LAV-C2

   The Light Armoured Vehicle-Command and Control (LAV-C2) is a command post version of the LAV-25 with a higher roofline. It entered service with the US Marine Corps in the mid-1980s. Marines operate over 50 of these vehicles.

   The LAV-C2 is an all-terrain, all-weather mobile command center with night capabilities. Vehicle is fitted with communication stations and gives a commander the capability to command, control and communicate (C3) the activities of his forces under full armor protection. This mobile command and communication vehicle provides field commanders with all necessary resources to control and coordinate light armored units in all assigned roles.

   The only armament carried by this vehicle is a pintle-mounted 7.62-mm machine gun, which is used for self-defense. A total of 1 000 rounds are carried for this weapon. Also there are eight smoke grenade dischargers.

   A welded armored hull of the LAV-C2 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 has NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   The LAV-C2 is powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 hp. Normally it has 8x4 configuration, which can be switched to 8x8 if necessary. Vehicle is amphibious after a short preparation. It is made fully amphibious within 3 minutes. On water it is propelled by two propellers, mounted at the hull rear.

   The LAV-C2 can be airlifted via C-130 Hercules, C-141 StarLifter, C-5 Galaxy, or comparable military transport aircraft. It can be also carried underslung by the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.

   Another variant of the LAV is the LAV-C2 Fire Direction Centre. The main mission for the FDC vehicle is to control and assign artillery fire missions. This vehicle chooses the type and number of rounds to fire. It provides firing data for up to eight mortars. It also maintains continuous digital or voice communications with all platoon elements within its area of responsibility, forward observers, fire support teams and higher headquarters. The FDC plans artillery fire and selects target priority. This vehicle also work out all the firing coordinates.

   In 2004 the LAV-C2 vehicles were refitted with improved C2 capabilities, including new communication equipment and digital battlefield management systems. The last mentioned systems improve battlefield knowledge and situational awareness.