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A Modest Proposal
— 'LAV – Surv' — An Interim LARV Solution |
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The still largely conceptual LARV (Light Armoured Reconnais- sance
Vehicle) Project will not bear fruit until at least 2011. The most promising of candidate vehicles, the
diesel-electric hybrid RST-V is only a technology demonstrator at present. [1] RST-V may inspire a production
type rather than be its prototype. The concepts may be more interesting than their application, in any case –
the same design executed today would likely emphasize armour protection and blast-resistance at the expense of a high top speed and
air-portability. [2]
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RG-31 – a More Lascivious than Larval Interim Fix
A better candidate might be the smaller RG-31 APV. The APV is
already fitted with an RWS would could be slaved to new sensors. Since the point of such a vehicle would be stand
sentinel for an exposed PRT group rather than full Coyote-style surveillance, the sensor suite could be less
sophisticated and lighter. Such a sensor suite has already been developed for US RG-31s in Iraq by Gyrocam
Systems (TS, below). An Interim LARV vehicle would be stationary much of the time so protection and effective
armament will be more important than Coyote-style sensors.
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[1] General Dynamics Land Systems built four RST-V demonstrators. Two of the RST-Vs were to be field-tested in Iraq
(with an emphasis on their ability to operate as 'portable generators' in camps ). These
overseas RST-V trials were delayed due to minor technical problems.
[2] The RST-V was designed to be carried by the MV-22 Osprey. To save weight, an aluminium body was used with
add-on armour as an option. The Marines are now looking at a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle family that would include
a recce type. Unlike the RST-V, the JLTVs would be true armoured vehicles which could then be fitted with additional
bolt-on armour kits. JLTVs may still be hybrid-power vehicles.
[3] The ambushes of CF troops engaged in road-building are an example. A surveillance vehicle would not prevent such
attacks but could provide warning of approaching insurgents given appropriate sensors. In this role, the high
profile of most LAVs becomes an advantage.
[4] This is something of a blending of Australian ASLAV-S vehicles. Originally, these Bison-like vehicles
had Coyote-type sensors and a ring-mounted GPMG. They were revised with an RWS cantilevered alongside the
commander's hatch and updated sensors on their masts.
[5] The Expedient Route-Opening Capability contracts involve three vehicle types –
the 6x6 version of the Cougar and the Buffalo (both by Force Protection Inc.), and the 4x4 Husky Mine Detector Vehicle made in South Africa by the Rolling Stock
Division of DCD-Dorbyl.
[6] Note that the sensor mast is mounted externally on Gyrocam's installation. This mount would reduce the field
of fire, but only slightly.
[7] The RWS is fitted with four 76mm Wegmann grenade launcher tubes on each side. Generally thought of as smoke
grenade launchers, the Wegmann 76mm tubes are available with extra contacts for high-explosive grenades or special
munitions like anti-personnel grenades.
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"Standin' at the crossroad... Didn't nobody seem to know me, everybody pass me by"
Events in Afghanistan suggest that the CF may have need of interim vehicle with some of the LARV's surveillance
capabilities. [3] At this late stage, any new vehicle must be based on an in-service type. One
possibility would be to follow the Australian example – mounting a surveillance mast
in the Bison ISC armed with a RWS 12.7mm. [4] The result would have advantages but would, in effect, be a
poorly armed Coyote. This 'Canadianized' ASLAV-S might be more vehicle than is really
required.
Force Protection's 
40mm CASW when available and high explosive grenades in the 8 x RWS launchers. [7]