LAV 6.0 Armored Personnel Carrier (Canada)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-11

The LAV UP (UP for upgraded) or LAV 6.0 was developed by General Dynamics Land Systems. It is an upgraded version of the Canadian LAV III Kodiak armored personnel carrier. Upgrades are based on the lessons learned by the Canadian Army during combat operations. In 2011 the company was awarded a contract to upgrade 550 Canadian Army LAV III vehicles. In 2012 the deal was modified to provide additional 66 reconnaissance vehicles to replace Canadian Coyote reconnaissance vehicles. It seems that the first upgraded LAV 6.0 vehicle was delivered to the Canadian Army in 2015. It was planned that all of these 616 Canadian vehicles will be delivered until 2017. These upraded vehicles will form the backbone of the Canadian armored vehicle fleet. It is planned that these vehicles will remain operational until 2035. The LAV 6.0 and its modified versions are being proposed for export customers.

The upgraded LAV 6.0 weights significantly more than the original LAV III. A fully upgraded vehicle with add-on armor kit weights just over 28 t. Protection has been improved, though many of the core design elements remain the same.

The most notable difference of the upgraded LAV 6.0 is a double V-shaped hull. It was added for improved protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices. Crew members and passengers are seated on energy absorbing seats. Vehicle retains a ceramic add-on armor kit of the original LAV III. It looks like with this kit maximum level of all-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Some sources claim, that front arc can withstand hits from 30 mm cannons. Cage armor can be installed for protection against anti-tank rockets. Vehicle is fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems. Currently the LAV 6.0 is one of the most protected armored personnel carrier in the world.

The baseline Canadian Army vehicle has a two-man turret, armed with an M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain gun. It fires standard NATO 25 mm ammunition. This weapon has an effective range of 2.4 km. Both gunner and vehicle commander can fire the gun. There is also a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. Another 5.56 mm machine gun is located on top of the roof.

Other weapons can be also fitted. Saudi Arabia ordered the LAV 6.0 armored personnel carriers armed with 20- and 30 mm cannons.

The upgraded Canadian vehicles have improved fire control system. It has an integrated target detection, recognition and identification system. It automatically corrects for target range and crossing speed. Turret sights have also been upgraded. The new thermal sight and intensification sight have extended ranges. So overall surveillance capability of the vehicle improved. The gunner can spot a man at a range of 1.2 km. Furthermore the LAV 6.0 has got a new battlefield management system.

This armored vehicle is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. It accommodates 6-7 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear ramp with integral doors. Also there are roof hatches for firing or emergency exit.

The upgraded LAV 6.0 is fitted with a more powerful engine. The new Caterpillar engine develops 450 hp, opposed to 350 hp in the original LAV III. Upgrades were made to drivetrain and suspension to coupe with increased engine power, as well as increased overall weight. Despite increased weight the upgraded LAV 6.0 can match mobility of the original LAV III Kodiak. The LAV 6.0 is not amphibious.

Armored personnel carrier is a baseline vehicle in this family of armored vehicles. It is fitted with a 25 mm cannon. This version is used by the Canadian Army.

Command post vehicle. It has a raised roof over the rear compartment. This version is fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. This version is used by the Canadian Army.

Engineer vehicle. Equipped with a dozer blade, hydraulic crane, and other engineering and recovery equipment. This version is used by the Canadian Army.

Artillery forward observation vehicle. This version is used by the Canadian Army.

Reconnaissance vehicle. In 2012 Canadian Army ordered a total of 66 of these vehicles to replace their Coyote reconnaissance vehicles.

Fire support vehicle, fitted with a Cockerill CT-CV 105HP turret, armed with a 105 mm gun. The gun can also launch Falarick 105 anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary projectiles. These missiles have an effective range of up to 5 km and can penetrate up to 550 mm of armor. This fire support vehicle was ordered by the Saudi Arabia.

LAV 700 is an improved and modified version of the LAV 6.0. It has a different hull and is fitted with a more powerful engine. This vehicle retains its driveline and suspension system. Saudi Arabia ordered a total of 900 of these armored vehicles in various versions.