Army G-Wagens up close

Following our first pics of the Australian Defence Force's new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens in the field last year, the Carsales Network has been given an exclusive look at the first batch of tactical vehicles as they're prepared for field service at Bandiana Barracks in north-eastern Victoria.

The 'Land 121' vehicles, as they're known internally, will replace the ADF's existing Land Rover fleet under Project Overlander, one of the force's largest peace-time projects. The current Land Rover tactical fleet was commissioned in 1987.

The project will see 1200 specially prepared 'geländewagens' in action by 2013, for a total combination of 7000 vehicles, supporting modules and trailers.

At a cost of $325million, Project Overlander is not only a coup for Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific, which will also provide ongoing technical and spare parts support, but also for G.H. Varley Engineering. The Newcastle-based sub-contractor is tasked with developing and manufacturing 315 specialist modules for ambulance, canine, cargo and command post units.

Before delivery, the vehicles first spend time at Mercedes-Benz's Mulgrave headquarters where they undergo quality checks and compliance inspection in accordance with Department of Infrastructure and Transport's Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirements. They are also fitted with the Varley-built modules, have suspension and air intake changes made (to increase the G-Wagen's fording depth) and equipped with military communications systems, and related field systems.

The ADF was quick to stress that the G-Wagen is not a new capability, but a 'technological upgrade' of the current capability. It seems the soldiers agree, too, saying that although they're very fond of the Land Rover vehicles and their "go anywhere capability", the Mercedes "trucks" are far more modern and more comfortable.

As with the military vehicles of other countries, including Austria, Canada, Germany, Singapore and the United States, the ADF's G-Wagens utilise a 3.0-litre Euro5 compliant V6 turbodiesel engine and, locally at least, are offered in two and four-door station wagon, and cab-chassis variants. The models are predominantly 4x4 in configuration with purpose-built 6x6 models also under development for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. A total of six variants will be provided to the Army in accordance with a defined schedule.

Of note, the vehicles delivered to date (pictured) include attach points for the fitment of shadow eliminating tarps, helicopter hoist loops, transport tie-down and recovery points and flip-up front number plates for winch access. Specific field vehicles are also equipped with specialist communications equipment (which we were forbidden from photographing).

More than 60,000 of the Austrian-built, military-spec G-Wagens have been sold globally since their launch in 1979.

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