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Thales Australia and 3ME Technology have introduced BladeHAUL, an extra-large, heavy-duty hybrid-electric uncrewed ground vehicle designed to enhance sovereign defense capabilities with advanced autonomous operations and heavy payload capacity.
Engineered around the combat-proven structure and mobility features of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV), the self-propelled off-road platform is manufactured in Bendigo and Newcastle, Australia. By combining the Bushmaster production line with 3ME Technology’s power, hybrid drive, and control systems, BladeHAUL is built to outperform existing and planned counterparts in payload capacity and operational flexibility.
Capable of carrying up to a 20ft container and a 10-tonne payload, the extra-large uncrewed ground vehicle (XL-UGV) offers greater load capacity than any existing or planned Australian UGV. The platform incorporates remote and autonomous controls to support contested logistics and human-machine teaming across a wide array of operational environments.
Beyond logistics transport, BladeHAUL functions as a hybrid mobile power source capable of supplying high levels of remote electrical power to operate field hospitals and communication systems, or to serve as a standalone generator. It also provides a mobile platform for mounting, operating, and autonomously transporting sensor and effector technologies for reconnaissance, surveillance, deployable command posts, field support, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and maritime strike missions.
The platform integrates 3ME Technology’s core systems—including BladeVOLT®, BladeDRIVE®, and BladeNET®—into a single solution delivering sovereign power, traction, and control systems.
Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand declared, “BladeHAUL is a clear example of Australian innovation delivering Australian capability. By leveraging the trusted Bushmaster platform and integrating advanced autonomous and power systems developed locally, together we are delivering a highly capable uncrewed ground vehicle to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our Defence Force.”
Justin Bain, CEO, 3ME Technology added, “Working with Thales Australia brings together the best of Australian innovation, combining 3ME Technology’s systems engineering and platform development capabilities with the Bushmaster’s proven performance and established manufacturing base. Together we are delivering an entirely new XL-UGV at a time when demand for contested logistics and remote power solutions for littoral environments is present and growing.”
Justin Bain, CEO, 3ME Technology commented, “BladeHAUL is an important milestone for 3ME Technology because it brings together our core capabilities across BladeVOLT®, BladeDRIVE® and BladeNET® into one platform. Together we can deliver sovereign power, traction and control systems that turn proven mobility platforms into adaptable, mission-ready autonomous capability.”
