ADFs new G wagen

[Jim Goose]

New replacement for the old Landrover 110......


http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2011...intref=ed-news

Army G-Wagens up close
words - Matt Brogan
CN gets exclusive access to Australia's first batch of Mercedes-Benz tactical vehicles
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Following our first pics of the Australian Defence Force's new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens in the field last year, the Carsales Network has been given an exclusive look at the first batch of tactical vehicles as they're prepared for field service at Bandiana Barracks in north-eastern Victoria.

The 'Land 121' vehicles, as they're known internally, will replace the ADF's existing Land Rover fleet under Project Overlander, one of the force's largest peace-time projects. The current Land Rover tactical fleet was commissioned in 1987.

The project will see 1200 specially prepared 'geländewagens' in action by 2013, for a total combination of 7000 vehicles, supporting modules and trailers.

At a cost of $325million, Project Overlander is not only a coup for Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific, which will also provide ongoing technical and spare parts support, but also for G.H. Varley Engineering. The Newcastle-based sub-contractor is tasked with developing and manufacturing 315 specialist modules for ambulance, canine, cargo and command post units.

Before delivery, the vehicles first spend time at Mercedes-Benz's Mulgrave headquarters where they undergo quality checks and compliance inspection in accordance with Department of Infrastructure and Transport's Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirements. They are also fitted with the Varley-built modules, have suspension and air intake changes made (to increase the G-Wagen's fording depth) and equipped with military communications systems, and related field systems.

The ADF was quick to stress that the G-Wagen is not a new capability, but a 'technological upgrade' of the current capability. It seems the soldiers agree, too, saying that although they're very fond of the Land Rover vehicles and their "go anywhere capability", the Mercedes "trucks" are far more modern and more comfortable.

As with the military vehicles of other countries, including Austria, Canada, Germany, Singapore and the United States, the ADF's G-Wagens utilise a 3.0-litre Euro5 compliant V6 turbodiesel engine and, locally at least, are offered in two and four-door station wagon, and cab-chassis variants. The models are predominantly 4x4 in configuration with purpose-built 6x6 models also under development for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. A total of six variants will be provided to the Army in accordance with a defined schedule.

Of note, the vehicles delivered to date (pictured) include attach points for the fitment of shadow eliminating tarps, helicopter hoist loops, transport tie-down and recovery points and flip-up front number plates for winch access. Specific field vehicles are also equipped with specialist communications equipment (which we were forbidden from photographing).

More than 60,000 of the Austrian-built, military-spec G-Wagens have been sold globally since their launch in 1979.

Specifications (typical):
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 intercooled turbodiesel
Fuel consumption: 13.7L/100km (combined)
Fuel tank capacity: 96 litres
GVM: 4600kg (4x4)/ 6500kg (6x6)
Top speed: 120km/h (on-road)

[fordomatic]

we've been told we are getting these every year for the last 4 years, ill believe it when they are sitting in the transport yard haha

[Jim Goose]

I think they currently have around 20 or so of them at the moment.

The Germans sent a small detachment last year up to high range (or was it the year before?) I recall seeing one of these up there... but that was for their own purposes.

If you go through the pictures, theres a 6X6 version in dual cab and single cab, single cab tray back and the wagen. 2more versions which remain unlisted. SAS maybe?

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

I think they currently have around 20 or so of them at the moment.

The Germans sent a small detachment last year up to high range (or was it the year before?) I recall seeing one of these up there... but that was for their own purposes.

If you go through the pictures, theres a 6X6 version in dual cab and single cab, single cab tray back and the wagen. 2more versions which remain unlisted. SAS maybe?

No SAS now use the British-made Supacat – named the Nary here in Oz.

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

No SAS now use the British-made Supacat – named the Nary here in Oz.

SAS still use the 6X6 landcruiser because they (the nary) described as white elephants.... they havent gone on any deployments yet?

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

SAS still use the 6X6 landcruiser because they (the nary) described as white elephants.... they havent gone on any deployments yet?

Mmmmm.....

Not good... another ADF "project success" ?

JSF next ?

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

SAS still use the 6X6 landcruiser because they (the nary) described as white elephants.... they havent gone on any deployments yet?

Not quite right...

The British have hundreds of them deployed in Afganistan, the problem is....

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news...229-199fl.html

....the Defence Materiel (Materiel) Organisation has failed to merge the British vehicles with US-designed electronics and communications used by the Australian Army.

This may affect systems for secret communications designed to prevent the enemy from listening in.

...nothing wrong with the vehicle itself, just the people that buy the equipment for the ADF doing its usual half arrsed job.....

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

Not quite right...

The British have hundreds of them deployed in Afganistan, the problem is....

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news...229-199fl.html



...nothing wrong with the vehicle itself, just the people that buy the equipment for the ADF doing its usual half arrsed job.....

Yes i was referring to ours... issues with the "extras" comms etc... and the fact that it weights so much it cant be carried internally by a chook (whereas the 6X6 land cruiser can). Just the usual DMO stuff ups.... 100%snafu....

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

I think they currently have around 20 or so of them at the moment.

As of last Friday it is more like a couple of hundred and that's just at JLU Nth Bandiana. I am there regularly for work and they have these things piling up now.

[fordomatic]

ummm a variant that is not listed is a mortar variant, and you can pretty much guarantee that there will be a mortar 6x6 variant, well there has to be. also a command variant isn't listed and i would say they should have one of those. yeh we got shown them up at high range middle of last year during an exercise.

what im worried about is this is a great vehicle fully kitted out but just like the bushmasters other country's will buy them with all the gear. when we finally get them we have all the good stuff taken off and get stuck with the pov pack

[Jim Goose]

haha... no that will never happen. (the poverty pack)

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

haha... no that will never happen. (the poverty pack)

haha happened with the bushmasters and this is defence we are talking about

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

haha happened with the bushmasters and this is defence we are talking about

alas yes i know...

[Riksta]

Those Benz 4wd's are awesome

[Polyal]

Ill take the AC in the Benz thanks!

[Road_Warrior]

All the Landrovers are now going to be auctioned off through Manheim's...I bet they will be absolutely roooooted

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

All the Landrovers are now going to be auctioned off through Manheim's...I bet they will be absolutely roooooted

I wouldnt bet on that.... some of them rarely move anywhere.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

I wouldnt bet on that.... some of them rarely move anywhere.

That could be said for a lot of the ones in Wait Awhile because most of them are in reserve units (apart from the Pilbara one) but I reckon there would still be heaps that have been put through the wringer.

I used to own a Landrover 110 series 2A. It was a heap but it went anywhere.

[fordomatic]

you know if i didn't have my ford maverick i would buy used a rover in a heartbeat, they truly do go anywhere. it has been a great workhorse for the ADF and they have well and truly got there money out of every single one.

[Jim Goose]

I have seen around town plenty of the early versions of the landrover (ex ADF, still in camo). Have seen a fully restored glossy green as well.
They are relatively simple vehicles and more or less bullet proof (except they lack a damned snorkle!)

[DJR-351]

Don't forget a lot of the ADF's older (87-90) Landrovers are "Perentie's", based on the 110 but quite a different animal....

[Road_Warrior]

I've just read elsewhere that the Army Landrovers (the current ones with the Isuzu motor) are unable to be registered on civvy street - is this true??

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I've just read elsewhere that the Army Landrovers (the current ones with the Isuzu motor) are unable to be registered on civvy street - is this true??

I have heard the same although not sure....

By the way the Isuzu motor has been fitted since 87'....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Perentie

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I've just read elsewhere that the Army Landrovers (the current ones with the Isuzu motor) are unable to be registered on civvy street - is this true??

Rumour is one thing, but does the "rumour" say why?
There isnt anything on them that wouldnt pass a roadworthy

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

Rumour is one thing, but does the "rumour" say why?
There isnt anything on them that wouldnt pass a roadworthy

Something about the modifications Army did to them to make them suitable (and less rollover-prone) means they won't comply with the ADR's and cannot be registered for private use??

[ChrisA87]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Something about the modifications Army did to them to make them suitable (and less rollover-prone) means they won't comply with the ADR's and cannot be registered for private use??

Nah looked into it, they have the basic requirements for driving civvies street and any with modifications will be returned to original state before sale.

they arent a bad vehicle, but you have 2 choices, a regularly used and thrashed, or one thats been sitting in the transport yard for 20 odd years.

stick with the private classifieds in the newspaper

[SteveJH]

Fairly sure all ADF vehicles.....up to and including tanks... ...have to meet ADR's....

Bit of a joke having to make your Tank or APC ADR compliant....no idea how they'd pass the pedestrian impact test... :sarcastic:

[drew`SEVNT5]

should have bought landcruisers or patrols, not these poofy european piles...

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by drew`SEVNT5

should have bought landcruisers or patrols, not these poofy european piles...

You clearly have not been bush with ADF, yes we do have white fleet, toyotas. they are nowhere near up to the task, they are simply too nice and get destroyed in two days. I remember using a 100 series in Timor in 2007 and within a week we had pretty much destroyed it. Doors were stuffed, carpet was ruined from getting wet and every seat was ripped from our gear and weapons.

[banarcus]

Originally Posted by drew`SEVNT5

should have bought landcruisers or patrols, not these poofy european piles...

Says the person with European vehicles in his or her signature.