With sales to a succession of European nations
and delivery of more than 1000 units against
existing contracts, LMV is now well established as
the light protected vehicle of choice for a wide
variety of users.
The International Armoured Vehicles Event 2010
(1-5 February 2010) offers Iveco Defence Vehicles
the opportunity to acquaint both existing customers
and other visitors with more recent developments
on this outstanding combat proven design. This
builds on our stand at DSEI 2009, where three
variants were shown to provide some idea of the
different configurations which are available and to
provoke feedback and comment. Besides the
standard short wheel base 4 man cab Italian Army
version, a two man chassis cab on a long wheel
base was on display, demonstrating the versatility of the design and showing the
ease with which it can be reconfigured to carry a shelter or a weapon system.
Of greatest interest, perhaps was the special
forces version produced in collaboration with
Ricardo. This three seater open top vehicle
features a 12.7mm ring mount over the rear seat,
besides a commander’s machine gun. Offering
exceptional mobility which, owing to its origins as a
protected vehicle, has not been compromised by
the necessity of adding armour, the vehicle
provides a level of mine blast and ballistic
protection far superior to similar vehicles which are
currently deployed. Although in this case the vehicle is an adaptation from a standard
short wheelbase vehicle, prototypes are also being developed on the long wheelbase
chassis, providing greater capacity and payload. A number of countries have already
expressed interest in the SF variant and it is anticipated that deliveries will start in
2010.
At the International Armoured Vehicles Event 2010 it is intended to display the LMV
for the first time in its latest guise as a protected utility vehicle, particularly well suited
to the UK’s OUVS requirement, and to other similar applications. In this
configuration, the vehicle shows the longer, roomier cab and long wheelbase which
have been developed to accommodate the user’s increasing demands for additional
payload and capacity. The vehicle has a loadbed capable of accepting two NATO
pallets and can carry a full load without adversely affecting the formidable levels of
mobility which have been so appreciated on operations. GVW has now been raised
to 7.5 tonnes, allowing higher levels of protection and payload than are seen on
Panther and the earlier versions of the vehicle. With a further improved electrical and
power distribution system, the platform is also being used to demonstrate a number
of innovations developed by our partner companies, including IBM and Selex’ which
indicate a potential way ahead to meet the requirement for improved situational
awareness and a common systems architecture. The result is a mature, proven
design which meets both the MoD’s declared requirements and its systems
architecture aspirations.
The International Armoured Vehicles Event 2010 provides an excellent opportunity for
delegates to view the innovations which have been put in place on this vehicle,
showing the flexibility of the design and its ability to adapt to meet a host of different
requirements.