General Dynamics Flyer-72 ALSV (Advanced Light Strike Vehicle)

History of the General Dynamics Flyer-72 ALSV (Advanced Light Attack Vehicle)

In 2012, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requested a new lightweight, highly maneuverable, airliftable vehicle in the 7,000-pound range to replace its aging over 1,000 heavy-duty Humvees car inventory.

In 2013, General Dynamics, which competes with rivals AM General and NaviStar, had 101 of the 1,300 cars it planned to buy under contract. This design - the "Flyer-72" Advanced Light Attack Vehicle (ALSV) - has evolved into a high-performance, special forces-focused utility vehicle that follows the form and function of the basic Flyer-60 ALSV series.

The Flyer-72 is built for the rigors of SOCOM service and can meet a wide range of mission requirements with an inherently flexible design. These include variable weapons options and payload options with a 5,000-pound transport capacity while being used in the belly of a mid-lift Lockheed C-130 Hercules-class fixed-wing aircraft or in the cargo hold of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook Airport- Class Heavy Helicopter.

Four-wheel drive with runflats is standard (spare tire is placed in the rear), and anti-roll bars protect occupants from accidental rollovers. The driver sits directly in front of the left, engine. The central roof area accommodates weapon positions for up to an electric GAU-19 small machine gun, and additional machine guns can be mounted on the trainable support arms of each door. The Flyer-72 can carry nine combat readiness personnel (three in the front, three in the rear, two on the rear deck, and one in the central gunner position), depending on the chosen seating arrangement. The Flyer-72 also supports a full communications suite with real-time access and provides all-weather, all-terrain propulsion performance for use in virtually any combat environment.

To increase survivability in areas of direct competition, there is an option to upgrade the armor kit.

The vehicle is powered by a 195 hp JP8 diesel engine. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission system with 4x2 or 4x4 wheel drive assist. Top highway speed is up to 100 mph and road range is up to 650 miles. The Flyer-72 is balanced enough to climb up to 60% of its maximum incline and cross 30 inches of water without prior preparation.

Ground clearance is a useful 17 inches.

British special forces also considered the Flyer-72.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon.

Changes