Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s
CEO, said the company’s investment in the Hawkei
and its close cooperation with world-leading partners
had produced impressive results in a short timeframe.
“We’ve demonstrated that we
can move quickly to develop a vehicle that is progressing
very well in testing, thanks to the significant protected
vehicles expertise we have gained from the highly successful
Bushmaster program and the capabilities of our partners,”
he said.
“Along with road trials, the Hawkei
has also successfully passed a series of blast tests.
“This achievement is the result of close collaboration
with our partners Plasan Sasa, whose survivability systems
expertise has been invaluable, as well as Boeing Defence
Australia and PAC Group. All have been instrumental in
ensuring the development program proceeds on schedule.”
The Hawkei has numerous advantages:
-- Large protected interior space for
crew, equipment and stores
-- Four doors for easy access
-- Bushmaster levels of blast and ballistic protection
-- Advanced technology for rapid up-armouring in the field
-- Straightforward reconfiguration between variants
-- 7-tonne air-transportable combat configuration
In addition to the Hawkei’s technical
advantages and low through life support costs, an expert
development team with many years’ protected vehicle
experience is available in Australia, guaranteeing dedicated
customer service and supporting strategic Australian defence
industry capability.
