Reconfigurable Trainers Support ABRAMS, BOXER and Future IFV

Geelong-based company Universal Motion Simulator Pty Ltd has been awarded a $21.4 million support contract for the sustainment of training simulators for the new BOXER 8X8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Army, the Defence Department announced recently.

In addition to supporting BOXER training, the simulators can be reconfigured to train Army drivers on other types of armoured vehicles, including the M1A1 ABRAMS and the future Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV).

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds commented that this milestone is a further step towards modernising Australia’s armoured vehicle fleet through the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project. “The new BOXER vehicle fleet is part of the Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability to deliver a more potent, agile and capable Australian Defence Force […] The new vehicles will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility,” she stated.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price added that the Australian government is committed to maximising Australian defence industry involvement in the project. “This seven-year contract will provide long-term employment opportunities for Universal Motion Simulator Pty Ltd and its Australian workforce,” she said.

Acquisition of six driver training simulators was announced in February 2019, with the first simulators expected to be delivered in 2022.