LAV III

Infobox Weapon
name=LAV III


caption= Canadian LAV-IIIs (Bushmasters)
origin=Canada
type=
is_vehicle=yes
length=6.98 m (275 in)
width=2.7 m (106 in)
height=2.8 m (110 in)
weight=16.95 t
suspension=Hydropneumatic
speed=100 km/h
vehicle_range=450 km
primary_armament=M242 25 mm chain gun with TIS
secondary_armament=C6/M240 7.62 mm machine gun
C9A2/M249 5.56 mm machine gun pintle mounted
armour=
engine=Caterpillar 3126 diesel
hp=350
kW=260
crew=3 (+ 6 or 7 passengers)
engine_power=
pw_ratio=

The LAV III armoured vehicle (AV) is the latest in the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) series built by General Dynamics Land Systems, entering service in 1999 [ [ http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armored-Fighting-Vehicles/LAV-III_a000316001.aspx] , Deagel Web site. Accessed 15 February 2008.] . It is based on the Swiss Mowag Piranha [ [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/piranha/] , Army-Technology Web site. Accessed 15 February 2008.] .

It was developed by Canada and is the primary mechanized infantry vehicle of the Canadian Forces and New Zealand Army (whose version is the NZLAV) [ [ http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armored-Fighting-Vehicles/LAV-III_a000316001.aspx] , Deagel Web site. Accessed 15 February 2008.] . The United States Army uses a very similar, more lightly armed vehicle named the Stryker. The LAV III and the Stryker have also been referred to as "Land Assault Vehicles"

The LAV III is an 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle with a 25 mm cannon, and can reach speeds of 100 kilometres per hour. [ [http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/2_display.asp?product=64 The Canadian Army - Equipment ] ] It is transportable by C-130 Hercules cargo plane. Variants include infantry section carrier (ISC), command post (CP), TOW Under Armour (TUA) anti-tank, an artillery forward observation officer (FOO) variant known as the observation post vehicle (OPV), combat engineer, and Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle (MMEV) [ [http://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/index.php?fid=3734&qid=&qpage=0&lang=3&query=mmev Canada has announced its intent to acquire MMEV] , Rheinmetall AG Web site. Accessed 15 February 2008.] .

Operators

*BOT - 50
*flagicon|Canada Canadian Army (651)
* New Zealand Army (105 NZLAV)
* Romanian Land Forces (31 to be delivered in 2008) [ [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/piranha/ "Romanian Army selection of the Piranha III"] - accesed May 2007] [ [http://- 50Jurnalul Naţional, January 9, 2007 ro icon]

ee also

* NZLAV
* Mowag Piranha LAV
* Mobile Gun System

References

External links

* [http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/2_display.asp?product=64 Canadian Army LAV III specifications]