Hawkei undergoes fatigue testing

The second phase of fatigue testing on Australia’s new Hawkei vehicles has now begun at at Thales Australia’s manufacturing facility in Bendigo, Victoria.

The eight week test programme is being carried out by QinetiQ Australia to validate the predicted life of the vehicle’s structure and to demonstrate improvements made since the company ran the first phase of fatigue tests on the prototype in 2010.

Australia is set to begin receiving its new Hawkei vehicles toward the end of 2017. The government ordered 1,100 vehicles and over 1,000 trailers for the Australian Army under a $1.3 billion contract with Thales signed in October 2015.

George McGuire, general manager land and maritime, QinetiQ Australia, said: ‘During the tests, we push the Hawkei to its absolute limits. We artificially recreate the various stresses the Hawkei might be under in the field by placing a combination of loads on the chassis, which are activated by computer-operated hydraulics powered by 100 litres of oil per minute. It is a very significant undertaking that requires a depth of technical expertise and practical implementation experience.’

Peter Goodwin, director operations, Thales Australia, added: ‘Both phases of this project have involved a high degree of teamwork and commitment between Thales and QinetiQ using a mix of personnel, equipment and facilities. QinetiQ is one of many suppliers that have played a significant role in shaping the Hawkei and contributing to its success. These full scale fatigue tests will ensure the Hawkei performs for the Australian Army over a long period of time during different stages of operation throughout its service life.’

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