Vehicles

Armoured Reconnaissance soldiers can be tasked with a variety of different tasks. Depending on the task, crewmen may employ different vehicles.

The King’s Own holds the following vehicles:

Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle

The TAPV was acquired with the view to perform a variety of battlefield roles, including but not limited to, reconnaissance, surveillance, security, command and control, cargo and as a protected troop transport. The vehicle’s mobility and crew protection characteristics enable it to be employed within a wide spectrum of potential operational environments. The TAPV will provide a very high degree of protection to the crew while remaining highly mobile. It is designed to tackle tough terrain in any environment, providing troops with a cross-country capability, and a greater flexibility in traversing various routes.

Quick Facts:

The Department of National Defence will procure a total of 500 vehicles with final delivery expected in December 2017. There is also an option for an additional 100 vehicles.
The TAPV will partially replace the Coyote Light Armoured Vehicle, completely replace the Armoured Patrol Vehicle RG-31 and complement the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled.
The first six Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV) arrived at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown on Friday, August 12.

GWagen Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW)

The King’s Own holds Command and Reconnaissance variant only. The G Wagon is a light utility vehicle equipped with the latest technical innovations. It is the vehicle of choice for military applications in armies around the world, including the United States, Germany, and France. In the Canadian Forces, the G Wagon is used by operationally tasked field units and training establishments, by both the regular and reserve units, to provide tactical transport in the fields of command and control, liaison, reconnaissance and military police.

Specifications:
Engine: 156 hp, 2.7 L OM 612 turbo-diesel
Photo: GWagen
Length: 4.165 m
Width: 1.7 m
Height: 2.005 m
Max gradient: 80% (at GVW)
Side Slope: 30°(static 56%)
Fording: 0.6 m

Milcots

MILCOTS (Military / Commercial Off the Shelf): As part of the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW) fleet replacement, 1,061 militarized GM Silverado 2500HD 4×4 vehicles were purchased.

Specifications:
Engine: 6.6L Turbo diesel
Transmission: 5 Speed Allison automatic
Transfer Case: 2 speed
Fording: 51 cm at 8 kph

Light Support Vehicle Wheeled (LSVW)

The Light Support Vehicle Wheeled (LSVW) replaced the old army fleet of 5/4 ton trucks procured in 1976 and commercial utility cargo vehicles bought in the early 1980s. The fleet consists of a wide variety of configurations and carries four different types of shelters that contain a wide variety of special equipment. The LSVW is used throughout the battlefield in such roles as command and control, troop transport, line laying, medical evacuation, maintenance, administration and light cargo. The vehicle is air transportable in a CC 130 Hercules aircraft. It is employed in all land force missions including territorial defence, domestic emergencies and peacekeeping.

Specifications:
Length: 5.7 m
Width: 2.0 m
Weight: 3,349 kg
Payload: 1,500 kg
Engine: 115.6 hp, 4 cylinders, 2.5 litre turbocharged diesel
Maximum speed: 100 km/h
Entered service: 1993-1997
Number acquired: 2,879

Medium Logistics Vehicle Wheeled (MLVW)

Medium Logistic Vehicle Wheeled (MLVW) is the backbone of the Army’s logistic support fleet. These vehicles are used throughout the battlefield in such roles as command and control, troop and cargo transport, maintenance and administrative functions. This vehicle can be employed in all types of Army missions including territorial defence, domestic emergencies and overseas operations.

Specifications:
Weight: 6.3 – 7.8 tonnes (depending on variant)
Payload: Off-road – 2.27 tonnes / Highway – 5 tonnes
Engine: Detroit Diesel, 8.2 litre, V-6
Maximum speed: 90 km/h
Entered service: 1982
Number acquired: 2,769

King’s Own soldiers may be employed in the following vehicles:

Leopard C2 Main Battle Tank

The C2 is an updated Leopard 1A5, which was developed in Germany in the 1980s. This tank deploys with a crew of four, including a commander, a driver, a gunner and a radio operator/loader. The 105-mm L7A3 gun is capable of engaging targets day and night, while on the move under adverse weather conditions, through the use of a fully stabilized fire control system with an integrated thermal imaging system and laser range-finder. It has two 7.62-mm C6 machine guns. One is mounted inside the turret and another can be mounted externally.

The Leopard C2 is also fitted with two banks of four smoke grenade launchers on the turret. It is a minimum-maintenance armoured fighting vehicle and complete replacement of the engine and transmission is possible in 30 minutes under field conditions. When properly fitted with a conning tower, it is capable of deep-fording or submerged fording where riverbanks are prepared for exit and entry.

The Leopard C2 was designed so it can be fitted with add-on armour and all of the new battlefield sensing and communication systems the Army plans to introduce over the next few years. Of the 114 purchased, 66 remain in service.

Armament:
105-mm L7A3 gun
Photo: Leopard
1 x 7.62-mm co-axially mounted machine-gun (C6)
1 x 7.62-mm crew commander’s machine-gun (C6)
76-mm grenade launchers (2 clusters of 4 launchers)

Ammunition types:
Armour-Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)
High explosive squash head (HESH)
White Phosphorous Smoke (WP)

Specifications:

Length: 8.17 m (gun at 6 o’clock), 9.54 m (gun at 12 o’clock)
Width: 3.37 m
Height: 2.62 m
Weight: 42.5 t
Speed: 65 km/hr
Range: 600 km
Number in Service: 66

Coyote

The Coyote is a vital component of the army’s leading-edge battlefield systems. This highly mobile, well-armed and well-protected reconnaissance variant of the Light Armoured Vehicle family is employed in the conduct of battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance missions at the battlegroup and brigade levels. Incorporating both radar and a variety of electro-optic sensors, the Coyote surveillance system provides an all-weather, day and night observation capability.

The most innovative aspect of the Coyote is its surveillance system, designed to detect hostile forces using a combination of day camera, radar, thermal imaging, and laser range-finding equipment. Designed to operate in the world’s hot spots, the Coyote is armed and armoured to fulfil its mission. The ballistic-steel hull protects against small-arms fire, mines and high-explosive airbursts. Add-on armour protects against larger projectiles. The two-man electric-drive turret is equipped with a laser-warning receiver. A fully stabilized 25-mm chain gun provides light assault firepower. On roads the vehicle’s maximum speed is 100 km/h, with a maximum range of 660 km. It can deploy quickly to an area accessible by roads or trails, and then continue cross-country. A mast-equipped version of the vehicle raises its surveillance gear 10 m above the ground to see hostile forces over obstacles and from protected positions.

Armament:
25-mm stabilized M242 chain gun
7.62-mm stabilized coaxial machine gun
7.62-mm top-turret mounted machine gun
76-mm grenade launcher (2 clusters of 4 launchers)
7.62-mm C6 machine gun

Specifications:
Length: 6.39 m
Width: 2.50 m
Height: 2.69 m
Maximum speed: 100 km/hr
Range: 660 km
Weight: 14.4 t
Entered service: 1996
Number in service: 203

LAV III

The LAV III is a state-of-the-art troop carrier that will serve the needs of mounted infantry well into the new century. The vehicle is well protected and can be used day and night, in all weather conditions, in battlefield smoke and on most types of terrain. Capable of speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on roads, the LAV III will give the commander many more options in both combat and non-combat situations. For example the commander may choose to keep the troops mounted and protected while using the 25-mm stabilized cannon – an option not available in the past. The driver and the commander have display terminals for the Tactical Navigation System (TACNAV), as well as thermal viewers. The TACNAV links a Global Positioning System (GPS) with a digital magnetic compass and laser range finder. Good anti-mine performance and an automatic fire and explosion suppression system provide additional safety for the crew. When used as an infantry section carrier, the LAV III deploys with a vehicle commander, a gunner, a driver and seven infantry soldiers. When deployed as a Tactical Command Post, it carries six soldiers. Three other variants are being procured including a Forward Observation Officer (FOO), TOW Under Armour (TUA) and an Engineer variant.

Variants:
313 LAV Infantry Section Carriers
181 LAV Command Post variants
33 LAV TOW Under Armour (TUA) variants (Turret equipped with 2 TOW launchers)
47 LAV Forward Observation Officer (FOO) variants
44 LAV Engineer variants
33 Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle (MMEV)

Armament:
25-mm stabilized M242 chain gun
7.62-mm stabilized coaxial machine gun (C6)
5.56 or 7.62-mm top-turret mounted machine gun
76-mm grenade launcher (2 clusters of 4 launchers)

Specifications:
Length: 6.98 m
Width: 2.7 m
Height: 2.8 m
Speed: 100 km/hr
Range: 450 km
Weight: 16 950 kg
Entered service: 1999
Number in service: 651

Bison

The Bison is an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle originally designed as an infantry section carrier. The Bisons are now being converted into support variants for the new Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV III). These variants will include Ambulance, Electronic Warfare, Mobile Repair Team, Maintenance and Recovery, and NBC Reconnaissance. The new variants will come equipped with an upgrade in engine power, new torsion bars, fittings for add-on armour, air conditioning, and the VRS respirator system for NBC defence. Delivery of the upgraded vehicles will take place in stages from 2002-2008.

Variants:
32 Bison Ambulances
32 Bison Mobile Repair Team vehicles
32 Bison Recovery vehicles
25 Bison Electronic Warfare vehicles
4 Bison NBC Reconnaissance vehicles

Armament:
7.62 mm C6 machine gun
Command Post: C9A1 machine gun
Ambulance: Nil
Other variants: All except ambulance: 76-mm grenade launcher (2 clusters of 4 launchers)

Specifications:
Crew: 2 (driver and commander)
Length: 6.5 m
Width: 2.6 m
Height: 2.6 m
Weight: 13 tonnes
Maximum speed: Land: 100 km/h, Water: 10 km/h
Range: 650 km
Engine: 275 hp Detroit Diesel 6V53T two-cycle turbo-charged diesel
Transmission: Allison 5 speed MT653
Maximum grade: 60%
Drive: full-time 4-wheel, selective 8-wheel
Entered service: 1990

Armoured Patrol Vehicle (APV)

The Armoured Patrol Vehicle (APV) is a 4 x 4 wheeled armoured patrol vehicle designed to provide a high level of protection for troops while they conduct patrol, command and liaison, and reconnaissance tasks in complex urban and mountainous terrain. It is based on the RG-31 Mine-Protected Vehicle, from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada.

Fitted with bullet resistant windows and enhanced protection against both Improvised Explosive Devices and ballistic threats, the APV is specifically designed to resist under wheel and under belly mine strikes to enhance crew survivability. The APV also offers protection from small arms, hand grenades and anti-tank mines.

The APV will incorporate a remote weapon station (RWS) for self-defence, permitting the operator to fire the weapon from within the vehicle while remaining protected. The RWS can mount a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun, or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The RWS will incorporate a day/night sighting system that will also provide a mounted surveillance capability. In addition, the APV will be fitted with necessary communications equipment, a driver’s thermal viewer and hand-held sensors to provide a dismounted surveillance capability.

Armament:
– 1 x 7.62mm machine gun, or
– 1 x 12.7mm machine gun, or
– 1 x 40mm automatic grenade launcher

Specifications:
Length: 6.40 m
Width: 2.47 m
Height: 2.63 m
Ground clearance: 400 mm
Payload: 2,100 kg
All up weight : 8,400 kg
Max speed: 105 km/h
Range: 600 km

Wheel Drive: Full-time 4 wheel drive
Brakes: Pneumatically operated drums
Engine: 6 cylinder OM 366 A 5.958L 4-stroke turbo diesel
Transmission: Allison Series S2000 automatic
Suspension: Semi-elliptical leaf spring; dual, double acting hydraulic shocks
Winch: Fitted
Crew: 2 crew + 4 passengers
To enter service: 2006
Number of vehicles purchased: 50 + option of purchasing 25 additional vehicles

M113A3 Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV)

The M113 is being refurbished and upgraded into nine new variants of mechanized support vehicles. The role of the new M113 variants is to provide the Army with combat support and combat service support vehicles to augment the new LAV III fleet. A total of 289 vehicles are being upgraded. The remaining M113s will be declared surplus.

This vehicle was originally used as a mechanized infantry section carrier. The first versions were purchased in the mid-1960’s; the last were delivered in 1991. A total of 1,143 vehicles were ordered during this period.

The scope of the upgrade includes new engines, transmissions and drive trains; the provision of add-on armour; and the stretching of 147 vehicles to increase their capacity and mobility. The M113’s original power pack provided a maximum of 210 horsepower, which limited the mobility and carrying capacity of the vehicle. A new power pack will be installed in all the refurbished vehicles, which will provide a maximum of 400 horsepower. In addition to increasing mobility and cargo capacity, this upgrade in power will also allow an upgraded armour package to be installed on the vehicle. This will greatly enhance the protection afforded to Army soldiers deployed on overseas missions.

Delivery of the upgraded M113s started in 2001, and will continue in stages. Final delivery will be complete by 2006. It is anticipated that the upgraded M113s will be in service until 2020.

The following nine variants will be fielded:
M113A3 Personnel carrier with Remote Weapon System (RWS)
M113A3 Personnel carrier with One Metre Turret
M113A3 Mobile Repair Team
M577A3 Command Post
MTVL Basic Personnel Carrier / Light Re-supply
MTVC Heavy Re-supply
MTVE Engineer Vehicle
MTVF Fitter (Repair) Vehicle
MTVR Recovery Vehicle

Specifications:
Not Available at this time.

Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV)

The Taurus ARV was designed to undertake the following roles:

recovering vehicles disabled by enemy action or mechanical failure, or that are bogged down;
towing disabled vehicles;
changing components such as power packs and turrets. (A replacement Leopard power pack is carried on the rear decking and a complete engine change can be carried out in less than 30 minutes);
carrying out dozing operations;
fuelling vehicles.

Armament:
1 x 7.62-mm co-axially mounted machine-gun (C6)
1 x 7.62-mm crew commander’s machine-gun (C6)
6 x 76-mm grenade launchers

Specifications:
Length: 7.57 m
Width: 3.25 m
Height: 2.7 m (including turret mounted machine gun)
Crew: 4

Weight: (with spare power pack) (combat weight) 39,800 kg
Max speed: (road) 62 km/h
Range: 850 km
Fuel capacity: 1,410 litres
Engine: Multi-fuel engine, 10 cylinders, 830 hp

Heavy Logistic Vehicle Wheeled (HLVW)

The HLVW provides the Army with a heavy lift transport capability. Eleven different variants of this vehicle are currently serving in the Canadian Forces. The Army uses the HLVW to help support a wide variety of missions including territorial defence, domestic emergencies, combat support and peacekeeping.

Certain Canadian modifications were installed on the vehicle, including camouflage net storage for two nets behind the cab, cold weather starting equipment to allow starting at -40 degrees Celsius, brush guards for the cab front, a cargo bay walkway, and a radio installation kit based on a 24 volt system. The HLVW has a payload of 10 to 16 tonnes, depending on the variant. It can also operate in either four or six-wheel drive, making it suitable for both highway and field use.

Delivery of the upgraded M113s started in 2001, and will continue in stages. Final delivery will be complete by 2006. It is anticipated that the upgraded M113s will be in service until 2020.

Variants:
Cargo
Cargo (with material handling crane)
Recovery (wrecker)
Tractor (for semi-trailer)
Flat rack/bridge transporter
Heavy mobile repair team
Refueller 10,000 litre
Air refueller 10,000 litre
Forward Area Refueller 7,000 litre
Pallet loading system 16 t
Water tanker 8,500 litre

Specifications:
Speed: 90 km/hr
Range: 700 km without load, 550 km with load
Payload: 10 to 16 t (depending on variant)
Towed load:15 t
Engine: 310 hp, 6-cylinders turbo-charged, inter-cooled diesel
Transmission: 8-speed manual
Fuel capacity: 400 liters
Entered service: 1992
Number acquired: 1,212

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