LAV III – Φώτο & Βίντεο

Teh LAV III, originally named the Kodiak by the Canadian Army, is the third generation of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family of Infantry fighting vehicle built by General Dynamics Land Systems first entering service in 1999. It is based on the Swiss Mowag Piranha IIIH 8×8. It was developed in Canada and is the primary mechanized infantry vehicle of the Canadian Army and the New Zealand Army. It also forms the basis of the Stryker vehicle used by the US Army and other operators.

The LAV III is a modern infantry fighting vehicle that was developed by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada as the third generation of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family. The LAV III is based on the Swiss Mowag Piranha IIIH 8×8 vehicle and features a two-man turret with a 25 mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. The LAV III also has a pintle-mounted machine gun and smoke grenade launchers for self-defense. The LAV III has a crew of three and can carry up to seven infantrymen in its spacious rear compartment. The LAV III is powered by a Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine that gives it a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 450 km. The LAV III has a hydropneumatic suspension system that provides good mobility and ride comfort.
The LAV III is protected by a modular composite armor system called MEXAS that can withstand 14.5 mm rounds on the sides and rear, and 30 mm rounds on the front. The LAV III can also resist RPG-7 attacks with minimal damage. The LAV III entered service with the Canadian Army in 1999 and replaced the older Grizzly and M113 vehicles. The LAV III has been used extensively in various peacekeeping and combat missions around the world, such as in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. The LAV III is also the main infantry vehicle of the New Zealand Army, which acquired 105 units in 2003. The LAV III is also the basis for the Stryker vehicle used by the U.S. Army and other operators.