The Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) was launched in 2006 and, from that point onwards, it has been the subject of continuous development and innovation. Iveco Defence Vehicles appreciated from the outset that a vehicle such as LMV would have to evolve with changing requirements. The company therefore implemented a programme of product development which focused on delivering incremental improvements, usually from lessons learned in the field, whilst maintaining the excellence of the basic design. The fourth generation LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) procured by the Norwegian Armed Forces at the beginning of 2013, demonstrated the ability of the LMV design to accommodate a variety of developments which are demanded by the user. One of the most important benefits was an increase of payload of some 40% to about 1.5 tonnes, depending on the vehicle configuration. The last evolution of LMV, the LMV2 launched at Eurosatory 2016, continues to expand the roles it can undertake, providing better performance, greater reliability, and increased crew comfort. This second generation LMV will be produced parallel to the current version, in order to meet the full spectrum of operational roles demanded by the military user.
At present, the LMV is available in a number of different variants, with a range of different protection levels or none at all. These include the Medevac, NBC unit, Pick-up, RSTA and SOF. Whatever its role, the LMV will continue to fulfil its most valued function: that of transporting its crew quickly and safely on any mission they are required to undertake. This second generation LMV, implemented with a new 220 horsepower engine, presents an upgraded driveline, capable of managing more power, and a new air filtration system. In order to provide maximum mobility, a new automatic gearbox, upgraded with two additional speeds (eight in total), makes the transition between gears smoother when driving off-road. When operated in conjunction with the automatic drive management system (ADM), this ensures that the vehicle performance is optimized to meet the challenges of the most demanding of terrain scenarios. A new electronic stability control (ESP) system, able to work in off-road conditions, enhances driving safety as well as driver comfort and agility. Further mobility enhancements are achieved through a specially designed suspension system, combined with tyres to better match different terrains.
The new crew cell design has been developed particularly by the need to accommodate five fully-equipped soldiers, including body armour and personal equipment. Most internal roll-bars have been redesigned, enhancing the available legroom, while the internal cab height is 100mm greater than on the standard LMV, thus increasing internal space and habitability. The internal layout of the new crew cell improves crew ergonomics, as well as incorporating a next-generation digitised dashboard and an upgraded hardtop. IED protection is further enhanced by the addition of a third hinge added to each door and the use of new materials. LMV2 is designed to accommodate extensive GFE, including radios, BMS, intercom and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM). The vehicle is extremely well adaptable to being deployed as a mobile radio platform, by the nature of its outstanding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) profile and can fulfill the most demanding DEF-STAN and MIL-STD requirements. Sub-system integration has also been greatly eased by the adoption of a new vehicle digitised electronic architecture and an improved power supply. This allows for mission systems such as remote controlled weapon stations, BMS, intercom, and ECM to be seamlessly integrated onto the platform without complication. The new hardtop “dual-role”, made of a ballistic steel monocoque framework with lightweight aluminum/steel roll-bar, allows the vehicle to be equipped either with a manual weapon turret or alternatively, with a Remote Weapon Station (RWS), both of which can be readily fitted and removed in the field, ensuring greater flexibility of deployment. Last but not least, the maintenance load has been reduced by improving the type and location of some of the subsystems and by tailoring the service regime.
https://www.ivecodefencevehicles.com/Pages/Products/lmv.aspx
INFO NIGERIA: Romano Pisciotti, Motor Parts Industry, Lagos
