Bushmaster branches out

Having begun production deliveries of the Bushmaster IMV, ADI has started extending the model range - first variant, an armoured ute.
With well over 100 vehicles already having rolled off its Bendigo production line, ADI has released details to ADM of the first Bushmaster variant to be developed independent of the Australian Army's Project Bushranger program.

The vehicle, known as the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV), is at the early prototype development stage, with ADI still fine-tuning the design of the initial flat-bed 4x4 concept demonstrator as this issue went to press in early October.

The 4x4 concept demonstrator is the first product of ADI's efforts to develop a new family of 4x4 and 6x6 ACSVs based on the Bushmaster. Other new variants will include a range of general service vehicles to undertake utility tasks, plus several role-specific combat support and combat service support vehicles that will operate closely with frontline combat units.

Role-specific ACSV variants may include a vehicle that could fulfil the role of mobility platform as part of a self-propelled artillery capability, mounting a 155mm or 105mm howitzer. A combat engineer mine clearing variant is also planned.

Development of the ACSV has been prompted by recent operations by Australian forces and observation and analysis of coalition experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, which have driven home the need for significantly higher levels of force protection for both combat forces and support echelons.

Logistics elements driving soft-skinned light vehicles and trucks in convoy have been particularly hard hit by insurgency activity in Iraq, with the use of ambush, mines and improvised explosive devices the predominate means of attack.

Australia's Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) has been using the standard Bushmaster in both the troop carrying and logistics support roles, where it has demonstrated its suitability for operations in harsh and austere environments and where high reliability and easy maintainability are essential in reducing an otherwise long and vulnerable logistics tail.

Allocated to cavalry and motorised infantry units equipped with ASLAVs and Bushmasters respectively, the ACSV would also permit a force to move more quickly on secondary/dirt roads than traditional truck-based B vehicles would ordinarily permit. The ability for both A and B vehicles to enjoy the same level of cross-country mobility, and in the Bushmaster's case identical armoured protection, would likely prove a significant tactical advantage.

Within a unit, use of the wheeled ACSV would reduce exposure for B vehicle support echelons during dispersal point taskings and provide vastly improved survivability against mines.

The ACSV will share the stock Bushmaster's powertrain and running gear: same 330hp Caterpillar turbo-charged diesel engine, ZF Ecomat automatic transmission and Arvin Meritor 4000 series independent suspension system, although the 4x4 concept demonstrator (
Other features include run flat tyres, a central tyre inflation system and air conditioning for the two-man cab. Unlike the Army's Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle (IMV) family, which have no side doors, the crew enter/exit the cab via a cut-down door with window located on either side. All glass areas are bullet-resistant as per the standard Bushmaster.

While payload and performance figures are yet to be finalised, ADI is confident the 4x4 ACSV version could carry a mission payload of 4-5 tonnes. The rear cargo bed of the 4x4 measures approximately 4 metres long by 2.5 metres wide and is designed to take standard ISO containers and modules. Kerb weight is expected to be around 11 tonnes, compared to 12.3 tonnes for the Bushmaster IMV.

A 6x6 variant would provide the option of adding a crew cab compartment and a longer rear cargo bed. The company expects the six-wheeler to be capable of transporting 10-11 tonnes of cargo cross-country. Its length would be sufficient for carriage of 20ft ISO containers.

Both 4x4 and 6x6 ACSV variants should be able to tow a 15 tonne trailer; AMTG Bushmasters have experienced no difficulties in hauling around various 8 tonne logistics trailers. Stowage lockers located alongside the cab provide additional storage for crew gear and equipment.

By Ian Bostock, Sydney