ASLAV-25

   In 1990 Australian Army obtained 15 LAV-25 armored personnel carriers from the US Marine Corps for evaluation purposes. In 1992 after almost two years of trialing it was announced that Australia would purchase a family of LAV light armored vehicles, modified to suit terrain and climatic conditions, as well as specific Australian Army requirements. This family was designated as the ASLAV or Australian Light Armored Vehicle. Production commenced in 1995 and ceased in 2007. A total of 257 vehicles were produced in Canada. Some parts and systems were manufactured locally.

   The ASLAV-25 armored reconnaissance vehicle is a primary vehicle of the ASLAV family. It provides reconnaissance capability of the regiment.

   Armor of the ASLAV-25 provides protection against small-arms fire, mine-blasts and artillery fragments. Protection of this reconnaissance vehicle can be increased by fitting add-on ceramic armor tiles. Vehicle can be also fitted with slat armor, which improves protection against RPG rounds. Automatic fire suppression system was fitted as standard.

   The ASLAV-25 is fitted with a two-man turret, similar to that of the LAV-25. It is armed with the M242 25-mm Bushranger chain gun, which has a dual feed system and fires two types of ammunition, armor-piercing and high explosive. The M242 has an effective range of 2 000 meters.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. Another 7.62-mm MG is mounted on top of the roof in the open mount.

   The ASLAV-25 has a crew of three and can carry 6 fully equipped troops. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle through the rear doors or roof hatches.

   Vehicle is powered by the Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 horsepower. It has ability to operate in either four or eight wheel drive. The ASLAV-25 is fully amphibious with 3 minute preparation. It is propelled on water by two waterjets mounted at the rear of the hull. The turret can be traversed and the main gun fired while vehicle is afloat. Vehicle is fitted with a self-recovery winch as standard.

Variants of the ASLAV family

   ASLAV-25 reconnaissance vehicle (described in this article);

   ASLAV-PC armored personnel carrier;

   ASLAV-C command vehicle;

   ASLAV-S surveillance vehicle;

   ASLAV-A armored ambulance;

   ASLAV-F maintenance support vehicle;

   ASLAV-R recovery vehicle;

   Mortar carrier, fitted with a 120-mm mortar (prototype only);

   ATGW carrier with TOW turret (prototype only).