Canada recently announced the government awarded a $1 billion contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada to incorporate a comprehensive upgrade packaging into the Canadian Army’s fleet of LAV III combat vehicles.
The The LAV III Upgrade Project will modernize 550 vehicles, significantly enhancing their survivability, mobility and firepower and extending the fleet’s lifecycle to 2035, said the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women Hon. Rona Ambrose, and Associate Minister of National Defence the Hon. Julian Fantino.
The survivability upgrades will include the introduction of double-V-hull technology, an innovative enhancement developed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada engineers, as well as add-on armor protection and energy-attenuating seats. Together, these improvements will provide crew members greater protection against mine blasts, IEDs and other threats.
The upgrades represent the latest armored-vehicle technologies developed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada’s engineers and its Canada-wide supplier base.
The work, expected to be completed in 2017, will consist of significant work performed at General Dynamics’ facilities in London, Ontario, and Edmonton, Alberta, as well as the company’s nationwide network of over 400 Canadian suppliers. All regions of Canada will benefit from this work, which is expected to be completed in 2017.
“Canadian soldiers need the best tools for the job and deserve the best protection we can give them,” said Danny Deep, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. “This contract will enhance the LAV III fleet’s survivability, operational capability and long-term performance through the addition of cutting-edge technologies. It will also provide much-needed job stability throughout Canada’s high-value defense sector.”
The LAV III’s automotive performance, handling characteristics and payload capacity will be optimized by the addition of mobility system upgrades such as a more powerful engine, more robust driveline and suspension, and a height management system (HMS).
Additionally. the 25mm turret’s crew ergonomics will be improved by incorporating larger hatches, and its capabilities will be enhanced by the addition of the latest technologies, including improved fire control, thermal, day and low-light sights, and data displays.