Electrified Bushmaster showcased at Army symposium

An electric-powered version of the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle (PMV) is being showcased at the three-day Chief of Army Symposium.

The Bushmaster (pictured) is an 11-tonne, 4×4 protected vehicle with a V-hull design which deflects explosions away from passengers. It is designed and built in Australia by Thales in Bendigo.

According to assistant veterans affairs minister Matt Thistlethwaite, the electrified version represents an innovative next stage in the highly-successful vehicle’s life.

“This ePMV brings the benefits of electric vehicles to the battlefield, particularly being quieter than its combustion counterparts, and I look forward to seeing it perform in field trials,” Thistlethwaite said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Chief of Army Symposium in Adelaide runs August 9 – 11 and includes an Army Innovation Day, Army Future Forum, Army Robotics Exposition and the Army Quantum Technology Challenge, and hosts industry, academia and the Australian Defence Force.

Thistlethwaite said the event gives attendees a chance to be “hands-on” with technology that supports the “Future Ready” Army.

“As we are seeing around the world today, modern military personnel are joined on their missions by machines. This symposium enables Army to work with industry to explore new and emerging technologies,” he said.

Picture: Thales

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