| AUSTRALIAN ARMY LAND CRUISERS |
In the early 1980's it was decided that the Australian Army's NORFORCE units needed a light
utility vehicle to support operations in the far North and Northwest of the country. The HJ47 Land
Cruiser troop carriers were chosen in large part due to the types popularity across the broad
spectrum of civil and commercial operators. This would ensure a supply of spare parts and
maintenance support even in the most remote areas. In 1982 the Defence Force procured two
hundred and fifteen Cruisers and had them modified to meet the NORFORCE requirements. This
included long range tanks, heavy duty air cleaner, military lighting, canvas top, gerry can holders
and relocated battery. Army tool kits and specialized equipment were also installed. When they
were eventually replaced by the Land Rover 110, the Cruisers were dispatched to various other
units until they were finally retired and sold off. These are very unique Cruisers and Super Cool!!
utility vehicle to support operations in the far North and Northwest of the country. The HJ47 Land
Cruiser troop carriers were chosen in large part due to the types popularity across the broad
spectrum of civil and commercial operators. This would ensure a supply of spare parts and
maintenance support even in the most remote areas. In 1982 the Defence Force procured two
hundred and fifteen Cruisers and had them modified to meet the NORFORCE requirements. This
included long range tanks, heavy duty air cleaner, military lighting, canvas top, gerry can holders
and relocated battery. Army tool kits and specialized equipment were also installed. When they
were eventually replaced by the Land Rover 110, the Cruisers were dispatched to various other
units until they were finally retired and sold off. These are very unique Cruisers and Super Cool!!
| I located these incredible pictures on the net which show several nearly new HJ47's on parade in their original olive drab colour scheme. In the background of the top photo you will see a mixture of Land Cruisers and Land Rovers. A short time later these Cruisers were all camouflaged. |
| This ex-Army Cruiser was offered for sale a short while ago. The camel marking indicates that she once belonged to the 26th Transport Squadron, however I have not been able to find out what the WS 8 in the segmented circle means. The front bullbar is not the original army issued unit, however it does have Army tactical placards mounted to it, so my guess is that is was fitted while still in service. |
| Here is another beautiful ex-Army HJ47 wearing a uniform olive paint scheme, much like they originally wore. All two hundred and fifteen Land Cruisers were purchased from Toyota as stock diesel troop carriers, with the soft tops being added in Australia. Once the required Army modifications were completed they were then issued to NORFORCE units. |
