Bushmaster - Mobility and Protection when it counts!

The Bushmaster has been specifically designed to ensure that a military vehicle can offer the troops it carries, the agility of an all terrain vehicle with a high level of protection. The vehicles' main function is to ensure that battle ready troops may be swiftly deployed in a variety of field conditions. Thus, the need for a vehicle that can offer comfort, agility and protection to ensure combat endurance.

The vehicle accommodates for ten fully equipped soldiers offering sufficient floor space and roof height. The ‘V' shaped monocoque hull provides protection against mine blast as well as offering ballistic protection. All of the vehicle's vital running gear is protected inside the hull, while troops are protected in air-conditioned comfort.

Powering the vehicle is a Caterpillar 3126E, 7.2L six cylinder, turbocharged electronically controlled emission compliant diesel engine providing close to 223kW of power.

Travelling at top speeds of 100 kilometres per hour at a range of more than 800 kilometres, the Bushmaster can carry sufficient fuel and provisions for up to three days.

Manufactured by Defence firm Thales, Air Radiators design brief was to provide sufficient engine cooling to allow the vehicle to safely operate in high ambient temperatures, while providing a high level of durability and characteristics that minimised external fouling and simplified maintenance.

To achieve this, Air Radiators developed an engine radiator employing the MD core fin profile - This MD design is an industrial plate fin core, with the added features of a ribbed profile and ‘deep-hem'. The MD core provides a practical balance between thermal efficiency, durability and fouling characteristics. The end result is a product that is truly fit-for-purpose, and supports the operational demands of such and critical application.

Having been deployed in numerous theatres of conflict around the world, the Bushmaster has quickly established strong reputation, and the interest from other defence forces.