The US Marine Corps has awarded
General Dynamics Land Systemsa contract for $189m for 151 new eight-wheeled Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV-A2) in various configurations.
This award, which includes a $50m option for 394 LAV-A2 electric turret drives, modifies a contract awarded in February 2006 and brings the total value of the contract to $317m.
According to a statement, the LAV-A2 variants are improved versions of the Marines' Light Armoured Vehicle series, which entered service in the 1980s.
General Dynamics will deliver armoured personnel, anti-tank, command and control, logistics and mortar variants beginning in July 2007. Work, which is expected to be completed by December 2008, will be performed in
The eight-wheeled Light Armoured Vehicle A2 provides the Marine Corps' Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion with a system for conducting offensive and defensive operations in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
The amphibious armoured vehicle is equipped with an improved suspension, fitted for enhanced armour protection, and features an automatic fire-suppression system for crew protection. Power is provided by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T diesel engine, developing 275 horsepower, coupled to an Allison MT653, six-speed automatic transmission. The four rear wheels drive the vehicle on a full-time basis, while eight-wheel-drive is selectable.
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