LAV-R

   The LAV-R or Light Armored Vehicle-Recovery is based on the LAV-25 armored personnel carrier. It is in service with the US Marine Corps since 1986. Initial requirement was for 46 of these vehicles.The LAV-Rs were originally produced by the General Motors of Canada, but use American-manufactured cranes and winches.

   The LAV-R has a raised roofline and is fitted with a boom crane and recovery winch to recover damaged or disabled vehicles, specially other LAVs. It is capable of uprighting overturned vehicles minimizing additional damage. It can also tow other LAVs with suspension and engine damage.

   The boom crane has a 256-degree traverse range. It has a 1 040 - 4 125 kg capacity, depending on extension and a radius from 1.4 to 4.7 m with overload protection. There are two outriggers and two stabilizers, used to provide a more stable platform, when the crane is used. The boom crane can be controlled remotely. Vehicle has a 13.6 t capacity recovery winch.

   The only armament carried by the LAV-R ARV is a pintle-mounted 7.62-mm machine gun, used for self-defense. A total of 1 000 rounds are carried for this machine gun. Vehicle is also fitted with smoke grenade dischargers.

   The LAV-R has welded hull, which provides protection against 12.7-mm rounds at the front arc. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm rounds. Vehicle has an NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Recovery vehicles have a crew of 3 - 4 men, including commander, driver, rigger and one additional crew member.

   The LAV-R is powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 hp. It also carries an auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. The LAV-R armored vehicle normally has a 8x4 configuration, which is switched to 8x8 when necessary. It has a central tyre inflation system with run-flat tyres. The LAV-R has similar mobility features to reach other LAVs and to recover them. It's mobility also allows to keep pace with main battle tanks.

   The LAV-R is fully amphibious with a short preparation, which takes only 3 minutes. On water it is propelled by two waterjets, mounted at the hull rear. It is capable of fording streams, rivers and inland waterways.

   This armored recovery vehicle can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules or larger military transport aircraft. It can also be carried underslung by the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.