[Would you like to see this in-game?]
Introducing
Cadillac Gage LAV-300 Mk.II FSV
Philippine Marine Corps’ Venerable FSV
Philippine Marine Corps LAV-300 Mk.II FSV at the AFP 79th Founding Anniversary Parade, 2014
(The APC version can be seen behind it)
OVERVIEW
The LAV-300 6x6 amphibious AFV series was developed by Cadillac-Gage (now Textron Marine and Land Systems) as a private initiative to complement their V-150 Commando 4x4 line. Although not adopted by the US military, it was marketed to foreign clients with Kuwait, Panama, and Philippines having bought the type while Iraq captured some during the Kuwait Invasion and the US capturing Panama’s during Operation Just Cause. The 6x6 configuration offers enhanced troop and weapon capacity, along with superior cross-country mobility compared to the V-150. The vehicle’s hull is constructed from ballistic steel plating, providing protection against 7.62 mm rounds, and is available in multiple configurations.
The Philippine Marine Corps operates two variants of the LAV-300: an armored personnel carrier equipped with a one-man turret armed with a .50 caliber and a 7.62 mm machine gun, capable of carrying nine troops; and a fire-support variant fitted with a 90 mm Cockerill gun. Twelve units of each variant were supplied to the Philippine Marines.
Initially, the Marine Corps sought the US-built LVTP-7 (now AAVP-7) amphibious landing vehicle, with 36 units offered in the 1980s. However, the deal was blocked due to political and financial disputes. As an alternative, V-150s were procured through Foreign Military Sales (FMS). In 1991, the LAV-300 was proposed as part of the US bases compensation package. The Marine Corps accepted the offer but requested modifications to align with operational requirements.
There is no water jets in the Mk.I variant of the LAV-300, which is now available in the Mk.II variant
Key adjustments included (which has become known as the Mk.II upgrade) the addition of waterjets for amphibious propulsion (original models relied on wheel-driven water movement) and a rear ramp for quicker troop deployment (replacing two rear hatches). A trim vane was installed for water operations, while smoke grenade launchers and a winch were omitted to reduce costs. The Mk II also swapped out the original Cummins V6 supercharged diesel engine for an improved aftercooled type, also produced by Cummins which was smaller than the original, and an improved transmission with 6 forward and 2 rear gear ratios as opposed to the Mk Is 4 forward speeds, as well as improved tires and a larger fuel tank were also fitted.
Cockerill Mk. III gun compared to the newer Cockerill Mk. III M-A1 gun of the LAV-300 Mk.II
Huge thanks to the guys at the V-300 proposal on the old-forums especially to @Mercedes4321 who pointed it out.
The gun was also changed from the older Cockerill Mk. III to a Cockerill Mk.III M-A1 gun which allowed for the use of the 90mm APFSDS round (previous version can only fire HEAT and HESH rounds) with the notable difference being in the muzzlebreak. It is however unclear if the PMC ever bought APSFDS ammunition for the type although it is safe to assume that it did not considering the role of the vehicle as an FSV. In 2015, a modernization upgrade was done on the LAV-300 as part of the larger Horizon 1 phase of the revitalized AFP Modernization Program with the LAV-300’s turrets being replaced with an all-electric drive for its traverse and elevation to enhance target acquisition. In 2018, a Service Life Extension Upgrade was done to both V-150 and LAV-300 stocks of the Philippine Navy and Air Force which included an overhaul in mobility for the LAV-300 which was done by Larsen & Toubro Group.
SPECIFICATIONS
Characteristic |
Details |
Type |
Fire Support Vehicle |
Mass |
32,000 lb. |
Length |
21 ft |
Width |
8 ft 4 in |
Height |
6 ft 6 in |
Crew |
3 (commander, gunner, driver) +9-10 troops |
Max speed |
105 km/h (3 km/h on water) |
Propulsion |
Cummins QSC 8.3 turbocharged and after-cooled diesel engine (208 kW) |
Armament |
Cockerill Mk.3 M-A1 |
Possible Ammo:
Taken from a CSE 90LP Turret brochure armed with the same Mk.3 M-A1 gun
Screengrab from a PMC Assault Armor Battalion Video showing the insides of an LAV-300 with what seems to be HE rounds on the ready rack
IN-GAME
The biggest contention for this vehicle is if Gaijin decides to allow this vehicle to be equipped with APFSDS round or will it be stuck with HEAT. As per the ASEAN subtree proposal, this would be very similar to Malaysia’s SIBMAS AFSV-90 which is equipped with the older Cockerill Mk.3 gun, so personally to differentiate this type, the use of the APFSDS round should make this vehicles stand out better against the crowd of 90mm FSVs in the ASEAN subtree.
While I dont have figures on how fast the traverse rate is, with it now being fully electrically powered, it should be safe to say that this would have significantly faster traverse due to its upgrade in 2015 and be slightly more mobile due to its mobility overhaul in 2018. The lack of smoke dischargers and rangefinder (which ironically is present in the APC version) would make this not a very viable vehicle in higher BRs but not that bad as it does have a 8x optic sight for the gunner.
MORE PHOTOS
Spoiler
Note the ramp instead of the twin doors of the Mk.I variant
The infamous LAV-300 of the PMC that survived an RPG shot from the turret during the 2016 Siege of Marawi with its improvised applique armor
Contrary to popular belief, wood was not the only improvised armor fitted on the AFP’s armored vehicles during the Siege of Marawi, but what was readily available. This LAV-300 made use of metal sheets found in water barrels instead
SOURCES
Spoiler
Opus224's Unofficial Philippine Defense Page
https://kalasagnglahi.angelfire.com/main.html
http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product590.html
LAV-300
LAV-300 For Phillipine, Panama, and Kuwait - Militer Review
Upgrades:
Light Armor Systems Upgrade Joint Project of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force ~ MaxDefense Philippines
DEFENSE STUDIES: Navy Armored Unit Turrets to be Upgraded
https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2023/philippine-marine-corps-conducted-road-testing-of-upgraded-v-150-and-v-300-commando-armored-vehicles
Gun & Turret:
V-300 / LAV - 300 AFV - Passed for Consideration - War Thunder - Official Forum
Cockerill Weapon systems - Which ones, what weapons and what ammunitions
Photos:
Philippine Marine Corps Assault Armor Batallion FB Page
WarWheels.Net - LAV 300 AFV Photos.
TOADMAN'S TANK PICTURES V300