ASLAV

ASLAV
Name	ASLAV

ASLAV (Australian Light Armoured Vehicle) is a wheeled armored vehicle used by the Australian Army. The ASLAV was developed and manufactured by Thales Australia (formerly Australian Defence Industries and ADI Limited) in collaboration with Textron Marine & Land Systems. It is based on the LAV II armored vehicle, which was originally designed by General Dynamics Land Systems. The ASLAV was introduced into service in 1997.

Development and design

The development of the ASLAV began in the early 1990s, with the Australian Army seeking a light armored vehicle to replace its M113 APC fleet. The Australian Government awarded a contract to Thales Australia in 1994 to develop and manufacture the ASLAV. The vehicle was designed to provide a high level of protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms fire. The ASLAV features a diesel engine and an automatic transmission, with a top speed of over 100 km/h.

The ASLAV's design is based on the LAV II armored vehicle, which has been used by the Canadian Army and the US Marine Corps. The vehicle has a turret that can be equipped with a range of weapons, including machine guns and cannon. The ASLAV also features air conditioning and communications equipment, making it suitable for a range of tasks, from peacekeeping to combat operations.

Operational history

The ASLAV was first deployed by the Australian Army in 1997, during Operation Warden in East Timor. The vehicle has since been used in a range of operations, including Operation Katrina in New Orleans and Operation Slipper in Afghanistan. The ASLAV has also been used for training exercises and disaster relief operations.

In 2004, the Australian Army began to upgrade the ASLAV fleet, with the introduction of the ASLAV-2 variant. The ASLAV-2 features improved armor protection and communications equipment, making it more suitable for combat operations. The ASLAV has also been used by other countries, including Canada and New Zealand, for training exercises and peacekeeping operations.

Variants

The ASLAV has been produced in a range of variants, including the ASLAV-1, ASLAV-2, and ASLAV-3. The ASLAV-1 is the original variant, which was introduced into service in 1997. The ASLAV-2 is an upgraded variant, which features improved armor protection and communications equipment. The ASLAV-3 is a command and control variant, which is used for staff tasks.

Other variants of the ASLAV include the ASLAV-P (patrol), ASLAV-R (repair), and ASLAV-M (ambulance). The ASLAV-P is used for patrol operations, while the ASLAV-R is used for maintenance and repair tasks. The ASLAV-M is used for medical evacuation operations.

Operators

The ASLAV is operated by the Australian Army, as well as other countries, including Canada and New Zealand. The ASLAV has also been used by other countries, including Malaysia and Turkey, for training exercises and peacekeeping operations.

Specifications

The ASLAV has a number of key specifications, including:

* Length: 6.97 m * Width: 2.67 m * Height: 2.67 m * Weight: 16,000 kg * Top speed: 100 km/h * Range: 650 km * Armor: Welded steel armor * Engine: Diesel engine, 350 hp * Transmission: Automatic transmission, 5-speed

Category:Australian Army Category:Armored vehicles Category:Wheeled armored vehicles