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Background — 'LAV UP' — the GDLS-C LAV
III Upgrade Project |
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Improving the Breed – Upgrade for the LAV IIIs
In June 2009, DND announced LAV III Upgrade, a project to implement fleet-wide improvements to the LAV
IIIs' running gear, weapon systems, and armour protection. Improvements had been made on
Afghan-deployed LAVs culminating in LAV
LORIT. ' LAV UP ' rationalizes incremental improvements while raising overall performance. At a
glance, differences between in-service LAV IIIs and the 'LAV UP' seem minimal. An obvious change is the raised
deck behind the engine bay.
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Among the apparent armour changes are new 'air sentry' shields replacing the current Exposed Crew Protection Kit
(left). Hatches for the gunner and vehicle commander are now in a raised 'box' on the turret top (right). Other
changes not apparent in released images are a 'double-V' shape in the rear hull to deflect blast effects away from
the crew compartment (coming from US Stryker upgrades ). Crew protection is also improved with the
addition of more Energy-Attenuating Seats. Thus far, there has been little attention to LAV UP. The CCV Project has
the allure of the new but only represents 108 vehicles. The majority CF armoured vehicle will still be
LAV III with at least 550 vehicles covered by the LAV III Upgrade project. Now, the question is: will LAV UP be
on time. [3]
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[1] The larger-displacement C-9 diesel requires a larger radiator but LAV III Afghan deployment will have also
influenced cooling choices.
[2] This puts into question DND's decision not to restrict calibre choices for the Close Combat Vehicle main gun.
So far, CCV submissions sport 35mm (CV9035
MkIII) or 30mm (Piranha
5 ) main guns. Only the VBCI has a 25mm gun but that's a French M811, not the CF's M242.
[3] The LAV III Upgrade Project's start was to be Spring 2011 with the first delivery in late 2011. But the contract
was not announced until 21 Oct 2011. As mentioned, that $1.064B contract covers upgrades to 550 LAV IIIs but there is
an option for an additional 80 vehicles. The LAV UP project is to extend the CF service life of these armoured
vehicles until 2035. But will last vehicle delivery ( Late 2017 ) be on time?
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The original LAV III powerplant – a 350 hp, 7.2L Caterpillar 3126 6-cyl – has been replaced by a
450 hp Cat C-9 diesel. Despite displacing 9.3L,
that C-9 is not much larger physically than the 3126. Cryptic mentions have also been made of "a more powerful
... transmission" presumably meaning an Allison HD4560P. But, taking up space under the raised deck is the new,
much-enlarged coolant radiator and its required cooling fan, outlet, etc. [1]
The July 2009 