LAV-25

   In the 1980s the US Marine Corps began looking for a light armored vehicle to give their divisions additional mobility. They selected a design, that had it's origins in Switzerland. The Light Armored Vehicle or LAV, is an 8x8 variant of the MOWAG Piranha I, license produced by General Motors of Canada for the US Marine Corps.

   The LAV closely follows the overall layout of the Swiss Piranhas, as do the 6 x 6 Canadian armed forces models. It entered service with the USMC in 1983. A total of 758 8 x 8 LAVs of all variants were ordered. It replaced the slower M113 armored personnel carriers and other armored vehicles. At the time of it's introduction the US Army was also interested in these vehicles, however no orders were placed. The LAVs first saw combat during operations in Panama in 1989. Many saw action during various military conflicts. By 2007 marines fielded more than 700 LAVs of all variants. This armored vehicle was exported to Australia (ASLAV) and Saudi Arabia.

   The LAV-25 is a baseline version, fitted with a turret-mounted 25-mm cannon. The same weapon is used on the M2 Bradley IFV. This vehicle combines speed, mobility and firepower to fulfill a variety of missions. It is often used for reconnaissance roles, raiding and screening operations, where it's mobility can best be exploited.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another 7.62-mm MG, mounted on top of the turret roof. There are also eight smoke grenade dischargers.

   The LAV-25 has a welded hull and turret. It provides protection against 12.7-mm rounds at the front arc. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. It is worth mentioning, that vehicles offered for the US Army were better protected.

   The LAV-25 has a crew of three and accommodates six marines. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors and roof hatches.

   The LAV-25 is powered by Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 hp. Configuration can be switched from 8x4 (rear) to 8x8. This armored vehicle is equipped with a central tyre inflation system and run-flat tyres. A self-recovery winch is fitted as standard. Mobility of this armored vehicle allows to move in advance of Marine mechanized formations, equipped with main battle tanks.

   The LAVs are amphibious with minimum of preparation and are capable of fording streams, rivers and inland waterways. This armored personnel carrier is made fully-amphibious within 3 minutes. These vehicles are air-transportable by a C-130 Hercules or larger transport aircraft and can be also carried underslung by the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. The LAV-25s have been para-dropped.

   LAVs in service have undergone some upgrades, modification and armor-increase projects involving armor tiles. Upgraded vehicles are renamed the LAV-A2. It is worth noting, that these armored vehicles are expected to remain in service with the US Marine Corps at least until 2024.

Variants

   LAV-25 baseline version;

   LAV-R recovery vehicle;

   LAV-L supply carrier;

   LAV-M 81-mm mortar carrier;

   LAV-C2 command and control vehicle;

   LAV-AT anti-tank missile carrier, armed with TOW missiles;

   LAV-MEWSS electronic warfare vehicle;

   LAV-AD air defense vehicle, fitted with combined gun/missile armament. This version was later discontinued.

   Other proposed LAV variants for the Saudi Arabian National Guard order (which stands at a total of 1 117 of all types) include a 120-mm mortar carrier, an air defense version, and an assault gun carrying a 90-mm gun. A 105-mm tank gun version of the latter has been proposed.

   From these initial models have emerged a host of others with the basic LAV's capacious hull being configured for example, to accommodate long range reconnaissance equipment. There has even been a proposed 'disputer' version to clear unexploded ordnance from airfields but the development funds were withdrawn. An NBC reconnaissance version has been produced but was not proceeded with.