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G'day gents
I have been reading a book 'On Weapons Decisions: How Australia Chooses to Arm Itself (1963-1996)' by John Bruni (again!)
Under Part 2, Chapter 5 Patterms of Procurement 1983-1992, it talks about the early 1980's plans to replace the Australian Army's M113A1 APC fleet with an indigenously design Project Waler (between 800-1,000 vehicles). The project attracted 14 companies responses in 1981.
By 1982, three company's were contracted to conduct cost and feasibility studies for vehicle concepts.
These were- Evans Deakin; ESAMS and Goninan companies.
It was estimated that over all cost for these vehicles would be in the range of A$500 million, with the first vehicle entering service in 1995.
It states the design concepts offered significant technology advances in terms of hull design, armour, engine, suspension and weapons options.
But as per usual with Australian defence projects increasing costs added to the Waler's own demise![Frown :( :(](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
In 1985 Kim Beazley (Defence Minister) indefinitely postponed the development of Waler, due to the doubling of the projects cost.
Can anyone please shed some light on this projects?
Has anyone got any pictures, drawing or technical data for any of these designs?
I will endeavor to find out more via the School of Armour and the Armoured Museum at Puckapunyal!
Regards
Pioneer
I have been reading a book 'On Weapons Decisions: How Australia Chooses to Arm Itself (1963-1996)' by John Bruni (again!)
Under Part 2, Chapter 5 Patterms of Procurement 1983-1992, it talks about the early 1980's plans to replace the Australian Army's M113A1 APC fleet with an indigenously design Project Waler (between 800-1,000 vehicles). The project attracted 14 companies responses in 1981.
By 1982, three company's were contracted to conduct cost and feasibility studies for vehicle concepts.
These were- Evans Deakin; ESAMS and Goninan companies.
It was estimated that over all cost for these vehicles would be in the range of A$500 million, with the first vehicle entering service in 1995.
It states the design concepts offered significant technology advances in terms of hull design, armour, engine, suspension and weapons options.
But as per usual with Australian defence projects increasing costs added to the Waler's own demise
In 1985 Kim Beazley (Defence Minister) indefinitely postponed the development of Waler, due to the doubling of the projects cost.
Can anyone please shed some light on this projects?
Has anyone got any pictures, drawing or technical data for any of these designs?
I will endeavor to find out more via the School of Armour and the Armoured Museum at Puckapunyal!
Regards
Pioneer
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