Light Strike Vehicle
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Light Strike Vehicle | |
---|---|
Type | Light Attack Vehicle |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | ?- Present |
Used by | Current
United States |
Wars | War on Terrorism |
Production history | |
Designed | ? |
Manufacturer | Chenowth Racing Products |
Specifications | |
Weight | 960 kilograms |
Length | 4.08 m |
Width | 2.11 m |
Height | 2.01 m |
Crew | 1 driver and 1 gunner + 2 passengers |
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|
Primary armament |
1X 12.7 mm M2 .50 caliber HMG, 1 x 5.56 mm M249 SAW LMG, 1 x 7.62 mm M60 or M240 series GPMG |
Secondary armament |
2 x AT4 light AT rocket launcher, or 1 x TOW |
Engine | Diesel ? |
Power/weight | ? |
Suspension | ? |
Operational range |
500 km |
Speed | 130 km/h on-road; 110 km/h off-road. |
The Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) is an improved version of the Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV) it replaced. Although the conventional US military replaced its DPVs with Humvees, special operation groups adopted the LSV for its small size and high mobility. It is used for fast hit-and-run style raids (as its name suggests), scouting missions, special forces support, and low intensity guerrilla warfare. Unlike the DPV, the LSV has had export success and is marketed as a light attack vehicle. The current generation model is the ALSV, with the "A" standing for "advanced". It is currently used by the USMC, US Army, USN, and the armed forces of Greece, Mexico, Oman, Portugal, and Spain. The UK retired its LSVs in the mid-1990s.
- Features: Similar to DPV, "dune buggy" type configuration, low bonnet, can be air transported internally by CH-47 or CH-53 transport helicopters. 7.62 mm MG (often an M60E3) is mounted rear-facing on the back of the engines. Gunner's seat can spin around to operate the 7.62 mm GPMG. Two AT4 are sometimes fitted forward-facing on roll over cage bars (one on each side) above driver. Spare tires are sometimes placed above rear wheels. Crew has little protection from small arms fire. Engine is uncovered. Rollover cage bars extensively used. Driver and passenger sit side by side in front, gunner sits in elevated rear-central seat in front of engine. If TOW is mounted, it replaces the third passenger and rollover cage. The new ALSV has a more conventional appearance and differs from the original versions.
[edit] References
- Chenworth Racing Products
- Jane's Special Forces Recognition Guide.