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An electronic variant of the Thales-built military vehicle has been showcased at a defence technology symposium.
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An electric Bushmaster Protected Military Vehicle (ePMV) has been unveiled at the Chief of Army Symposium in Adelaide.
The electric variant has been developed by 3ME Technology in Newcastle, NSW over the past 12-15 months in collaboration with Army, the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office (RICO), and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).
The ePMV is reportedly capable of accelerating up to four times faster than a conventionally powered Bushmaster, operating with reduced noise and a reduced heat signature.
The variant is built with fewer components, potentially reducing maintenance requirements, and is able to better integrate with autonomous systems by leveraging its fully autonomous drive system.
According to 3ME Technology CEO Justin Bain, the vehicle’s two main propulsion battery packs also increase “serviceability and survivability”.
The vehicle’s range is still being tested; however, it is reportedly capable of integrating combustion engine technology to extend its operations capacity.
“This is really just the beginning, so we're excited to do more testing and trials with Defence and look to electrify other platforms as well and demonstrate the capabilities we’re running so it can be part of future capability,” Bain told Defence Connect.
The project — supported by the operational expertise of veterans — is funded by the Australian Business Growth Fund, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and R&D incentives provided by the government.
The vehicle’s development forms part of a broader effort to modernise the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to ensure it is “future ready”.
Following the vehicle’s unveiling at the symposium in Adelaide, Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite reflected on the growth of Australia’s defence innovation capability.
“We have seen great success with Australian designed and built vehicles keeping personnel safe under fire and the new ePMV represents the next innovative stage in that tradition,” he said.
“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.”
Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite noted the benefits of hosting defence technology expos like the Chief of Army Symposium for ADF and industry personnel.
“As we are seeing around the world today, modern military personnel are joined on their missions by machines,” he said.
“This symposium enables Army to work with industry to explore new and emerging technologies.
“It is vital we support the exploration and development of these technologies, creating innovative advantages for the Australian Defence Force while supporting Australian industry and jobs.”
The symposium, set to wrap up on Thursday, 11 August, includes the Army Future Forum, Army Innovation Day, Army Robotics Expo and Army Quantum Technology Challenge.
[Related: Defence approves Bushmaster upgrades ]
