Mishall RehmanCanadians travelling on major highways this week may spot several Light Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicles (LAV) as they are transported from London, ON, to Valcartier, QC.
Transported by semi-trailer
Starting on August 30, five LAVs will be transported by semi-trailer flatbed, according to a Public Service Announcement from the Department of National Defence.
“Members of the public may notice these vehicles on major Canadian highways,” stated the PSA.
According to DND, transporting vehicles is part of the Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System.
Replacing the military’s LAVs
Over the next several years, the Canadian Army will replace 141 aging Coyote surveillance vehicles with 66 state-of-the-art surveillance systems under the Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System project.
The movement of the LAV vehicles is part of this project.
“These activities are in direct support of the Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System project that will provide the Canadian Army with its first vehicle-based, on-the-move, long-range reconnaissance capability,” added the PSA.
The first five LAV vehicles will be delivered to Valcartier, QC and will “undergo testing” until winter 2024.
Over the next 18 months, additional vehicles will be delivered to Canadian Army bases such as CFB Gagetown, NB, Petawawa, ON, Valcartier, QC, and Montréal, QC.
About the new fleet
The LAV III 6.0, according to DND, will provide the Canadian Army with “enhanced protection, mobility and firepower” and will be an all-weather vehicle that can be operated on various terrain.
The new LAV can travel up to speeds of 100 km per hour and can be either used as a four or eight-wheel drive. Additionally, according to DND, it is powered by a water-cooled, six-cylinder, 450-horsepower, turbo-charged diesel engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
