Engineering:LAV-300

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LAV-300
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrates its 79th founding anniversary 008.jpg
A Cadillac Gage LAV-300 (Light Armored Vehicle) of the Philippine Marine Corps
TypeLight Armored Vehicle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1979 – present
Used bySee Operators
Wars
  • United States invasion of Panama
  • Invasion of Kuwait
  • Civil conflict in the Philippines
Production history
ManufacturerCadillac Gage
Unit cost$USD562,900 (2003)[1]
Produced1983-1994
No. built103[1]
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass14,696 kg.
Length6.40 m
Width2.54 m
Height2.7 m (turret roof), 1.98 m (hull top)
Crew3 (Crew) + 9 (Passengers)
ArmourProtects against 7.62mm ammunition.
Main
armament
1 x 90 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm Machinegun
Secondary
armament
2x6 40 mm Smoke Dischargers
EngineCummins 6 CTA 8.3 diesel turbo charged engine
260 bhp
Power/weight18.36 bhp/ton
Suspension6 x 6
Operational
range
925 km
Speed105 km/h (road), 3 km/h (water)

The Cadillac Gage LAV-300, originally named 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.[3]

As of 2020, the vehicle and its derivatives are no longer being marketed by Textron.

History

The first country to buy it was Panama, which purchased 12 to 13 LAV-300s[4] in APC, Fire Support Vehicle and Armored Recovery variants.[5][2] Most of them were captured by American forces during Operation Just Cause.[2] In Panama Defense Forces service, they were used by the 5th Infantry Company, the 6th Infantry Company (Mechanized) and Battalion 2000 (Mechanized).[5] 4 LAV-300s were used by the 6th Infantry Company; 9 were used by Battalion 2000.[5] They were deployed during the Battle of Paitilla Airport to block the path of the SEALS deployed to destroy Noriega's private aircraft.[6]

Kuwait placed an order in 1984 for 62 vehicles, some of them in FSV configuration.[1] Most of Kuwait's LAV-300s were destroyed by Iraqi troops during the 1990 Invasion of Kuwait.[7]

When production of the vehicle was reorganized and placed at New Orleans, its name changed from the V-300 to the LAV-300 in 1994.[1]

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] LAV-300s used by the Philippine Marine Corps were designed to be equipped with the .50 BMG/7.62mm NATO turret for the APC and the 90mm Cockerill 90mm gun for the FSV.[8]

In a 1994 report by Natick from January to September 1993, the LAV-300 was once considered to be a suitable candidate for the US Army Military Police Armored Security Vehicle program.[9] In 1999, the LAV-300 was considered alongside the LAV-600 to be selected for the US Army's Brigade Combat Team.[2] In the same year, an infantry fighting vehicle version of the LAV-300 MK II was tested at Fort Knox for potential deployment with rapid reaction forces before the Stryker was chosen instead.[1] This proposal was even backed by Captain David L. Nobles in his proposal due to low economical expenses needed to maintain the LAV-300.[10]

Production of the LAV-300 ended in 1994 with marketing discontinued by 2000.[11]

In 2008, Cobb County Police Department has reported the purchase of a LAV-300 for $500,000 with $45,000 to $51,000 paid to refurbish the vehicle for police use.[12][13] The vehicle was acquired by the CCPD through the 1033 program from Fort Polk, Louisiana.[13]

In 2010, Federal Defense Industries announced that they entered into an agreement with Textron Marine & Land Systems in order to provide authorized aftermarket parts, support and other types of assistance for the LAV-300 since FDI maintains a technical library for spare parts.[14]

In 2011, Napco entered into an agreement with Textron to provide authorized aftermarket parts, support and other types of assistance for the LAV-300.[15]

On 15 September 2016, the Bartonville Police Department showed a LAV-300 with surveillance gear through the 1033 program.[16]

On 5 October 2018, the Philippine Department of National Defense launched a bid to upgrade armored vehicles of the Philippine Navy and Air Force under the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) Acquisition Project with a budget of PHP711,938,000.00.[17] On 28 November 2018, the DND released a bid requirement for a company to modernize the LAV-300s still in working condition with the PMC.[18]

On 10 January 2019, Larsen & Toubro was awarded a contract for $US 14 million for the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Light Armor System Upgrade in replacing worn out engines and other parts.[19] On June 7, 2023, LAV-300s upgraded by Larsen & Toubro were tested in Bulacan.[20]

Design

A Marine with the 1st Marine Division works with Filipino marines to examine the LAV-300's interior.

The LAV-300 has a seating capacity for three crewmembers, consisting of a driver, commander and gunner,[21] and nine passengers.[22] Its weight is at 14,696 kg. with a length of 6.40 m and width of 2.54 m.[23] The height is at 2.7 m with a turret and at 1.98 m to the hull.[3] It can go up to 105 km/h under a range of 925 km.[23]

It 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.[22] Some versions can be air-transported by CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.[22]

Armor

The LAV-300's armor is composed of high-hardness Cadloy steel armor employed on a minimum silhouette hull capable of withstanding 7.62 mm caliber bullets at point-blank range from any angle.[8][23] Additional armor of the vehicle's floor can protect the crew from grenades and landmines.[8] Survivability is further enhanced from low observable technology to minimize levels of thermal, seismic and audio signatures, and minimal radar return.[8]

Maneuverability

The LAV-300 is amphibious with no need for preparation for fording.[3]

Highly mobile, the LAV-300 MK II is also fully amphibious with no need for preparation for fording and swimming.[8] The tires are radial tubeless and can be outfitted with run-flat inserts and a central tire inflation system for enhanced mobility.[8] It can climb a 60 percent gradient, operate on a 30 percent side slope, and tackle two-foot-high obstacles.[8]

Engine

The LAV-300 uses a Cummins VT-504 270-hp liquid cooled turbocharged V-8 diesel engine.[8][2]

The LAV-300 MK II's turbocharged diesel engine allows for acceleration from 0 to 32 km/h in less than 10 seconds.[8] It can use Jet-A fuel, kerosene and other lighter fuels in case of a lack of diesel fuel.[8] The six-wheel, dual hydraulic brakes permit the vehicle to go from 20 miles per hour to 0 in approximately 12 m with its operating range at 925 km.[8] The suspension is composed by a 6x6 wheels (6 driving wheels- 2 wheel steering front axle has solid beam on trailing arms. Rear axles have independent trailing arm with coil springs and 1 shock absorber.[8] It also has a transmission of 6 forward and 2 reverse gears.[2]

Equipment

The NBC and night vision system are optional equipment made available on end user request.[3] It also has a central tire inflation system equipped.[23]

Variants

The LAV-300 has fifteen different configurations—the most common being: command post, armored personnel carrier, anti-tank, military logistics, ambulance and armored recovery vehicle.[2][3]

The following turrets are available for the LAV-300:[2][8][1]

  • 7.62 mm machine gun combined with 12.7 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm or 40 mm guns
  • 20 mm anti-aircraft gun
  • Missile-based anti-aircraft system
  • 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] An infantry fighting vehicle variant was made as part of the MK II.[1]

LAV-300A1

A variant of the LAV-300 equipped with a turret from the Stingray light tank.[2][1] It was later designated as the LAV-600.[1]

Operators

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

Current operators

  •  Philippines: 24 vehicles as of 2015[23][24] from the original 36 in 1990.[24] In 2001, Floro International Corporation was contracted to modernize LAV-300s in use by the Philippine Marine Corps.[25] Another upgrade project was announced in 2015 with a contract for PhP34.5 million ($USD784,000 in 2015) to upgrade the LAV-300 FSV's turret systems.[26] Another was launched in 2018 with a bid awarded to Larsen & Toubro to replace worn out components in 2019.[19]
  •  United States: A used LAV-300 purchased in 2008 and refurbished with thermal sensors, computerized tracking devices (including FLIR), night vision and tear gas launchers with a breaching tool used for dynamic entry methods.[13][12] It's used by the Cobb County Police Department SWAT team.[27] In 2016, a LAV-300 was refurbished and used by the Bartonville Police Department.[16] Another is used by the Victoria County Sheriff's Office; the vehicle was upgraded by Clegg Industries.[28]

Former operators

  •  Iraq: Captured from Kuwait during Gulf War.[29]
  •  Kuwait: 62 vehicles, destroyed during the Invasion of Kuwait.[23]
  •  Panama: 12 vehicles.[23] Formerly used by the PDF's 5th Infantry Company, 6th Infantry Company and Battalion 2000.[5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "V-300/V-600 Commando - Archived 8/2004". https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=403. 
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Pike, John. "LAV-300/LAV-600". http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300.htm. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Foss (2000), p. 392.
  4. ↑ "Image 277 of Panama : A country study". https://www.loc.gov/resource/frdcstdy.panamacountrystu00medi/?q=caribbean&sp=277&st=text. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Rottman (2010), p. 14.
  6. ↑ "Special Operations Highlighted the Early Hours of Operation Just Cause". https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/special-operations-highlighted-early-hours-operation-just-cause/. 
  7. ↑ Laur, Colonel Timothy (1995). Encyclopedia of Modern US Military Weapons. New York: Berkley Publishing Corporation. ISBN 978-0425147818. https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780425147818. 
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 "LAV-300 V-300 Cadillac Cage Textron light wheeled armoured vehicle US army United States pictures te". Armyrecognition.com. 2013-07-14. https://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html. 
  9. ↑ Rei, Stephen A.; Stoehr, Randy (June 1994). "Front end analysis of armored vehicle alternatives for the chemically and biologically protected shelter". United States Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282834.pdf. 
  10. ↑ "Archived copy". https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1990/MAY_JUN/ArmorMayJune1990web.pdf. 
  11. ↑ John Pike. "LAV-150 Commando". https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-150.htm. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Cobb police add tank to arsenal | ajc.com". 16 October 2008. https://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/10/10/police_tank.html. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Department History". https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-safety/police/about/department-history. 
  14. ↑ "Federal Defense Industries : Cadillac Gage". https://www.fdi.us.com/cadillac-gage. 
  15. ↑ http://www.napcointl.com/Napco%20General%20Presentation.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Honey Badger's got a thick skin". https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2016/09/15/honey-badger-s-got-thick/25431759007/. 
  17. ↑ "Philippines: PHL awarded contract to upgrade light armored vehicles". 2018-10-05. https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/philippines_phl_awarded_contract_to_upgrade_light_armored_vehicles.html. 
  18. ↑ "Archived copy". http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/2018/SBB/SBB%20NR%20DND-PN-PAF-LARSU-18-R-03.pdf. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Indian company to take care of Light Armor System Upgrade project for the Philippines". 2019-01-10. http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/january/6738-indian-company-to-take-care-of-light-armor-system-upgrade-project-for-the-philippines.html?fbclid=IwAR13sE0Wj8q0SRBZiwy-HW4o0ACsxVdUcHgxWJZr-ICiB_1m_T0TJvo6KR0. 
  20. ↑ https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2023_global_security_army_industry/philippine_marine_corps_conducted_road_testing_of_upgraded_v-150_and_v-300_commando_armored_vehicles.html
  21. ↑ "LAV-300/LAV-600 - Specifications". http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300-specs.htm. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 "LAV-300". http://www.deagel.com/Armored-Vehicles/LAV-300_a000057001.aspx. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 "LAV-300 Cadillac Gage Textron Light armoured vehicle". http://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Philippine Marine Corps". https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/philippines/pmc-equipment.htm. 
  25. ↑ "FIC to Overhaul V150 LAV". 2 May 2002. http://www.floro-intl.com/news.htm. 
  26. ↑ ngain. "Philippine Marine Corps to upgrade turrets of its armored fighting vehicles - February 2015 Global Defense Security news UK - Defense Security global news industry army 2015 - Archive News year". http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/philippine_marine_corps_to_upgrade_turrets_of_its_armored_fighting_vehicles.html. 
  27. ↑ "Small-Town Cops Pile Up on Useless Military Gear | WIRED". Wired. 18 February 2020. https://www.wired.com/2012/06/cops-military-gear/. 
  28. ↑ http://www.cleggind.com/projects/specialty-vehicles/heavy-vehicles/project-details/victoria-county-sheriff%27s-office-armored-vehicle
  29. ↑ "Former Equipment of Iraqi Army". https://archive.org/details/EquipmentOfTheIraqiArmy1958-2003specialReportVol.1. 

Bibliography

  • Foss, Christopher F. (2000), Jane's Tank and Combat Vehicle Recognition Guide (Second Edition), HarperCollins, ISBN 0-00-472452-6 
  • Rottman, Gordon L. (2010), Panama 1989-1990, Osprey Publishing, ISBN 978-1855321564 

External links



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