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Australian Defence Force personnel have tested the new Block II Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle in Germany, as the Australian Army prepares to receive the CRV later this year.
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Three soldiers from 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) were involved in testing at the Rheinmetall site in Unterluss, Germany, late last year. The vehicle’s Lance 2.0 turret was designed at the Rheinmetall site in Unterluss and initial production has already commenced.
Testing of the Boxer CRV conducted in Germany included firing the MK30-2 cannon and MAG58 machine gun in extreme weather conditions, testing new programmable munitions capability as well as a brief on the Block II vehicle design, operation of the combat intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system and new weapon control systems.
“I found it incredibly beneficial to see the input that soldiers from 2/14 LHR (QMI) have made to the design of Block II Boxer, particularly in the crew operation of the weapon systems, and be able to tell them how it has been implemented,” according to crew commander Lance Corporal Ben Crawford, who fired 30mm training and programmable rounds from the MK30-2 Cannon in the Block II turret during testing.
Soldiers also participated in a working group with Rheinmetall in Kassel to support future design options for Boxer with an active protection system, provided input from their own experience with Block I vehicles as well as being briefed on ballistic and blast testing program in Germany and Australia.
Driver trooper Liam Skinner, who also fired 30mm training and programmable rounds from the MK30-2 Cannon in the Block II turret, said he was impressed with the strong focus on crew safety.
“The implementation of an emergency escape hatch for the driver on the Block II design ensures improved survivability,” he said.
“Seeing lessons learned from Block I now being implemented into Block II provided me with confidence moving forward.”
The Australian Army has received 25 Block I Boxers between 2019 and 2021 to provide an interim cavalry capability while the military awaits delivery of the remaining 186 Block II vehicles scheduled to begin this year.
Sergeant Chris Hughes said one of the highlights was being exposed to the new electronic systems that enable the Block II Boxer CRVs to manage combat information, communications and weapon systems.
“The combat intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system in Boxer provides not only the commander but all crew within the vehicle a situational awareness advantage on the battlefield,” SGT Hughes said.
