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ASLAV (AuStralian Light Armored Vehicle)

1997 MODERN

History of ASLAV (Australian Light Armoured Vehicle)

ASLAV (Australian Light Armored Vehicle) is similar in many respects to the American LAV-25 and Canadian Coyote series of eight-wheeled reconnaissance vehicles. All are based on the Swiss MOWAG Piranha and are produced primarily by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, although the ASLAV has its origins under the General Dynamics Land Systems Australian brand label. Production stretched from 1995 to 2007, with approximately 257 vehicles of different models delivered.

The vehicles were used as part of a UN initiative during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the unrest in East Timor.

The Australian Army, along with other modern world powers, opted for armoured wheeled products over more expensive and complex tracked vehicles. Procurement of new light armoured vehicles for Australian ground forces began in 1990, when Australian forces field-tested more than a dozen US Marine Corps LAV-25 systems to test their durability, reliability, adaptability in local terrain sex and mobility. ASLAV was born in 1992 after some modifications to meet the requirements of the Australian Army.

Design work continued until 1994, with mass production starting the following year. In 1997, when the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was increased to 113 men, it reached its full strength. A second batch of 144 followed, bringing the total number of ASLAVs in circulation to the aforementioned 257.

Modularity is key to the ASLAV, and the "kits" available allow the base hull to serve multiple important roles on the battlefield. In addition, the Australian LAV is equipped with an air conditioning system to enhance the comfort of the crew.

The life extension program introduced a modern thermal imaging system and an improved 8x8 suspension system. The tires (bouncing independently) are run-flat and can send power to all four axles or just two as needed.

Many other aspects of the ASLAV remain faithful to the original Canadian Coyote and American LAV-25. The vehicle carried a crew of three and accommodated six infantry ready for battle. It is 6.5 meters long, 2.6 meters wide and 2.7 meters high to the top of the tower. The main armament is a 25mm serial M242 "Jungle King" chain gun in a powered turret, which also features a coaxially arranged 7.62mm machine gun (FN MAG 58).

An optional 7.62mm machine gun can be mounted on top of the turret as an anti-aircraft measure. Eight smoke grenade launchers allow vehicles to create their own defensive or offensive smoke screens as needed. Power comes from a 275-horsepower Detroit Diesel 6V-53T diesel engine with a top speed of 75 mph and a range of 410 miles.

The vehicle is fully amphibious and can traverse water sources if necessary.

The turret is located in the middle rear of the top of the hull. The passenger cabin is at the rear, while the driver sits in the front left, with the power unit to his right (pushing the turret slightly to the left).

Passengers enter and exit through two outward swinging rectangular hinged doors located on the rear surface of the fuselage. The vehicle is fully suspended by its eight wheels (four on one side of the fuselage) and has a spare wheel mounted on the rear wall of the fuselage.

The three main variant names for ASLAV remain Type I, Type II, and Type III, with sub-variants in between. The base model is the ASLAV-25 (Type I) for armored/armed reconnaissance missions.

The Type II version includes the ASLAV-PC, which serves as an armored personnel carrier with a crew of 2 and can carry 7 infantrymen. ASLAV-C is a Type II Command Vehicle, ASLAV-S is a Surveillance Guided Vehicle, and ASLAV-A is a Type II Combat Ambulance.

Type III models include the ASLAV-F maintenance support vehicle with a powered crane and the ASLAV-R (ARV) armored rescue vehicle with a powered winch.