View source for LAV-300

{{Infobox weapon
|name=LAV-300
|image=Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrates its 79th founding anniversary 008.jpg
|image_size=300
|caption=A [[Cadillac Gage]] LAV-300 (Light Armored Vehicle) of the [[Philippine Marine Corps]]
|origin= United States
|type=Light Armored Vehicle
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=
|is_bladed=
|is_explosive=
|is_artillery=
|is_vehicle=yes
|is_missile=
|is_UK=
<!-- Service history -->
|service=1979 – present
|used_by= See ''[[LAV-300#Operators|Operators]]''
|wars=
* [[United States invasion of Panama]]
* [[Invasion of Kuwait]]
* [[Civil conflict in the Philippines]]
<!-- Production history -->
|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=[[Cadillac Gage]]
|unit_cost=$USD562,900 (2003)<ref name="Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=403|title=V-300/V-600 Commando - Archived 8/2004 |website=Forecastinternational.com|access-date=2017-07-30}}</ref>
|production_date= 1983-1994
|number= 103<ref name="Report"/>
|variants= See ''[[LAV-300#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight=14,696 kg.
|length=6.40 m
|part_length=
|width=2.54 m
|height=2.7 m (turret roof), 1.98 m (hull top)
|diameter=
|crew= 3 (Crew) + 9 (Passengers)
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=
|caliber=
|action=
|rate=
|velocity=
|range=
|max_range=
|feed=
|sights=
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
|breech=
|recoil=
|carriage=
|elevation=
|traverse=
<!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->
|blade_type=
|hilt_type=
|sheath_type=
|head_type=
|haft_type=
<!-- Explosive specifications -->
|filling=
|filling_weight=
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<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
|armour= Protects against 7.62mm ammunition.
|primary_armament=1 x 90 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm Machinegun
|secondary_armament=2x6 40 mm Smoke Dischargers
|engine=Cummins 6 CTA 8.3 diesel turbo charged engine
|engine_power=260 bhp
|pw_ratio=18.36 bhp/ton
|suspension=6 x 6
|vehicle_range=925 km
|speed=105 km/h (road), 3 km/h (water)
|guidance=
}}
The '''[[Cadillac Gage]] LAV-300''', originally named the V-300,<ref name="GS">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300.htm|title=LAV-300/LAV-600|first=John|last=Pike|website=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723104925/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300.htm|archive-date=2019-07-23}}</ref> is a family of American light armored vehicles (LAVs) including up to 15 configurations. It was originally created and designed by CG as a private venture project.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}}
As of 2020, the vehicle and its derivatives are no longer being marketed by Textron.
== History ==
The first country to buy it was Panama, which purchased 12 to 13 LAV-300s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/frdcstdy.panamacountrystu00medi/?q=caribbean&sp=277&st=text|title = Image 277 of Panama : A country study| website=[[Library of Congress]] }}</ref> in APC, Fire Support Vehicle and Armored Recovery variants.{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}}<ref name="GS"/> Most of them were captured by American forces during [[United States invasion of Panama|Operation Just Cause]].<ref name="GS"/> In [[Panama Defense Forces]] service, they were used by the 5th Infantry Company, the 6th Infantry Company (Mechanized) and Battalion 2000 (Mechanized).{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}} 4 LAV-300s were used by the 6th Infantry Company; 9 were used by Battalion 2000.{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}} They were deployed during the [[Battle of Paitilla Airport]] to block the path of [[United States Navy SEALs|the SEALS]] deployed to destroy Noriega's private aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/special-operations-highlighted-early-hours-operation-just-cause/|title=Special Operations Highlighted the Early Hours of Operation Just Cause|website=SOFREP}}</ref>
Kuwait placed an order in 1984 for 62 vehicles, some of them in FSV configuration.<ref name="Report"/> Most of Kuwait's LAV-300s were destroyed by Iraqi troops during the [[Invasion of Kuwait|1990 Invasion of Kuwait]].<ref name="Laur">{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Modern US Military Weapons|last=Laur|first=Colonel Timothy|location=New York|publisher=Berkley Publishing Corporation|date=1995|isbn=978-0425147818|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780425147818}}</ref>
When production of the vehicle was reorganized and placed at New Orleans, its name changed from the V-300 to the LAV-300 in 1994.<ref name="Report"/>
The Philippines placed an order in 1993 for 24 LAV-300 MK IIs, 12 in APC configuration and 12 in FSV configuration, which were delivered by 1995.<ref name="GS"/>  The contract was worth $USD18.243 million.<ref name="Report"/> LAV-300s used by the Philippine Marine Corps were designed to be equipped with the .50 BMG/7.62mm NATO turret for the APC and the Cockerill 90mm gun for the FSV.<ref name="AR LAV-300">{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html |title=LAV-300 V-300 Cadillac Cage Textron light wheeled armoured vehicle US army United States pictures te |publisher=Armyrecognition.com |date=2013-07-14 |access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
In a 1994 report by Natick from January to September 1993, the LAV-300 was once considered to be a suitable candidate for the US Army Military Police Armored Security Vehicle program.<ref name="NatickCBPreport">{{cite web|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282834.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307150952/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282834.pdf|archive-date=2020-03-07|title=Front end analysis of armored vehicle alternatives for the chemically and biologically protected shelter|first1=Stephen A.|last1=Rei|first2=Randy|last2=Stoehr|publisher=United States Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center|url-status=live|date=June 1994}}</ref> In 1999, the LAV-300 was considered alongside the LAV-600 to be selected for the US Army's Brigade Combat Team.<ref name="GS"/> In the same year, an infantry fighting vehicle version of the LAV-300 MK II was tested at Fort Knox for potential deployment with rapid reaction forces before the Stryker was chosen instead.<ref name="Report"/> This proposal was even backed by Captain David L. Nobles in his proposal due to low economical expenses needed to maintain the LAV-300.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1990/MAY_JUN/ArmorMayJune1990web.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.benning.army.mil |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201160230/https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1990/MAY_JUN/ArmorMayJune1990web.pdf |archive-date=1 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Production of the LAV-300 ended in 1994 with marketing discontinued by 2000.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-150.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723104927/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-150.htm |archive-date=2019-07-23 |title=LAV-150 Commando |website=globalsecurity.org |access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
In 2008, Cobb County Police Department has reported the purchase of a LAV-300 for $500,000 with $45,000 to $51,000 paid to refurbish the vehicle for police use.<ref name="AJC08A">{{cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/10/10/police_tank.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016065715/https://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/10/10/police_tank.html|archive-date=2008-10-16|title=Cobb police add tank to arsenal &#124; ajc.com|date=16 October 2008}}</ref><ref name="CCPDH">{{cite web|url=https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-safety/police/about/department-history|title=Department History|website=Cobb County Georgia}}</ref> The vehicle was acquired by the CCPD through the [[Law Enforcement Support Office|1033 program]] from [[Fort Polk]], Louisiana.<ref name="CCPDH"/>
In 2010, Federal Defense Industries announced that they entered into an agreement with Textron Marine & Land Systems in order to provide authorized aftermarket parts, support and other types of assistance for the LAV-300 since FDI maintains a technical library for spare parts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fdi.us.com/cadillac-gage|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190615075157/https://www.fdi.us.com/cadillac-gage|archive-date = 15 June 2019|title = Federal Defense Industries : Cadillac Gage}}</ref>
In 2011, Napco entered into an agreement with Textron to provide authorized aftermarket parts, support and other types of assistance for the LAV-300.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Napco General Presentation |url=http://www.napcointl.com/Napco%20General%20Presentation.pdf |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=www.napcointl.com}}</ref>
On 15 September 2016, the Bartonville Police Department showed a LAV-300 with surveillance gear through the 1033 program.<ref name="Barton">{{cite web | url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2016/09/15/honey-badger-s-got-thick/25431759007/ | title=Honey Badger's got a thick skin }}</ref>
On 5 October 2018, the [[Department of National Defense (Philippines)|Philippine Department of National Defense]] launched a bid to upgrade armored vehicles of the Philippine Navy and Air Force under the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) Acquisition Project with a budget of PHP711,938,000.00.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/philippines_phl_awarded_contract_to_upgrade_light_armored_vehicles.html |title=Philippines: PHL awarded contract to upgrade light armored vehicles |website=Army Recognition |date=2018-10-05 }}</ref> On 28 November 2018, the DND released a bid requirement for a company to modernize the LAV-300s still in working condition with the PMC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/2018/SBB/SBB%20NR%20DND-PN-PAF-LARSU-18-R-03.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.dnd.gov.ph |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308070319/http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/2018/SBB/SBB%20NR%20DND-PN-PAF-LARSU-18-R-03.pdf |archive-date=8 March 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 10 January 2019, [[Larsen & Toubro]] was awarded a contract for $US 14 million for the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Light Armor System Upgrade in replacing worn out engines and other parts.<ref name="LATR">{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/january/6738-indian-company-to-take-care-of-light-armor-system-upgrade-project-for-the-philippines.html?fbclid=IwAR13sE0Wj8q0SRBZiwy-HW4o0ACsxVdUcHgxWJZr-ICiB_1m_T0TJvo6KR0 |title=Indian company to take care of Light Armor System Upgrade project for the Philippines |website=Navy Recognition |date=2019-01-10 }}</ref> On June 7, 2023, LAV-300s upgraded by Larsen & Toubro were tested in Bulacan.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=12 June 2023 |title=Philippine Marine Corps conducted road testing of upgraded V-150 and V |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2023/philippine-marine-corps-conducted-road-testing-of-upgraded-v-150-and-v-300-commando-armored-vehicles |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=www.armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>
==Design==
[[File:3rd AA Bn. Marines begin PMEP 15-1 in Philippines 150302-M-HB658-086.jpg|thumb|left|300px|A Marine with the 1st Marine Division works with Filipino marines to examine the LAV-300's interior.]]
The LAV-300 has a seating capacity for three crewmembers, consisting of a driver, commander and gunner,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300-specs.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420011648/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300-specs.htm|archive-date=20 April 2017|title=LAV-300/LAV-600 - Specifications}}</ref> and nine passengers.<ref name="D">{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Armored-Vehicles/LAV-300_a000057001.aspx|title=LAV-300|website=Deagel.com|access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref> Its weight is at 14,696&nbsp;kg. with a length of 6.40 m and width of 2.54 m.<ref name="Army Recognition">{{cite web|title=LAV-300 Cadillac Gage Textron Light armoured vehicle|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html|website=Army Recognition|access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> The height is at 2.7 m with a turret and at 1.98 m to the hull.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}} It can go up to 105&nbsp;km/h under a range of 925&nbsp;km.<ref name="Army Recognition"/>
It offers high mobility, speeds of up to {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and can be air-transported by a [[C-5 Galaxy]], [[C-141 Starlifter]], [[C-17 Globemaster III]] and a [[C-130 Hercules]] [[cargo aircraft]].<ref name="D"/> Some versions can be air-transported by [[CH-53E Super Stallion]] helicopter.<ref name="D"/>
=== Armor ===
The LAV-300's armor is composed of high-hardness Cadloy steel armor employed on a minimum silhouette hull capable of withstanding [[7.62 mm caliber]] bullets at point-blank range from any angle.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/><ref name="Army Recognition"/> Additional armor of the vehicle's floor can protect the crew from grenades and landmines.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> Survivability is further enhanced from low observable technology to minimize levels of thermal, seismic and audio signatures, and minimal radar return.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/>
=== Maneuverability===
The LAV-300 is amphibious with no need for preparation for fording.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}}
Highly mobile, the LAV-300 MK II is also fully amphibious with no need for preparation for fording and swimming.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> The tires are radial tubeless and can be outfitted with [[run flat tire|run-flat]] inserts and a central tire inflation system for enhanced mobility.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> It can climb a 60 percent gradient, operate on a 30 percent side slope, and tackle two-foot-high obstacles.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/>
=== Engine ===
The LAV-300 uses a Cummins VT-504 270-hp liquid cooled turbocharged V-8 diesel engine.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/><ref name="GS"/>
The LAV-300 MK II's turbocharged diesel engine allows for acceleration from 0 to 32&nbsp;km/h in less than 10 seconds.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> It can use Jet-A fuel, kerosene and other lighter fuels in case of a lack of diesel fuel.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> The six-wheel, dual hydraulic brakes permit the vehicle to go from 20 miles per hour to 0 in approximately 12 m with its operating range at 925&nbsp;km.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> The suspension is composed by a 6x6 wheels (6 driving wheels- 2 wheel steering front axle has solid beam on trailing arms. Rear axles have independent trailing arm with coil springs and 1 shock absorber.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> It also has a transmission of 6 forward and 2 reverse gears.<ref name="GS"/>
===Equipment===
The NBC and night vision system are optional equipment made available on end user request.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}} It also has a central tire inflation system equipped.<ref name="Army Recognition"/>
==Variants==
The LAV-300 has fifteen different configurations—the most common being: command post, [[armored personnel carrier]], [[anti-tank]], [[military logistics]], [[ambulance]] and [[armored recovery vehicle]].<ref name="GS"/>{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}}
The following [[gun turret|turrets]] are available for the LAV-300:<ref name="GS"/><ref name="AR LAV-300"/><ref name="Report"/>
*[[7.62 mm]] [[machine gun]] combined with 12.7&nbsp;mm, 25&nbsp;mm, [[30 mm]] or 40&nbsp;mm guns
*20&nbsp;mm [[anti-aircraft gun]]
*Missile-based anti-aircraft system
*[[BGM-71 TOW]] [[anti-tank guided missile]]
*90&nbsp;mm gun
*81&nbsp;mm and 120&nbsp;mm [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]]s.
===LAV-300 MK II===
An improved version of the LAV-300, known as the '''LAV-300 MK II''' was developed in the 1980s with an aftercool type engine, improved transmission with 6 forward and 2 gear ratio with better tires and a larger fuel tank.<ref name="GS"/> An infantry fighting vehicle variant was made as part of the MK II.<ref name="Report"/>
===LAV-300A1===
A variant of the LAV-300 equipped with a turret from the [[Stingray light tank]].<ref name="GS"/><ref name="Report"/> It was later designated as the [[LAV-600]].<ref name="Report"/>
== Operators ==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:LAV-300 operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with LAV-300 operators in red and former operators in blue]]
===Current operators===
* {{flag|Philippines}}: 24 vehicles as of 2015<ref name="Army Recognition"/><ref name="PMCGS">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/philippines/pmc-equipment.htm|title=Philippine Marine Corps|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> from the original 36 in 1990.<ref name="PMCGS"/> In 2001, Floro International Corporation was contracted to modernize LAV-300s in use by the Philippine Marine Corps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floro-intl.com/news.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020502004032/http://www.floro-intl.com/news.htm|archive-date=2002-05-02|title=FIC to Overhaul V150 LAV|date=2 May 2002}}</ref> Another upgrade project was announced in 2015 with a contract for PhP34.5 million ($USD784,000 in 2015) to upgrade the LAV-300 FSV's turret systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/philippine_marine_corps_to_upgrade_turrets_of_its_armored_fighting_vehicles.html|title=Philippine Marine Corps to upgrade turrets of its armored fighting vehicles - February 2015 Global Defense Security news UK - Defense Security global news industry army 2015 - Archive News year|last=ngain|website=www.armyrecognition.com}}</ref> Another was launched in 2018 with a bid awarded to Larsen & Toubro to replace worn out components in 2019.<ref name="LATR"/>
* {{flag|United States}}: A used LAV-300 purchased in 2008 and refurbished with thermal sensors, computerized tracking devices (including FLIR), night vision and tear gas launchers with a breaching tool used for dynamic entry methods.<ref name="CCPDH"/><ref name="AJC08A"/> It's used by the Cobb County Police Department SWAT team.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/06/cops-military-gear/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218105427/https://www.wired.com/2012/06/cops-military-gear/|archive-date=2020-02-18|title=Small-Town Cops Pile Up on Useless Military Gear &#124; WIRED|magazine=Wired|date=18 February 2020}}</ref> In 2016, a LAV-300 was refurbished and used by the Bartonville Police Department.<ref name="Barton"/> Another is used by the Victoria County Sheriff's Office; the vehicle was upgraded by Clegg Industries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victoria County Sheriff's Office - LAV-300 Armored Personnel Carrier |url=http://www.cleggind.com/projects/specialty-vehicles/heavy-vehicles/project-details/victoria-county-sheriff's-office-armored-vehicle |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.cleggind.com}}</ref>
===Former operators===
*{{Flagcountry|Ba'athist Iraq|1991}}: Captured from Kuwait during [[Gulf War]].<ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/EquipmentOfTheIraqiArmy1958-2003specialReportVol.1|title=Former Equipment of Iraqi Army|website=Archive.org|access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref>
* {{flag|Kuwait}}: 62 vehicles, destroyed during the [[Invasion of Kuwait]].<ref name="Army Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Panama}}: 12 vehicles.<ref name="Army Recognition"/> Formerly used by the PDF's 5th Infantry Company, 6th Infantry Company and Battalion 2000.{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
===Bibliography===
{{commons category|LAV-300}}
* {{citation |title=Jane's Tank and Combat Vehicle Recognition Guide (Second Edition) |first=Christopher F. |last=Foss |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-00-472452-6 |year=2000}}
* {{citation |title=Panama 1989-1990 | first =Gordon L. |last=Rottman |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1855321564|year=2010}}
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061124112247/https://www.textronsystems.com/pdf/products/lav300_datasheet.pdf Archived Textron brochure]
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
[[Category:Armored cars of the United States]]
[[Category:Armored fighting vehicles of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Armored personnel carriers of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Armoured cars of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Amphibious armoured fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Six-wheeled vehicles]]