Bushmaster

   The Bushmaster mine resistant ambush protected vehicle is produced by ADI Limited (now Thales Australia). It is named after a deadly pit viper. It is referred by manufacturer as the Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV). It entered service with Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Forces in 2004. Australia operates over 1 000 Bushmasters of all variants. It also ordered additional 143 vehicles for delivery in 2009. In 2006 Netherlands acquired 37 of these MRAPs. It is also in service with United Kingdom. Jamaica ordered 12 of these vehicles, Japan 4 and Indonesia 3. By 2013 over 1 000 Bushmasters have been produced. By its type the Bushmaster is a mine resistant and ambush protected vehicle, that has proved itself in Afghanistan and Iraq.

   Hull of the Bushmaster is of all welded steel armor. It provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The Bushmaster IMV provides better protection against land mine threats in modern conflicts, than conventional up-armored light utility vehicles, such as HUMMWVs, G-Wagens and Land Rovers. It provides high-level protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. Optional armor kit can be fitted, which provides protection against 5.56-mm and 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds.

   A 7.62-mm or 5.56-mm machine gun can be mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Remotely controlled weapon systems were ordered to upgrade some existing Australian vehicles. A 12.7-mm machine gun or 40-mm automatic grenade launcher can be fitted. Overall design of the Bushmaser allows to accommodate a small turret-mounted cannon.

   The Busmaster MRAP has a crew of two and can carry 7 troops. Variant of this vehicle used by the Royal Australian Air Force can carry 10 troops. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via a large door in the hull rear or roof hatches. There are a number of firing ports for the occupants.

   This mine resistant ambush protected vehicle is powered by the Caterpillar 3126 ATAAC turbocharged diesel engine, developing 300 horsepower. It has a maximum speed of 120 km/h and operational range of about 1 000 km. Vehicle is fitted with a hydraulically operated 10 tonne winch and central tyre inflation system. The Bushmaster is not amphibious.

Variants

   Armored personnel carrier;

   Command vehicle;

   Assault pioneer vehicle;

   Mortar carrier;

   Direct fire weapons vehicle;

   Ambulance;

   Cargo vehicle.