The final six of the 40 interim high mobility engineering excavator vehicles (IHMEE) ADI Limited has designed and manufactured for the US Army at Bendigo were shipped to the US today.
The six high technology vehicles were driven on board the Tamesis berthed at Webb Dock, Port of Melbourne at about 9.00am.
The 40 IHMEEs are being spread widely across the US Army’s network of bases. They will be in service at bases in Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Louisiana, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
ADI managing director, Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, described the IHMEE as a “breakthrough vehicle for Australia.”
“It is the first Australian developed military vehicle to be purchased in volume by the US and it has created further export opportunities with the US,” he said.
The IHMEE is believed to be the only vehicle in the world to offer the cross-country performance of a four-wheel drive, the earth moving functions of a front-end loader and backhoe and a highway speed of 100km/h.
“The vehicle demonstrates US recognition of Australian defence technology. We believe the US confidence in the IHMEE will see meaningful sales to other countries.
“ADI is currently marketing the IHMEE and our Bushmaster infantry carrier internationally. Both are world class vehicles developed at our Bendigo facility and a tribute to the capabilities of regional Australia.
“Given their need to be effective in the most demanding environments, Australia, with its snow, desert and extremely challenging terrain, has proven to be an ideal development ground for the modern military vehicle.”
