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DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific has handed over to the Australian Army the first production models of 55 highly advanced Medium Recovery Vehicles (MRV). The vehicles are based on the all-terrain Mercedes-Benz Unimog 2450L six-wheel-drive chassis and were chosen above all other brands following a worldwide call for the most advanced recovery units available.
The handover of the first production units was preceded by almost four years of development work on two trial units by Army recovery specialists working closely with DaimlerChrysler.
The keys to the first MRV production unit were presented to Brigadier Pat Mcintosh CSC, Commander of the Brisbane based 7th Brigade, by the President and Chief Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific, Mr Bernt Schlickum, at a special ceremony recently at DaimlerChrysler's Rocklea branch in Brisbane. The remaining units in the order will be progressively delivered to Army bases throughout Australia over the next 1 2 months.
While the presentation of this vehicle is indeed an important occasion for both DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific and the Australian Army, it means far more than simply the supply of advanced automotive recovery equipment," said Mr Schlickum. "It also reflects the excellent relationship that has evolved over many years between the Australian Defence Force and DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific and its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz Australia.
"In October 1 98 1 Mercedes-Benz Australia was awarded a contract which ultimately saw the delivery of almost 2000 specialised Unimog four-wheel-drive trucks to Australian Army and Airforce Units. From that time on a great deal of trust, respect and camaraderie has developed between our respective divisions, both here and overseas. Our shared ability and willingness to work together for a common goal are qualities that go far beyond the boundaries of supplier and customer.
"We are partners in projects that are vital to all of us," Mr Schlickum commented.
According to the MRV Project Director from the Defence Acquisition Organisation, Mr Denis Ausling, the choice of the 6x6 Unimog as the platform for the MRV was based on its compatibility with existing fleets (U 1 700L) and the proven track record of previous Mercedes- Benz vehicles. A 6x6 version was specifically chosen for its high off-road capability. Coupled with the central tyre inflation system, improved drive-line components and specifically chosen tyres, the vehicle has the same mobility as the rest of the light and medium fleets of wheeled field vehicles in service with the Australian Defence Force.
Mr Ausling also commented that through-life support arrangements offered for the vehicle is an integral part of the purchasing decision. The ability of Mercedes-Benz to supply repair parts and support for the MRV is very important, especially since there is now a greater reliance on the level of contractor support for repair and maintenance of the fleet over the life of the vehicles
"These vehicles bring new standards of efficiency and productivity to recovery operations," said Jack Wilson, DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific's Senior Manager of Special Projects. "They are much more than just a modern tow truck. In fact, they are highly specialised, state- of-the-art recovery vehicles that are not only capable of going just about anywhere, but are also able to extract other equipment from some of the worst scenarios imaginable.
While the Unimog chassis are fully imported from Germany, a great deal of local equipment and expertise is employed to meet the Army's exacting standards. All recovery equipment, for instance, is fitted to the MRVs by specialist Brisbane company, Evans Deakin Engineering Pty Ltd.
"Each unit is equipped with two rear-mounted eight tonne winches, an hydraulic underlift recovery system and a Palfinger crane," Jack Wilson continued. "Despite the fact that they hit the road weighing around 13.5 tonnes, the Unimog MRVs have excellent off-road ability thanks to features such as diff locks, a power divider lock and a central tyre inflation system which, by the simple flick of a switch in the cab, allows the driver to adjust air pressure to suit particular surface conditions. The Army also requires that the vehicles are able to ford up to 1 200 mm of water with no more preparation than engaging the all-wheel-drive system.
"Recovery trucks just don't come any more advanced or better equipped than these vehicles," Jack Wilson added. "What's more, they are backed up in Australia by a spare parts support system that not only covers every aspect and item of their construction and operation, but has also been proven many times since the first Unimogs joined the Australian Army almost 20 years ago."
Of course, the vehicles are also specified to military standards that make them ready for any emergency at extremely short notice.
The Mercedes-Benz Unimog 2450L 6x6 chassis makes an ideal platform for recovery work in difficult conditions. With a gross vehicle mass of 18 tonnes, the all-terrain specialist is powered by an extremely reliable turbocharged and intercooled six cylinder diesel engine driving into a synchromesh transmission that has eight forward speeds as well as eight reverse ratios. Additionally, a splitter section in the transmission and a two-speed low ratio working gear group multiplies the number of available ratios to 32 in either forward or reverse.
Despite the Unimog's inherent off-road ability, driver comfort has always been a feature of the vehicle's design. For instance, all-round coil spring suspension delivers excellent wheel articulation as well as providing extremely supple ride qualities over any surface. In the two man cab of the Unimog MRVs, the Army has also specified air conditioning for the first time.
"At DaimlerChrysler we are extremely proud of these vehicles and you don't have to look too hard to see why," Jack Wilson concluded.
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