Military

Light Armored Vehicle (LAV)

The Family of Light Armored Vehicles (FOLAV) are 8x8 wheeled light armored combat, combat support, and combat service support vehicles. The Light Armored Vehicle Family of Vehicles (LAV FOV) consists of seven fielded LAV configurations, and one communications/intelligence-configured asset on an LAV chassis (Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System). Collectively, the LAV FOV provides a logistically self-contained, highly mobile, and lethal combined arms combat system to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The LAV Product Improvement Program (PIP) funds the development and testing of modifications of four major programs; the LAV Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) which includes the Improved Thermal Sight System (ITSS), the LAV Anti Armor System (LAV-AAS) Program, the LAV-Command & Communication (LAV-C2) Program, and the LAV Reliability, Availability & Maintainability (LAV RAM) Program. These programs will ensure that the LAV FOV will be capable of conducting its assigned missions through FY 2015 by enhancing lethality and survivability; reliability, availability, maintainability and durability; as well as reducing operations and support costs.

The GEN II is subdivided into fundamental types. The first (Type), has evolved from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Light Armor Vehicles. The second (Type II), from the Canadian Armed Forces "Bisons" armored vehicles. The Type I chassis have been primarily used for the combat and combat support roles and the Type II for the combat support and combat service support roles. The LAV-25 is the baseline vehicle for the Type I and the LAV-PC is the Type II baseline.

Both Type I and Type II incorporates subsystems which are common to the FOLAV fleet. The power plant is a Detroit Diesel 6V53T diesel engine developing 275 horsepower coupled to an Allison MT653, 6 speed (5 forward, 1 reverse) automatic transmission with driver-select gear ranges. Power is delivered through a single transfer case to 4 differentials. The four rear wheels drive the vehicle on a full-time basis, but eight-wheel drive is selectable.

The GEN II has been designed and equipped with the capability, mobility, agility, and flexibility for operations in hot dry, hot humid, mild cold to cold climatic conditions and on highways, off road, cross-country, level and hilly unimproved roads, and urban environments. Its low silhouette makes it a difficult target to detect and destroy.

The GEN III configurations are newly designed LAVs from ground up. The chassis is longer and wider than the baseline vehicle. Higher capacity Power Pack, Driveline and Suspension have been introduced to provide more load carrying capacity.

The program objective of the LAV Service Life Extension Program (SLEP is to extend the service life of the LAV Family Of Vehicles to 2015 by:

• Improving survivability, sustainability, lethality, and mobility
• Improving the readiness of the LAV FOV and,
• Reducing Fleet Operation and Sustainment (O&S) costs

The SLEP is an Acquisition Category III. Milestone 0 was completed on 23 October 1997, MS I was completed on 02 February 1999, and MS II is expected to be accomplished in 2nd Quarter FY 00. The Operational Requirements Document (ORD) Change 2 was approved in March 1998.

The SLEP will include all LAVs in the USMC inventory. Formal studies have concluded that the LAV structural integrity is sustainable at least through 2015. However, O&S cost driver studies indicate supportability costs are growing at an alarming rate. Many of LAV readiness issues are being/can be corrected by IROAN (Inspect/Replace Only As Necessary) and modernization through spares. IROAN efforts will be required during the SLEP production phase and will focus on core depot capabilities. SLEP changes to LAV subsystems will improve survivability and sustainability. Additionally, environmental, safety, and health issues will also be addressed.

References

• LAV PROGRAM UPDATE COMBAT VEHICLE CONFERENCE 22 SEPTEMBER 1998 Thomas M. Lytle Colonel, PM, LAV
• LAV SLEP Solicitation Attachment 5, LAV Operational Requirements Document (ORD)

• Program Manager Light Armored Vehicles
• LAV Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)