So there is a bit of a debate going on around the web on various different forums and websites. Both why is the NZDF replacing the armoured version of the Pinzgauer with the Australian built Bushmaster when we have 30 odd LAV’s up for sale when the do the basic same job. First off, they don’t do the basic same job.
Light Armoured Vehicle
The LAV is a Light Armoured Vehicle that is more intended to be on a battlefield. However, let me make this clear... they are not designed to go toe to toe with a MBT or main battle tank... Yes it can troop transport for 6 or 7 troopers as well do troop-support on the field. They are good for “recon”, patrol duties. They can be up-gunned and up-armoured if needed. The LAVIII is fitted with a nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) filtration system accompanied with a GID-3 chemical detector and AN/VDR-2 radiation detector system.
The LAV has to be dismantled and tyres deflated to fit in the C-130. And even then due to the weight of them at 17 tonne’s they can’t be flown anywhere useful. New Zealand can deploy them via sea lift with HMNZS Canterbury.
The LAV is not the best thing to send on a HADR or Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operation, while it is not one people see a tank, and during a HADR operation, the average person doesn’t want to see a tank. Perception is everything. And the same can be said if it was a SASO or Stability and Support Operations and other peacekeeping missions and is a bit of an overkill for what is needed.
Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) now Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV)
The Bushmaster IMV is more a troop transport can carry 10 armed troopers. Not really intended to be on the main battlefield. More designed to get the troops there and then retreat and bring up the rear. As the Bushmaster is lightly armoured, the term Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) was initially adopted to distinguish it from a heavier wheeled or tracked armoured personnel carrier (APC), such as the ASLAV, NZLAV and M113. Later the Bushmaster's designation was changed to Protected Mobility Vehicle.
- New Zealand Army to Replace Its Armoured Pinzgauer Fleet
- New Armoured vehicles for New Zealand Army
- New armoured vehicle purchase replaces ageing fleet
- New Zealand Army receives first six Polaris MRZR vehicles
Easier to use in the Urban warfare on the streets with the V shaped bottom which helps protect against IED’s. Can be fitted with remote machine guns though this not standard.
Infantry Mobility Vehicles are designed to supplant lighter, less protected vehicles among rear echelon troops and in low-intensity conflict. They are a more protected alternative to jeeps and medium trucks in patrol and transportation roles. They are designed to counter mines and ambushes; these include sporadic small arms fire, threats such as IEDs and anti-tank mines, and man portable anti tank weapons such as the RPG-7.
During HADR and SASO operations the Bushmaster is probably the better vehicle for this kind of operation as they are not as intimidating and yet still offer reasonable protection if needed.
Pinzgauer
The Pinzgauer comes in non-armoured and armoured configurations. The Bushmaster well be used in the same role of the Armoured variant of Pinzgauer and in the NZDF designated the NZ LOV or the Light Operational Vehicle. The Armoured Pinzgauer uses the same drive train and axles as the non-armoured variants for the commonality of spare parts. However, armoured it is heavier than the non-armoured variants and has an uprated suspension system.
The armoured variant of Pinzgauer was problematic from the get-go, axles and bearings and the overall reliability of them was not the greatest. The NZ army didn’t want them and wanted the Bushmaster even back then. It only took 15 years to get them.
The NZ army uses an armoured version of the Pinzgauer, 23 are used as command vehicles and 37 for crew served versions. There are then 261 unarmoured vehicles which are more like those used in Europe.
The British Army tried an armoured Pinzgauer but quickly withdrew it due to reliability and protection issues.
At this stage the NZDF are not replacing the general service Pinzgauer just the armoured variant and replacing them a battle-tested vehicle. The general service Pinzgauer in combination with the Unimog and MHOV’s are just carrying equipment, so only the cab is lightly armoured. These vehicles are usually bringing up the rear of any column.
This roll being replace by the Bushmaster means the NZDF will have more flexibility in responding to an emergency that could turn into a threat.
Mr Mark said these vehicles would replace the current Armoured Pinzgauers and Unimogs - which he used when he was in the Army.
"Due to age and lack of protection, they are no longer adequate for many operational tasks.
"We're looking for vehicles to fill roles such as troop transport, command and communications, and casualty evacuation," he said.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/393214/defence-minister-says-all-terrain-vehicles-approved
Since our closest allied uses and builds them, spare part and commonality with our major ally is not an issue.
So why are we selling 30 of the NZLAV’s? Well New Zealand got 105 LAV’s to replace the M113 APC when they only really required 72. so 30 of them are surplus to requirement, from the get go.
So the armoured variant Pinzgauer is unreliable with breaking parts and axles, parts for the armoured variant are slightly different in the area of suspension and axles which are the parts that break the most often. It is to lightly armoured for today's environment, and offers no protection against an IED or the like and does not truly meet the requirements of the NZ Army. Where on the other hand the Australian made Bushmaster is battle tested and has the street creed of East Timor, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War, Northern Mali conflict, Golan Heights, Iraqi Civil War and Syrian Civil War.
And on the final note, I want to see our troops that have been asked to put their lives on the line, to have the best equipment for the for or task that is asked of them, and the Bushmaster is one of these vehicles.
