Australian Light Armoured Vehicle

The Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) is a wheeled, eight wheel drive (8x8) vehicle that has been modified to deal with Australia's harsh conditions. It has been successfully deployed on operations in multiple theatres since 1999. The ASLAV will soon be replaced in Australian service by the 8x8 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.

Modifications include the addition of air conditioning and the widest wheels and tyres available. The ASLAV is an effective capability due to its reliability, low maintenance costs and ability to travel quickly over long distances. For these reasons the ASLAV is particularly suited to long-range battlefield surveillance operations.

Systems

The ASLAVs are fitted with an electric turret, enhanced drive train, improved thermal optics, and integrated laser range finder. Selected vehicles are also fitted with remote weapon stations and multi-system surveillance suites. These enhancements, together with run flat tyres, small arms resistant armour, internal spall protection, a counter improvised explosive device suite and a fire suppression system, provide a battle-ready platform which optimises crew and passenger survivability.

Variants

The versatility of the ASLAV has been further increased by the use of non-permanent mission role installation kits. The kits allow the generation of several variants from a single ASLAV hull design. This is a unique Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability, with much of the design and development work undertaken in Australia.

The current variants of the ASLAV include the reconnaissance, personnel carrier, command, surveillance, ambulance, fitter and recovery vehicles.

The ASLAV capability is being supplemented with nine advanced gunnery simulators known as crew procedural trainers. The simulators significantly reduce the cost of training ASLAV crews and maintaining their combat readiness.

General characteristics

Weight: 13,450 kilograms
Length: 6.57 metres
Width: 2.77 metres
Height: 2.43 metres
Crew: three - with up to six passengers

Overall performance

Power plant: Detroit Diesel Corporation 6V 53T
Speed: Up to 100 kilometres per hour, 10 kilometres per hour on water
Operational range: 600 kilometres
Smoke Grenade System: 76 millimetre Launcher Grendade
Armament: 25 millimetre M242 Bushmaster Chain Gun, 2 x 7.62 millimetre MAG58 Machine Gun

Purchasing and support

The ASLAV was purchased and is supported by the Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group to ensure that effective maintenance and logistics support is provided throughout the life of the vehicle.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle

The Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle is a wheeled, eight wheel drive (8x8) combat vehicle that has been optimised to meet current and future threats and harsh environments.