LAV-300

The Cadillac Gage Textron LAV-300, originally named as the V-300,^[2] is a family of American light armored vehicles (LAVs) including up to 15 configurations. It was originally created and designed by CG as a private venture project.

LAV-300 offers high mobility, speeds of up to 65 mph (105 km/h), and can be air-transported by a C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, C-17 Globemaster III and a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.^[3] Some versions can be air-transported by CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.^[3]

History

The first country to buy it was Panama, which purchased 12 LAV-300s in four configurations.^[2] Most of them were captured by American forces during Operation Just Cause.^[2] Kuwait placed an order in 1984 for 62 vehicles, some of them in Fire Support Vehicle configuration.^[4] Most of Kuwait's LAV-300s were destroyed by Iraqi troops during the 1990 Invasion of Kuwait.^[5]

The Philippines placed an order in 1993 for 24 LAV-300 MK IIs, 12 in APC configuration and 12 in FSV configuration, which were delivered by 1995.^[2] The contract was worth $USD18.243 million.^[1]

A few were placed into order by Venezuela.^[4] How many LAV-300s ordered was not made public.

Production of the LAV-300 ended in 1994 with marketing discontinued by 2000.^[4]

Design

Armor

The LAV-300's armor is composed of a high-hardness steel armor employed on a minimum silhouette hull capable of withstanding impacts of 7.62 mm caliber bullets at point-blank range and from any angle. Upgradeable armor floor plating protects the crew from landmines and hand grenade blasts. The survivability is further enhanced from low observable technology to minimize levels of thermal, seismic and audio signatures, and minimal radar return.

Maneuverability

Highly mobile, the LAV-300 MK II is fully amphibious with no need for preparation for fording or swimming. The tires are radial tubeless and can be outfitted with run-flat inserts and a central tire inflation system, to further enhance mobility. LAV-300 MK II can climb a 60 percent gradient, operate on a 30 percent side slope, and tackle two-foot-high obstacles.

Engine

LAV-300 MK II’s turbocharged diesel engine allows for acceleration from 0 to 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) in less than 10 seconds and can run on Jet-A fuel, kerosene and other lighter fuels when diesel is in short supply. The six-wheel, dual hydraulic brakes permit the vehicle to go from 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) to 0 in approximately 40 feet (12 m). LAV-300 MK II’s operating range is 575 miles (925 km).

Variants

The LAV-300 has fifteen different configurations—the most common being: command, armored personnel carrier, anti-tank, military logistics, ambulance and armored recovery vehicle.^[2]

The following turrets are available for the LAV-300:^[2]

• 7.62 mm machine gun combined with 12.7 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm or 40 mm guns
• 20 mm anti-aircraft gun
• BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile
• 90 mm gun
• 81 mm and 120 mm mortars.

LAV-300 MK II

An improved version of the LAV-300, known as the LAV-300 MK II was developed in the 1980s with an aftercool type engine, improved transmission with 6 forward and 2 gear ratio with better tires and a larger fuel tank.^[2]

Operators

Map with LAV-300 operators in blue and former operators in red

Current operators

•  Philippines - 24 vehicles.^[6] In 2001, Floro International Corporation was contracted to modernize LAV-300s in use by the Philippine Marine Corp.^[7] Another upgrade project is announced in 2015 with a contract for PhP34.5 million ($USD784,000 in 2015) to upgrade the LAV-300 FSV's turret systems.^[8]
•  Venezuela - Unknown number.^[4]

Former operators

•  Kuwait - 62 vehicles, destroyed during the Invasion of Kuwait.^[6]
•  Panama - 12 vehicles.^[6] Most seized in good condition by American troops.

References