Military cargo vehicles on test around Canberra

Last week there was a convoy of armoured military cargo vehicles were on test on the highway from Canberra. These were lead by the Copperhead cargo variant of the Australian made Bushmaster. It was followed by a line of other similar sized vehicles with armoured cabs, all carrying standard size concrete block test loads.

The Bushmaster looked the most elegant design, with the cab integrated with under body panels beneath the load bed. It is not clear if the anti-mine armour under the load area has been retained in the cargo version of the Bushmaster. This would have advantages when personnel, valuable or explosive loads are carried, but would limit payload.

The other vehicles appeared to be standard military trucks with armoured cabs added, some appearing very crudely bolted onto the truck chassis.