SUPASHOCK BID TO SERVICE GERMAN ARMY FLEET
Damper technology designed to improve performance of thousands of APC
Adelaide-based Supashock has launched a bid to design, develop and manufacture suspension technology for thousands of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) used by the German Army.
Supashock is bidding to secure a multi-million dollar contract that would see its proprietary passive air-assist dampers fitted to the current Fuchs 2 APC, a vehicle manufactured by a Rheinmetall Defence and in-service across the German Armed Forces.
Supashock creates state-of-the-art active suspension for automotive applications to improve performance, safety and ride quality on motorsport vehicles and military vehicles. Through comparative testing, Supashock’s suspension technology is already improving the mobility of Rheinmetall’s fleet of logistics vehicles, while enhancing on-road safety and reducing shock and vibration.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said the Supashock technology would increase the capability and safety of RMMV’s Fuchs APC in demanding on and off-road environments.
“We are strong believers in the technology that Supashock has developed as it will provide a step change in the performance of our vehicles and the Fuchs project is an exciting stage in our partnership,” Mr Stewart said.
“This will deliver real benefits for the Australian economy through the accelerated generation of local jobs, while creating substantial export opportunities for Supashock.”
“We see the close co-operation between the companies as a platform for an integrated approach towards the global expansion of Supashock into the military and commercial vehicle markets.”
Managing Director and founder of Supashock, Oscar Fiorinotto, said the Fuchs project underscored the quality of advanced manufacturing in Australia in the wake of closures across the automotive industry.
“This is an example of how we can drive future growth and continue to create highly skilled, enduring jobs in South Australia while delivering significant performance improvements to customers in export markets,” Mr Fiorinotto said.
Rheinmetall approached Supashock in December last year with a range of issues presented by the existing FUCHS family of vehicles seeking a proposal to improve the vehicle ride quality and handling characteristics.
Supashock is developing a system that will deliver improvements in:
tactical mobility;
dynamic handling, particularly roll control and damping of pitch oscillations;
vehicle and weapon station stability;
load carrying capacity; and
future growth potential.
The Australian company is moving through three phases under a program overseen by Rheinmetall and its trucks subsidiary Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. Phase 1 will include development and simulation of passive air-assist damper, revised springs and redesigned bump stop to achieve the desired improvements in vehicle performance. The redesign will integrate Supashock passive dampers, while retaining the existing FUCHS 2 suspension geometry.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia holds a minority stake in Supashock to help fund its growth locally and overseas. The company is located in Magill, South Australia and incorporates a dedicated design wing, damper assembly room, advanced manufacturing facility and cycle testing lab all situated in a purpose-built facility. The company employs a team of highly skilled engineers and specialists in the fields of suspension design and vehicle dynamics.
Rheinmetall has offered to transfer critical know-how to local SME to support the sustainment of a military vehicle industry for Australia under its proposal to the Commonwealth under the Land 400 Phase 2 program. The company is also working with local partners such as Supashock to access the Rheinmetall Global Supply Chain and enabling each to export their industry leading technologies globally.
Supashock is one of a network of trusted companies across Australia is a fundamental part of Rheinmetall’s presence in Australia. Rheinmetall has pledged full support for a sovereign military vehicle capability for Australia, based in Queensland, at its future Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE). The MILVEHCOE will be the global manufacturing base for the BOXER CRV, the company’s new LYNX Infantry Fighting Vehicle and range of LANCE turrets under its Land 400 offering to the Commonwealth of Australia.
