Hawkei eyes future ADF role

The Bendigo-built Hawkei "light protected mobility vehicle" cost $30 million to develop and is intended to replace the Australian Defence Force's fleet of LandRovers. The Hawkei has been designed around the success of the battle-proven Bushmaster troop carrier.

The Bushy is the transport of choice in Afghanistan (31 have been written off without one fatality) and the federal government last week announced a $133 million deal for an extra 101 of the armoured vehicles. Thales business development director Grant Sanderson said the deal will "put food on the table" for the company's 500 Bendigo staff but it is the Hawkei contract that will give long-term security.

The seven-tonne vehicle is based on the monocoque V-hull that has let the Bushmaster endure countless IED blasts but it also uses the latest engineering and electronics systems. Boeing helped with the inbuilt sensors that monitor the health of the Hawkei and advise which parts need replacing or maintenance and the vehicle is C4I ready, meaning it can be used as a mobile command and communications centre.

The seats, from two to six depending on how the vehicle is configured, are suspended from the roof on webbing to reduce the blast force transmitted into occupants' spines during an underbelly explosion. The floor similarly "floats" where the soldiers feet are to avoid ankle and lower leg injuries during blast impacts.

Extra "B kit" ceramic armour is fitted using a 90-degree turn and lock system that is the military equivalent of an Ikea component.  It was designed by Israeli company Plasan who were also responsible for the blast tests to confirm it worked. The Hawkei uses a modular design and can be configured for range of roles by uncoupling the rear cargo module and replacing it with another. 

Ute and command vehicle prototypes have al ready been produced and Sanderson said other variants, including a special forces version, will quickly follow if Thales secures the Australian contract. GeneralDynamics and Force Protection Europe have also bid for the deal, using their Eagle and the Ocelot vehicles respectively. A decision is expected within weeks.

HAWKEI LIGHT PROTECTED MOBILITY VEHICLE

Price: $500,000 (estimate)
Engine: Steyr 3.2-litre turbodiesel
Transmission: ZF six-speed auto, 4WD
Ground clearance: 460mm, 1200mm water fording
Climb gradient: Up to 60 degrees
Top speed: 130km/h
Range: 600km from a 200-litre tank
Weight: Seven tonnes.