Thanks to John for the link!!!
via IHS Janes
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is showing its latest Light Armoured Vehicle 700 (LAV 700) for the first time – the most advanced vehicle in its class to have been developed by the company.Looks like General Dynamics has gotten its mojo back!
This is being shown in the command post (CP) configuration and is one of many versions currently in production for an unidentified export customer, which is believed to be Saudi Arabia. The LAV 700 is a further development of the LAV 6 developed to meet the requirements of the Canadian Army.
The CP version of the LAV 700 being shown at IDEX has a gross vehicle weight of 31,000kg, of which 11,000kg is the payload made up of crew, weapons, ammunition, onboard equipment and armour package. It is powered by a Caterpillar C13 diesel developing 711hp coupled to an Allison 2800 fully automatic transmission.
Like the latest production Stryker (8x8) infantry carrier vehicles for the US Army, the LAV 700 features inherent mine blast protection due to its double-V hull. LAV 700 also features scalable ballistic protection, energy-absorbing seats and a laser warning system.
Armament fitted includes a Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station, which is typically armed with a stabilised .50 M2 HB machine gun (MG) and a 7.62mm co-axial MG.
Mounted on the roof towards the rear is a 7.62mm MG that is provided with a shield. Integrated into the roof on either side are banks of Galex grenade launchers, which are coupled to the laser detectors.
A high level of cross-country mobility is possible due to the installation of independent hydro-pneumatic suspension with variable height control. The driver can select normal, transport or mine-high ground clearance. Cameras provide situational awareness through a full 360° and the open electronic architecture allows for the rapid installation of subsystems.
While the LAV 700 on show at IDEX is in the CP version, there are many more variants including ambulance, armoured personnel carrier, command and control, direct and indirect fire support, anti-tank, security, reconnaissance and surveillance and repair/recovery vehicles.
I took a hard look at the requirements for the Aussie competition and their vehicle fit the bill perfectly. Requirements! That's what we should be slamming the military on. If they're loosely written or poorly worded then it leaves manufacturers guessing instead of knowing what's being asked for.
But back on task. The LAV700 is the perfect evolution of the LAV. Evolutionary instead of revolutionary is the way ahead and I'm glad to see a major manufacturer embracing that. I haven't been this excited about a GD product since I first saw the Technology Demonstrator they rolled out years ago. This looks like a winner to me.
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