Bruder Raven military-spec camper flies high

Extreme off-road camper manufacturer Bruder has lifted the lid on probably the most power-packed expedition trailer ever produced: a special custom model produced by the Queensland manufacturer's Commercial division for the Australian Defence Force.

The so-called Bruder Raven is similar in many ways to Bruder's regular EXP hybrid caravans, from its dust-proof one-piece body to the patented airbag suspension with 12in of wheel travel that allows a flat tyre or two to be raised on the run in an emergency.

While the Raven's specs are largely classified information, Bruder co-founder Toby Bosschieter revealed in a Youtube video that the military trailer is designed to operate self sufficiently in remote areas across Australia, with "back up systems for back up systems".

As far as battery power and capabilities go, he said it's "likely the most powerful expedition trailer ever produced", with a state-of-the-art 48V power system and more than 2600W of rooftop solar, including a Raven-like solar wing that lifts up on the onside and is designed to follow the sun.

Other novel features including three giant communication aerials, a pin-code security door, wall-to-wall interior screens/monitors and two piloting seats, providing a hint that one of its roles might be as a base station or command centre for operating a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones.

There are also two air conditioners, to ensure that occupants stay cool in extreme conditions and for regulating the temperature of the sophisticated on-board electronics.

No price was mentioned but well in excess of the $400K-plus for the family-friendly EXP-10 (which is based on the Raven) is likely...