Dragoon APC, USA

Cadillac Gage LAV-150 ST USA

The Cadillac-Gage LAV-150 series of wheeled APCs has been established since 1963 when the prototype of a vehicle then known as the V-100 Commando was rolled out. The 4 x 4 V-100 was acquired by the US armed forces for a variety of functions, from air base security to route patrolling in Vietnam; many of the V-100 models remain in widespread service.

From those vehicles came the V-200 with a more powerful engine and, eventually, the LAV-300 with a 6 x 6 drive configuration. Then came the V-150 series, later renamed the LAV-150 The current production version is the LAV-150 ST which denotes stretched and turbocharger, resulting in increased internal capacity and better all-round automotive performance, especially as the original petrol engine was replaced by a diesel unit.

In general appearance the LAV-150 series usually resemble light armoured cars for most have a two-man turret armed with a 20 mm cannon plus an optional coaxial 7.62 mm MG; some APC examples lack the turret and have a pintle-mounted 12.7 mm MG in its place,

The hull can accommodate up to seven troops although on many models this is limited to five. However, over the years the LAV-150 and its associated models have been produced in many alternative forms for export to about 24 countries; Saudi Arabia alone took over 1,100 units.

Production, now by Textron Marine & Land Systems, stands at around 3,000 of all types. These types range from 76 or 90 mm gun carriers with turrets (neither of which has apparently reached production), to recovery and air defence vehicles with 20 mm rotary cannon.

Other models include the usual command, internal security (IS), and mortar carrier variants; a TOW ATGW carrier has been proposed. A turretless base security model is operated by the US Air Force.

Turkey ordered over 120 units, some of them configured for the police emergency rescue vehicle role.

Other significant LAV-150 users include Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Venezuela and Malaysia.

Specification

(LAV-150 ST) Crew: 2 Seating: 7 Weight: (combat) 10,886 kg Length: 6.274 m Width: 2.39m Height: (hull roof) 1.98 m Ground clearance: 0.381 m Track: 1.98m Max speed: (road) 112 km/h Fuel capacity: 303 litres Range: 800 km Fording: amphibious Vertical obstacle: 0.61 m Engine: 6 CTA diesel Power output: 250 hp Suspension: leaf springs and shock absorbers Armament: 1 x 20 mm cannon; 2 x 7 . 6 2 m m MG Variants: See text

A4x4 model of the Commando wheeled APC.