LAV-ATM Anti-tank missile carrier

[Zarvan]

The LAV-ATM can defeat any armored threat even at extended ranges



Country of origin United States
Entered service 2017
Crew 4
Dimensions and weight
Weight ~ 14 t
Length ~ 6.4 m
Width ~ 2.5 m
Height ~ 3.7 m
Missile
Missile length 1.53 m
Missile diameter 0.15 m
Fin span 0.46 m
Missile weight 21.4 kg
Warhead weight 5.9 kg
Warhead type HE, HEAT
Range of fire 3.75 / 4.5 km
Guidance Wire-guided
Number of missiles carried 16 (?)
Mobility
Engine Detroit Diesel 6V53T diesel
Engine power 275 hp
Maximum road speed 100 km/h
Amphibious speed on water ~ 10 km/h
Range 660 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step 0.5 m
Trench 2 m
Fording Amphibious


The Light Armored Vehicle - Anti-Tank Modernization, or LAV-ATM for short, is the latest upgraded version of the LAV-AT. It is fitted with a new turret and has significantly improved anti-tank capabilities. Prototypes were tested by the US Marine Corps in 2015. Testing of the LAV-ATM was completed in 2017 and it was fielded shortly afterwards by the US Marine Corps. This system achieved full operational capability in 2019.

These anti-tank missiles carriers are used in light armored reconnaissance battalions, that are also equipped with other LAV series vehicles. The LAV-ATMs provide long-range stand-off anti-tank capability. These missile carriers can defeat any armored threat even at extended ranges. Due to their sensors these vehicles can be also used for observation. The LAV-ATM is broadly similar to the M1134 anti-tank missile carrier, used by the US Army and based on the Stryker 8x8 armored vehicle.

The LAV-ATM uses a new MTAS turret system. It replaced the previous M901A1 turret, also known as Hammerhead, that was becoming increasingly out dated. The new turret is fitted with 2-tube launcher and advanced sensors. The new target acquisition system greatly improved anti-tank capabilities. The turret is always in the up position. The gunner can search for targets even when the vehicle is on the move. There is no need to raise the turret each time, as it was with the previous Emerson turret system. The previous turret had to be stowed when the vehicle was on the move. The Hammerhead turret was turret was raised, so the gunner could search and engage targets, only when the vehicle was stationary.

This anti-tank missile carrier use TOW 2 heavy anti-tank guided missiles. These wire-guided missiles proved to be very effective, even though their design is more than 30 years old. The TOW 2 missiles have a range of 3.75 km. There is also an extended-range version that has a range of 4.5 km. Missiles penetrate up to 900 mm of steel armor behind explosive reactive armor. There LAV-ATM can use anti-tank and bunker busting missiles. The LAV-ATM is also compatible with older TOW missiles.

This anti-tank vehicle carries around 16 missiles. The missiles are loaded into the launcher manually.

Add-on armor kit has been added. Upgraded vehicles have all-round protection against at least 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds. Front arc withstands hits from 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds.

This armored vehicle is powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 hp. Engine is mated to an Allison automatic transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse speeds. In 2019 a contract was awarded to upgrade automotive components of the LAV series vehicles. The upgrade kit includes improvements to the powerpack and new drivetrains. Initial contract was for 60 upgrade kits, that were planned to be installed by 2021. So most likely that automotive components of all LAV-ATMs will be upgraded.

This armored vehicle has selectable 8x8 or 8x4 configuration. On hard surface roads it uses 8x4 configuration for better fuel efficiency and longer range, while 8x8 configuration is normally engaged on difficult terrain. The LAV-25A2 is equipped with a central tyre inflation system and run-flat tyres. A self-recovery winch is fitted as standard. Vehicle can operate on hard surface roads, trails and cross-country terrain.

This armored vehicle has limited amphibious capability and can cross lakes and rivers. Only minimum of preparation is required before entering water. On water it is propelled by two waterjets located at the rear.

http://www.military-today.com/missiles/lav_atm.htm