Work begins on new amphibious vehicle prototype for Australian Army

Birdon is developing the Australian Army's Amphibious Vehicle–Logistics prototype at Port Macquarie under the LAND 8710 programme. Its A$125 million contract covers one prototype and, subject to successful testing and evaluation, fifteen production vehicles to replace the Army's Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo capability for moving supplies between water and land. The design combines waterjet propulsion with road steering, automatic tyre inflation and self-levelling suspension to handle transitions between operating surfaces. A modular cargo deck and crane support different logistics loads, while prototype trials will validate performance and inform the subsequent design and production phase.