The first of two Bisalloy armour steel grades has passed stringent German government certification after two years of research, development and testing in collaboration with Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
This qualifies the steel to be manufactured for Rheinmetall’s Australian-built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV)s, for export to customers and as a source of supply for Rheinmetall in Germany.
Bisalloy developed a new type of ‘O-grade’ armour steel in order to meet the protection levels required for the Boxers, which last week passed the German government qualification process with the BAAINBw (German Government testing authority).
Testing of even stronger ‘Z-grade’ armour steel will soon take place in order to meet the exacting protection levels required for each Boxer. Final phases of testing are scheduled to commence in Germany next month with final certification expected this year.
Bisalloy Steel Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Greg Albert said the achievement confirmed the company’s place in the new military vehicle industry for Australia.
“Bisalloy is proud to have achieved this critical milestone after significant investment in research, development and testing of armour steel alongside our partners Bluescope Steel and Rheinmetall,” Albert said. “Our work with Rheinmetall will ensure Bisalloy’s capabilities have created the best possible protection for the Australian soldier but also significant export opportunities for Australia.”
Bisalloy is also working closely with Rheinmetall as part of the company’s offer - the Lynx KF 41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) - for the $10 billion Land 400 Phase 3 program and the supply of more than 400 IFVs to the ADF.