Last week at CANSEC 2024, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) showcased a variety of future, modular capabilities on a LAV 6.0 technology demonstrator. The result of world-class Canadian innovation, the LAV 6.0 remains the highly capable and protected baseline vehicle that is the backbone of the Canadian Army’s combat vehicle fleet. The LAV 6.0 saw its first operational deployment internationally in 2017, when it accompanied Canadian soldiers in Latvia in support of Operation REASSURANCE. It is the platform on which General Dynamics continues to build to meet the changing capability needs and requirements of customers. This demonstrator showcases a variety of future capabilities integrated in a modular fashion, into the LAV 6.0 platform.
The LAV 6.0 technology demonstrator equipped with a 30mm turret with anti-tank and integrated organic precision fire capabilities, it’s integrated with a foundational digital architecture with scalable and modular hardware and software for next-generation capabilities, all with embedded cyber resilience. 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. Responding to the Canadian Army’s need to digitize, it includes a foundational digital architecture with scalable and modular hardware and software for next-generation capabilities, all with embedded cyber resilience.
The LAV 6.0 is equipped with an upgraded, next-generation 6.0 suspension and a 450-hp power pack. It offers enhanced protection via 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. General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada has furthered the modularity of the LAV 6.0 family by introducing the LAV 6.0 combat support vehicle (CSV). The LAV 6.0 CSV combines additional mission flexibility with the commonality and protection offered by the LAV 6.0 baseline variant.
The LAV 6, sometimes written as LAV 6.0 or LAV VI, is the fourth generation of LAV, and is based on the LAV III. The first vehicles were delivered in 2013 and after testing entered service in 2016. The Canadian Army plans to replace its entire LAV fleet of various LAV II and LAV III variants with the LAV 6. The vehicle is being acquired in two main variants: a fighting vehicle equipped with the 25mm cannon seen on the LAV II and LAV III, and a support variant labelled the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV).
