- Yes
- No
LAV-AT(S) - Wheeled TOW Missile Carrier
LAV-AT(S)s on parade.
Hi all,
I’d like to suggest the LAV-AT(S), a Saudi Arabian wheeled tank destroyer. These are GM of Canada LAV IIs, fitting an Emerson M901 TOW turret, in a similar arrangement to the USMC LAV-AT.
History:
In June 1990, 1117 LAV II vehicles were requested by the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) for sale through US Congress’ Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, to be built by the General Motors of Canada plant in London, Ontario. 111 of these vehicles were in the LAV-AT(S) configuration. These vehicles have seen use in the Saudi led intervention in Yemen, particularly employed in a long-range direct-fires role. Here, they have used the superior range and accuracy of the TOW to hit Houthi positions, without receiving retaliatory fire. Canada’s sale of these armoured vehicles to the SANG has been controversial, especially following the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Canada has sold over 3000 LAVs in various formats to the SANG, Saudi Arabian Royal Guard, and Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense and Aviation.
LAV-AT(S) head-on.
The LAV II (often called LAV-25 for its American service) is an 8-wheeled armoured personnel carrier, an evolution of the MOWAG Piranha 8x8 license bought by GM of Canada in the early 1980s. Following the Canadian Army’s purchase of the AVGP for its Reserves, the USMC showed interest in the platform. Eventually the US bought the first 8x8 LAVs, and used them first during the Invasion of Panama. Eventually, Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia would buy the LAV II in various formats; the Bison/Coyote, ASLAV, and LAV-25(S) respectively. Alongside the base LAV, the SANG purchased these anti-tank vehicles, assault guns, mortar carriers, and others. These purchases have come to include Canadian Piranhas for the MODA in the very late 80s/early 90s, and LAV 700s as of 2015.
The M901 TUA “hammerhead” turret was developed to replace prior open-top missile, and recoilless rifle anti-tank weapons with a low profile turret that can fire behind defilade. Originally designed for the M113, it has also been fitted to the OTOBREDA VCC-1 (which Saudi Arabia also used) and C-13, Cadillac-Gage LAV-300, and the YPR-765 of the Netherlands.
LAV-AT(S)s in a row, with turrets in ready to fire position.
Specifications (some figures from base LAV-II):
Characteristics
Combat Weight: 12,797 kg
Length: 6.393m
Width: 2.499m
Height: 2.692m
Powerplant: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T Diesel, 275 ho at 2,800 rpm
Transmission: Allison MT-653 automatic, 5 forward 1 reverse
Crew: 4 - Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver
Protection
Hull:
- Same as LAV-AD hull
- 15mm Front
- 7.33mm Side
Turret:
- Same as M901 turret
Smoke Grenades:
- 2 x 4 clusters of M257 smoke launchers on hull front
Armaments
Emerson M901 TUA turret
- Ammunition: 14 rounds stowed + 2 in launchers)
-
- TOW
-
- I-TOW
-
- TOW-2A
-
- TOW-2B
- Vertical Guidance: +34/-30 degrees
- Horizontal Guidance: +/- 180 degrees
- Traverse: 35 degrees/second traverse
FN MAG 7.62mm machine gun on cupola (2000 rds), or M2HB 12.7mm machine gun
Optics and Fire Control
Acquisition sight: x2.8 magnification, 25 degrees field of view
TOW day sight: x13 magnification, 5.5 degrees field of view
TOW AN/TAS-4 infra-red: x4 magnification, 3.4 x 6.8 degrees
Night vision sight: x12 magnification, 1.1 x 2.2 degrees
LAV-AT(S) rolling through the sand.
Thanks,
Hydroxideblue
References
- Defense Security Cooperation Agency. (June, 2011). Saudi Arabia - Light Armored Vehicles. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
- Foss, C., & Cullen, T. (1997). Jane’s Armour and Artillery Upgrades 1996-97. Jane’s Information Group Limited.
- Foss, C. (2007). Jane’s Armour and Artillery 2006-2007. Jane’s Information Group Limited.
- Gardiner, S. (n.d.) Courses [LinkedIn Page]. Retrieved from: Stephen Gardiner, CD, BMASc - Specialist - Quality Programs - General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada | LinkedIn
