmaster, the first of which are expected to be fitted to deployed vehicles by the end of the year. One would be fitted per vehicle, the last expected to be delivered by April 2007.
Lt-Col McPhee said although the PWS had not been selected yet, it would be different to the Remote Weapons Station (RWS) on ASLAV. “The PWS is designed to fit the standard MAG-58, but it will have growth potential to accommodate other weapons,” he said.
He said it was likely the tactical environment would dictate when PWS would be used instead of two firers, or in a combination both. Lt-Col McPhee said in addition to PWS, enhanced protection initiatives included the evaluation of an appliqué armour package from September.
“That assessment is not just of the improved survivability offered by the up-armouring package, but also like its impact on vehicle handling and the vehicle’s functions,” he said.
He said the 25 Bushmasters recently sold to the Dutch Army were equipped with PWS and appliqué armour, but sacrifices to offset the increased weight meant this version may not be suitable for Australian requirements.
“Army and DMO will review the Dutch IMV enhancements and the associated capability trade-offs as part of our evaluations,” he said.
Another enhancement to the Bushmaster is an on-board drinking water cooling system.
“The prototype is being tested in October, and pending successful completion of those tests, the drinking water cooling system will be fitted to operationally deployed vehicles,” he said.
Where possible, all upgrades to vehicles for operation would be fitted prior to deployment otherwise RAEME soldiers or contractors would fit the upgrade kits in theatre.
“While the enhancements will be initially limited to vehicles deployed on operation, Army will consider fitting them more widely to the fleet,” Lt-Col McPhee said.
Other upgrades being examined include an annex for the command variant (IMCV), daypacks specifically for Bushmaster occupants and WTSS weapon station mock up.
Lt-Col McPhee encouraged soldiers to submit RODUMs if the vehicle wasn’t performing satisfactorily or submit user requirements for suggested enhancements through the chain of command.
Better Bushmasters
Volume 11, No. 52, September 21, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney
A PROTECTED Weapons Station (PWS) and drinking water cooling system will be among the improvements to Bushmaster as a result of soldiers’ feedback.
Lt-Col Sam McPhee from the AFV Implementation Team said DMO had been working closely with manufacturer ADI on a variety of enhancements based on advice from soldiers serving in the MEAO. “These enhancements reflect both our operational experience and also the expanded role of the Bushmaster under HNA,” he said.
In July, the Government app-roved rapid acquisition of 44 PWS for Bushmaster, the first of which are expected to be fitted to deployed vehicles by the end of the year. One would be fitted per vehicle, the last expected to be delivered by April 2007.
Lt-Col McPhee said although the PWS had not been selected yet, it would be different to the Remote Weapons Station (RWS) on ASLAV. “The PWS is designed to fit the standard MAG-58, but it will have growth potential to accommodate other weapons,” he said.
He said it was likely the tactical environment would dictate when PWS would be used instead of two firers, or in a combination both. Lt-Col McPhee said in addition to PWS, enhanced protection initiatives included the evaluation of an appliqué armour package from September.
“That assessment is not just of the improved survivability offered by the up-armouring package, but also like its impact on vehicle handling and the vehicle’s functions,” he said.
He said the 25 Bushmasters recently sold to the Dutch Army were equipped with PWS and appliqué armour, but sacrifices to offset the increased weight meant this version may not be suitable for Australian requirements.
“Army and DMO will review the Dutch IMV enhancements and the associated capability trade-offs as part of our evaluations,” he said.
Another enhancement to the Bushmaster is an on-board drinking water cooling system.
“The prototype is being tested in October, and pending successful completion of those tests, the drinking water cooling system will be fitted to operationally deployed vehicles,” he said.
Where possible, all upgrades to vehicles for operation would be fitted prior to deployment otherwise RAEME soldiers or contractors would fit the upgrade kits in theatre.
“While the enhancements will be initially limited to vehicles deployed on operation, Army will consider fitting them more widely to the fleet,” Lt-Col McPhee said.
Other upgrades being examined include an annex for the command variant (IMCV), daypacks specifically for Bushmaster occupants and WTSS weapon station mock up.
Lt-Col McPhee encouraged soldiers to submit RODUMs if the vehicle wasn’t performing satisfactorily or submit user requirements for suggested enhancements through the chain of command.
