The LAV III is an 8-wheeled infantry fighting vehicle manufactured by the American firm General Dynamics Land Systems for the Canadian Army. The acronym "LAV" stands for Light Armored Vehicle. Entering service with the Canadian infantry in 1999, it has been used in Kosovo, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. The LAV III is armed with one 25mm M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon, mounted on a two-man turret, one 6C 7.62mm machine gun, one 5.56mm machine gun, and grenade launchers. This armored vehicle can carry up to 7 well-equipped infantry soldiers.
The LAV III offers basic armor protection against 7.62mm rounds. However, ceramic armor "bricks" or "plates" can be attached to the steel structure to improve protection to the crew and troops. This armored vehicle is powered by one Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine, which delivers 350 hp. It has a maximum speed of 100 km per hour and a range of 500 km. It can lose up to 4 wheels and still keep going over muddy terrain.
