LAV III
This is the new APC that the Canadian Army is in the process of purchasing. It has the
same turret as the Coyote, a 25mm Chaingun in a Delco turret, plus greatly improved
mobility and vehicle power. Canada's initial order is for 240, which will eventually be
extended to 651. The new APC will replace all F echelon APCs in service in 6 infantry
battalions, 3 armoured regiments, 3 artillery regiments, and 3 engineer squadrons. The
first deliveries have begun in 1998.
The LAV III is a key component of the Army�s leading-edge battlefield systems as it enters the next century. This
state-of-the-art Light Armoured Vehicle is a fast, well-armed, well-protected infantry troop carrier. It can be used in all
weather conditions, in normal battlefield smoke, at night and on most types of terrain. The LAV III will give a vehicle
commander many more options in both combat and non-combat situations. For example the commander may choose to
keep the troops mounted and protected while using the 25-mm stabilized cannon � an option not available in the past. The
driver and the commander have computer display terminals for the
Tactical Navigation System (TACNAV), as well as
thermal viewers. The TACNAV links a Global Positioning System (GPS) with a
digital magnetic compass
and laser range finder.
Anti-mine protection and an automatic fire and explosion suppression system provide additional safety for the
crew.
During the mobility trials a prototype pulled a
Leopard 1 out of the muck in Gagetown.
It is important to note that this APC is not the same vehicle as the
Bison, and has
much better mobility. It has larger tires, a more powerful engine, and a new
hydropneumatic suspension. It has a longer and wider hull than the
LAV-25, or better known as the
Coyote, a crew of 3,
and can carry a section of 10 infantry soldiers, who use a ramp with a crew door. It will
not be amphibious.
Click on Thumbnail
| Length: |
6.93 m |
| Width: |
.66 m |
| Height: |
2.17 m over hull
2.7 m over turret |
| Speed: |
100 km/hr |
| Range: |
500 km |
| Weight: |
16.3 t |
| Gradient: |
Maximum 60% |
| Side slope: |
Maximum 30% |
| Minimum turn diameter: |
17 m |
| Trench crossing: |
2 m |
Fording
Shallow:
Deep: |
1m
1.5 m |
| Armament: |
25-mm stabilized chain gun with thermal imaging sight
- 7.62- mm coaxial machine-gun
- 5.56-mm/7.62- mm top-turret mounted machine-gun
- 76-mm smoke and/or fragmentation grenade launchers |
| Sights: |
Daytime optical
Thermal Imagery (TI)
Generation III Image Intensification (II) |
| Spotlight: |
Maxa Beam,
6 million candle power, portable, with
infra-red filter |
| Winch: |
Capstan constant pull winch |
| Engine: |
350 hp Caterpillar diesel |
| Transmission: |
6 forward gears, 1 reverse |
| Transfer case: |
2 speed |
| Suspension: |
Hydropneumatic |
| Brakes: |
Power (air) with ABS |
| Wheels: |
8 x 8 drive |
| Tires: |
1200 R20 (20" rims) with
Central Tire Inflation
System |
| Electrical system: |
Central 28 V system, inverter, auxiliary power unit |
Batteries
automotive:
auxiliary: |
2 X 12 V
2 X 12 V |
| Alternator: |
300 A |
