UMS wins support contract for Boxer CRV training simulators

Australia-based Universal Motion Simulator (UMS) has won a support contract for the new Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRV) driver training simulators.

The new Boxer 8X8 CRVs are being manufactured by Rheinmetall Defence Australia for the Australian Army.

Rheinmetall will deliver 211 CRVs under the $5.2bn LAND 400 Phase 2 programme.

The seven-year, $14.12m contract awarded to UMS is for the sustainment of training simulators for the new Boxers.

Australia Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said: “This seven-year contract will provide long-term employment opportunities for Universal Motion Simulator Pty Ltd and its Australian workforce.

“The potential for growth for this Geelong-based company is indicative of this government’s commitment to further strengthen Australia’s defence industry.”

Additionally, the simulators can be reconfigured to assist training with other armoured vehicles such as the future Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.

In February 2019, the acquisition of six driver training simulators was announced.

The delivery of the first simulators is expected to take place in 2022.

Australia Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the contract is a significant step to upgrade Australia’s armoured vehicle fleet.

Reynolds said: “The new Boxer vehicle fleet is part of the government’s $200bn investment in our defence capability to deliver a more potent, agile and capable Australian Defence Force.

“The new vehicles will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility.”

The first Boxer CRV was delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia to the Australian Government in September 2019.