General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is an American manufacturer of military vehicles such as tanks and lighter armored fighting vehicles. The first series of armoured fighting vehicles, the armoured vehicle, general purpose (AVGP), was manufactured in three variants: the Grizzly, Cougar and Husky. In 2003 General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C), a subsidiary of General Dynamics based in London, Ontario, purchased GM Defense from General Motors. It is now a major supplier of armored vehicles of all types, including the LAV-25, Stryker, and a wide variety of vehicles based on these chassis.
First fielded by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in the early 1980s, the baseline LAV II variant was 12,374 kg, with a maximum swimming speed of approximately 10 km/h, and featured a 25 mm turret. A crew of three and a troop complement of six could be carried by the baseline LAV II. Since then, a wide range of LAV II variants has been produced, including: anti-tank, recovery, command and control, and reconnaissance vehicles, armoured personnel carrier and ambulance. For domestic and international customers whose mission profiles do not require swim capability, non-amphibious LAV IIs are also available. Proven in reconnaissance roles, the agile LAV II is an excellent choice for users seeking an amphibious platform with high mobility and transportability.
The LAV III, originally named the Kodiak by the Canadian Army, is the third generation of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family of Infantry fighting vehicle built by General Dynamics Land Systems first entering service in 1999. It was developed in Canada and is the primary mechanized infantry vehicle of the Canadian Army and the New Zealand Army .Combat proven in operation in Afghanistan and Iraq, the LAV III is the basis for the U.S. Army’s M1126 Stryker family of vehicles and is currently in service with a number of armies. It is equipped with features such as a height management system (HMS), a central tire inflation system (CTIS) and a high payload capability.
The LAV 6.0 is the designation given by the Canadian Army to its enhanced LAV III platform, upgraded specifically to respond to requirements emerging from a decade of in-theatre experience in Afghanistan. The LAV 6.0 is equipped with an upgraded, next-generation 6.0 suspension and a 450-hp power pack. It offers enhanced protection provided by its blast-deflecting double-VTM hull and energy attenuating seating, while also improving ingress and egress. The vehicle also features a fully digital electronic architecture with increased electrical generation and situational awareness, improved turret human factors and upgraded sight systems.
The LAV 700 features state-of-the-art digital command and control architecture, including health and usage monitoring systems. The self-sealing fuel tanks, energy attenuating seats, add-on armour and scalable ballistic protection add to the increased survivability of the General Dynamics Land Systems double-VTM hull. A high-performance driveline and suspension and all-wheel disc brakes are combined with a twin turbo Caterpillar engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission and a cooling system designed for continuous operation in the most extreme climatesThe result is a technologically advanced LAV, with speeds exceeding 110 km/h and a range in excess of 1000 km. Trench crossing capability is greater than 2.2 m and its payload is 11,000 kg.
General Dynamics Land Systems – Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs)
