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2015-05-01

UPGRADE FOR LAV III

GLDS boasts 25 years Gulf experience

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is proud of the leadership position occupied by its 8x8 family of vehicles, considered the premiere wheeled light armored vehicle (LAV) platform in the world. It is equally pleased with having worked closely with Gulf nations for the past 25 years.

The LAV III Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was designed as a response to a growing customer need for greater payload and protection levels. Since being introduced, the LAV III APC fleet has been sold to various customers in a wide range of variants. To date, over 4,200 vehicles have been ordered, with the majority being Strykers for the United States Army.

“Our LAV’s success is the result of continual technology enhancement, enabled by feedback from our customers, whose vehicles continue to experience high operational use in all environments and terrains,” said Danny Deep, General Dynamics Vice-President, International Wheeled Vehicles Operations.

He said the LAV is “far superior to what was originally envisioned…[with the LAV] we will have in terms of protection the same level of protection that the CCV would have provided, hence the reason why the CCV is considered no longer essential.”

“We are pleased to have accumulated more than 25 years experience working in the Arabian Gulf region, and look forward to working in unity with partners like the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates for another 25.”

The LAV III H Technology Demonstrator represents the ongoing commitment by General Dynamics Land Systems to deliver unmatched world-class expertise and technical superiority in light armored vehicles. This platform demonstrator showcases improvements in survivability, lethality, mobility, power and situational awareness. These new systems can be fielded in the immediate future to current LAV fleets during re-set, retrofit or through new production.

Evolving technology

The LAV III Upgrade project has capitalized on existing and evolving technology to improve the protection, mobility and lethality of the LAV III fleet. The project will modernize a portion of the existing LAV III fleet to ensure it remains a highly protected, operationally mobile and tactically agile combat vehicle that will remain the backbone of domestic and expeditionary task forces, extending the life span of the LAV III to 2035.

The following upgrades will be performed on the LAV III: Upgrade of mobility systems such as powertrain, suspension, running gear and brakes; upgrade of the weapon system; and installation of additional armour, heightening its protection against increased threats.

The LAV III Upgrade project will upgrade 550 vehicles with an option for an additional 80. Initial operational capability was achieved in 2013, with a fully operational fleet anticipated by 2018.

In 2011, the Government of Canada announced a $1.064 billion contract, awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada of London, Ontario, for the implementation phase of the LAV III UP project. This phase consists of upgrades to the mobility systems, the weapon system, and installing additional armour and improved seating, strengthening its protection against increased threats.

In 2012, the Government of Canada announced that the contract is now being amended to exercise the option to upgrade 66 additional LAV IIIs at a value of $151 million (taxes included) to support the Canadian Armed Forces’ reconnaissance and surveillance capability.

Then in 2013, Canada announced the on-schedule delivery of Canada’s first upgraded Light Armoured Vehicle III, in London, Ontario. A comprehensive test and evaluation program was conducted to ensure their performance, and put in place the necessary logistics support to allow fielding to operational units.

Challenging terrain

LAV III was explicitly designed for and operated in extremely challenging and complex terrain as experienced in Afghanistan and other conflicts.

Developed for the Canadian Army to answer an ongoing requirement for a highly mobile light armoured vehicle, the LAV III is a wheeled all-weather armoured personnel carrier that can be used in most types of terrain, including through hard-bottomed bodies of water of up to 1.5 metres in depth. It can be set for four or eight-wheel drive and is capable of speeds up to 100 kilometres per hour on roads.

The LAV III is a large, relatively heavy combat vehicle that is fitted with sophisticated weaponry, including a two-man turret armed with a stabilized M242 25 mm Bushmaster cannon and a C6 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun. It can also be outfitted with add-on armour as required for additional protection.

Wheeled vehicles such as the LAV III, as opposed to tracked vehicles like the M113 armoured personnel carrier, provide quieter movement for tactical operations and generally have higher ground clearance to avoid obstacles. They are significantly more comfortable, manoeuver much faster and are substantially less difficult to maintain.

The advantages of a wheeled vehicle also include its ability to transition quickly from hard surfaces such as roads to softer off-road conditions by adjusting its central tyre inflation system to increase contact with the ground, which also improves stability. This capability allows crews the flexibility to deal with the multitude of situations that are encountered on operations.

Reducing risks

The Army’s LAVs have been driven over 15 million kilometres to date. Using an average crew size of 3 soldiers (a conservative number since the LAV III can accommodate up to 10, depending on the variant) which represents 75 million soldier-kilometres travelled in this vehicle, frequently over difficult terrain and in combat operations. The relatively low casualty rate is a tribute to crew training and the quality of the vehicle.

During both CA training events and live combat operations, the tactics and procedures, along with the capabilities of the LAV III itself, are focused on reducing the risks to the crews that operate these vehicles. The CA continually gathers lessons learned from operations and training in order to inform and improve future training and safety.

The Canadian Army actively supports the Government’s efforts to showcase this widely-used, Canadian designed and built vehicle to Allies and potential customers. A number of Canadian allies, including New Zealand, also depend upon the capabilities and safety of the LAV III.

The LAV is the backbone of the Army’s combat vehicle fleet and will remain so for many years to come.

Building on the successes of the LAV III to date, the CA is modernizing this fleet to ensure it remains a highly protected, operationally mobile and tactically agile combat vehicle that will remain the backbone of domestic and expeditionary task forces, extending the life span of the LAV series to 2035.

The Light Armoured Vehicle III Upgrade (LAV III UP) Project, announced in 2009, will upgrade the LAV III fleet by improving the protection, mobility, and lethality of the LAV III platform, while maximizing command support and human interface factors.

This new vehicle, the LAV 6.0, is equipped with a larger and more powerful engine and a completely new driveline from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. It features an optimized hull for comfort and survival of its occupants, and although the 25mm cannon will remain unchanged, the turret will be wider and will include a new integrated fire control system. More than 60 of these vehicles have been delivered and are currently in use.

Remarkable mobility

For such a highly protected vehicle, the LAV 6.0 demonstrates remarkable mobility, with speeds exceeding 100 km/h and the ability to self-deploy over hundreds of kilometers. This means it can fulfill roles across the combat spectrum, from aid to the civil power to operations in high-intensity conflict. Very robust amphibious capability is available, extending the vehicle’s mobility into surf zones and river environments.

Off-road, the LAV 6.0 gets the highest possible marks. Sixth-generation suspension and driveline technologies, a commercially supportable high-performance turbo-diesel engine, driver-selectable central tyre inflation system, in-depth tyre trade studies and engineered balance and wheel spacing all combine to provide track-like mobility in even the most demanding terrain.

Highly accurate firepower is provided by proven 25 and 30mm cannons in an ergonomically efficient turret, equipped with the latest in optical and thermal sights,all linked to a digital electronic architecture. Other proven weapon solutions are also available, from small-calibre remote weapon stations to anti-tank guided missile launchers, mounted/dismounted mortar systems and 90mm/105mm cannons.

GDLS customers have accumulated more than 100 million kilometers of operational use, routinely achieving operational readiness rates as high as 97 per cent. With a design focus on reducing maintenance times, and the durability of the latest generation of vehicles, readiness has only increased.

Global presence

GDLS has a global presence, with thousands of employees in 21 time zones. From business offices and manufacturing facilities to support and repair and overhaul depots, they support customers worldwide. GDLSengineering, program management, manufacturing and through-life support resources support their customers’ needs from conception through vehicle life cycles in excess of 25 years. Their global presence means that they are close at hand to work with their customers, and can expand their footprint when needed, reaching back to the rest of the General Dynamics organization to support emerging requirements.

From the nimble LAV II to the durable and highly mobile LAV 6.0, all GDLS LAVs provide users with extremely affordable life-cycle costs. High reliability and low fuel consumption contribute to lowered operational costs in an obvious way, but the commonality inherent in the LAV family of vehicles provides truly powerful benefits. Proven lower costs include significant savings resulting from common operator’s training and training support materials.

Logistics costs are further reduced through commonalities on crew and maintenance tool sets, consumables, and special tools and test equipment. The result is lowered warehousing and supply system demands, and a decreased requirement for logistics transportation.

GDLS recognizes that its products are mission critical for the soldiers who depend on them. “That’s why we have a dedicated through-life support team committed to providing our customers with timely, high quality, and cost-effective initial fielding and through-life support,” said Deep.

Enhanced support

GDLS through-life support packages provide for lowered operational costs, increased operational readiness and improved reliability. Collaborative and proactive obsolescence management allows continued high availability and rapid repair of systems. Including its Abrams tanks and popular tactical vehicles, GDLS currently supports a fielded fleet of over 30,000 armored vehicles, including over 11,000 LAVs, at multiple locations around the world.

Some of these LAVs are currently saving lives more than 35 years after their original fielding. This accomplishment is made possible by ensuring that new technologies are compatible for use as upgrades to fielded platforms. Modular and upgradeable, the LAV is purpose-built to ensure a long, productive and combat-relevant life-cycle.

Providing a single point of contact for its customers, the GDLS through-life support team uses a performance-based logistics approach which incorporates metrics valued by its customers. This ensures all its products are fully supported, from a base capability to a growth capacity for enhanced support as customer needs evolve.

“All these strengths are put to work for our customers, as we work in unison to support their requirements and the meet the needs of their soldiers. As our current user base knows, and our new customers are pleased to discover, with General Dynamics Land Systems as a partner, you truly do have strength on your side,” said Deep.

In the course of accumulating more than 100 million kilometers on operational deployments in theaters, climates and terrains around the world, General Dynamics LAVs have achieved operational readiness rates as high as 97 per cent.

REF/Photo:

www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca

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