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The defence contractor has showcased a new combat support vehicle, designed and built in Australia.
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Rheinmetall has unveiled the Lynx Combat Support Vehicle (CSV) at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Queensland.
The Lynx CSV — a variant of the Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), currently under consideration for the LAND 400 Phase 3 project — is billed as the most advanced armoured vehicle ever to be designed and built locally, receiving ‘Made in Australia’ certification from the Australia Made Campaign Limited (AMCL).
Rheinmetall managing director Gary Stewart has described the Lynx CSV as a “game changer” for defence forces, providing flexibility to warfighters performing recovery, repair, manoeuvre support and support logistics.
The design similarities between the Lynx CSV and Lynx IFV are tipped to improve operational efficiency, bolstering interoperability among trained personnel.
Other features of the Lynx CSV include:
- additional onboard fuel capacity to support the refuelling of other vehicles;
- a roof top mounted crane capable of lifting more than five tonnes;
- an interchangeable power pack; and
- excavation attachments including a clam shell bucket and rock breaker.
The CSV’s modular remote weapon station can also be configured with varying weapons and ammunition systems, including 7.62mm, 12.7mm, and 40mm grenades.
According to Stewart, the locally-built Lynx CSV would be positioned for export from Australia to allied armed forces.
“The Lynx CSV was designed by Australian engineers and manufactured at MILVEHCOE using Australian steel and our industry network of more than 100 partners,” he added.
“It is uniquely Australian as a ‘work horse’ vehicle, even taking on the distinct function of a ute.”
Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) is supported by 450 employees, which manufacture Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles and perform final integration of logistics trucks.
The company has employed the services of over 100 local firms, supporting a broader push to develop a sovereign military vehicle industry.
[Related: Rheinmetall unveils Fuchs/Fox vehicle variant]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
