The reputation of HSV’s all-wheel drive Avalanche model as an immensely stable, high performance platform across a wide variety of surfaces has again been recognised – this time by the aerospace industry. Indeed, for Aerosonde Pty Ltd, the world leaders in the design, manufacture and operation of ultra high tech robotic Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), the HSV Avalanche offered the perfect attributes.
For the recent Australian International Airshow (held at Avalon, Victoria) the Melbourne-based Australian company was looking for a suitable vehicle from which to showcase its latest model, the Mark IV. The Avalanche not only had the performance attributes required, its premium, standout appearance was also deemed to be an ideal match for the new UAV. An approach to HSV resulted in two vehicles being specially fitted out for the role.
The first Avalanche carried the special cradle from which the UAV is launched. Despite the additional size and weight of the cradle and aircraft, the Avalanche’s sophisticated Cross-Trac all-wheel drive system helped maintain an arrow straight trajectory as the 270kW HSV-enhanced 5.7litre V8 swiftly propelled it to the necessary launch velocity of 80 to 100kph.
With its front passenger seat removed and a workstation and aerial fitted, the second Avalanche became a very impressive command vehicle. No doubt the crews of both vehicles appreciated Avalanche’s standard luxury appointments, including leather interior, dual zone climate control air-conditioning and Blaupunkt Premium 260W audio system.
Aerosonde’s exceptionally light weight UAVs (just 15kg in total) are capable of performing a multitude of roles including surveillance, meteorological, scientific and military systems development.
The HSV Avalanche is available via HSV’s nationwide retailer network.