USMC Goes For the Turret Option With New LAV-A2s
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On February 7, 2006, DID noted that the US Marine Corps was about to buy 130 new LAV-A2 8×8 armored vehicles in seven variants. The contract was worth $257 million, we noted, potentially rising to $307 million if an option for electric turrets was exercised. General Dynamics Land Systems just announced that it was, via a $49 million contract for electric turret drives to retrofit U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicles (LAV). General Dynamics will provide 394 electric turret drives for existing LAVs, some of which entered service in the 1980s.
The LAV-A2 is an improved version that is equipped with an electric turret drive and improved suspension. It is also fitted for enhanced armor protection and features an automatic fire suppression system for crew protection. The four rear wheels drive the vehicle on a full-time basis, but eight-wheel drive is selectable for more challenging terrain.
