South Australia’s Supashock has partnered with Rheinmetall to develop a load handling system that improves efficiency and safety for the loading of containers and other items onto vehicles.
The system enables the automated loading and unloading of containers, modules and flat racks onto military trucks from the within the safe confines of a protected truck cabin in a combat environment.
“Supashock has truly revolutionised the concept of integrated load handling systems for military applications,” Michael Wittlinger, Head of Rheinmetall’s Logistic Vehicle business unit, said.
“The ALHS 17 introduces a genuine ‘lift and go’ capability that significantly reduces the time spent by military personnel in a hostile environment, thus increasing overall safety and survivability.”
It has been designed for Rheinmetall’s logistic vehicle (HX77 8x8) and its future derivative which is being delivered for the German Army. Rheinmetall is a 49 per cent shareholder in Supashock.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne launched the innovation at Eurosatory in France, one of the world’s largest international security and defence exhibitions.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of a global prime and an Australian small to medium enterprise collaborating to deliver cutting-edge technology and significant export opportunities,” Minister Pyne said.
“Supashock’s Automated Load Handling System design will enable it to be operated on a range of terrains and by a single soldier from the protection of the cab.”
“The Supashock team is proud to have developed a revolutionary load handling system, in partnership with Rheinmetall, that will simplify the distribution of military supplies in demanding battlefield environments while keeping soldiers safe," Oscar Fiorinotto, Managing Director of Supashock, said.
Supashock estimates that work on the design, prototype, validation, manufacturing and qualification of the system will create a significant number of advanced manufacturing jobs in Adelaide.
“Supashock is a great example of an innovative Australian business transferring its knowledge and skills to take advantage of opportunities available in the defence industry and becoming an advanced manufacturing exporter,” Minister Pyne said.