Information Sheet
The New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle (NZLAV) is a version of the latest state-of-the-art Canadian LAVIII. It is fast, well armed and well protected. It can travel on tracks and off-road – and can cruise at speeds of up to 100km on the open road.
As an armoured vehicle it is an excellent multipurpose vehicle for peace support operations and mid-level (intensity) conflicts. It also enables us to securely transport deployed personnel in high-risk situations.
NZLAV Vehicle Description
- The NZLAV is the third generation Light Armoured Vehicle and is part of a family of vehicles in service with armies throughout the world including the United States, Canada, Australia and Denmark.
- The NZLAV is a fast well-armed, well-protected eight-wheeled vehicle crewed by three people. It is designed to routinely carry seven people (including their equipment) in the back and has the capacity to carry an extra person on occasion.
- It has a 25mm cannon on the turret and two 7.62mm machine guns.
- The NZLAV protects occupants from most bullets and provides an enhanced level of protection to the crew and passengers from mines and artillery splinters.
- The NZLAV has “run flat” inserts inside the tyres and is able to be driven for 40km with all the tyres on one side flattened or 8km with all eight tyres flattened. It can still be driven if it has a wheel blown off each side.
- The NZLAV is produced by General Motors Defence, which is based in Canada.
Vehicle Specifications
- Length 6.98m
- Width 2.83m (2.95m over mirrors)
- Height 2.88m (turret top) 2.65m (suspension lowered)
- Maximum speed 100kph
- Maximum range 450km
Detailed Specifications
- Engine 260kw
- Transmission Automatic 6 speed forward, 1 reverse
- Transfer case 2 speed
- Drive 4 limited slip differentials, full time 4 wheel drive, selective 8 wheel drive
- Suspension 8 wheel independent hydropneumatic with height control system
- Power steering
- Power brakes with ABS on 3 axles
- Automatically activated crew and engine compartment fire suppression system
- Air transportable in C-130 Hercules with minimal preparation
Capacity
- 10 personnel including the vehicle commander, gunner, driver and 7 troops (and their equipment).
Armament
- Main armament 25mm stabilised automatic cannon with thermal image sight
- Secondary armament 7.62mm machine gun mounted coaxial to the main armament
- Vehicle Commander 7.62mm machine gun on a flexible mount on top of the turret
- 8 smoke grenade launchers