LAV-300

{{Infobox weapon | name = LAV-300 | image = Philippine Marines APC.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = A Cadillac Gage LAV-300 (Light Armored Vehicle) of the Philippine Marine Corps | origin = United States | type = Light Armored Vehicle | is_ranged = | is_bladed = | is_explosive = | is_artillery = | is_vehicle = yes | is_missile = | is_UK =  | service = 1983 – present | used_by = See ''Operators'' | wars = * United States invasion of Panama * Invasion of Kuwait * Civil conflict in the Philippines | designer = | design_date = 1979 | manufacturer = Cadillac Gage | unit_cost = $USD562,900 (2003)<ref name="Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=403|title=V-300/V-600 Commando - Archived 8/2004 |website=Forecastinternational.com|access-date=2017-07-30}}</ref> | production_date = 1983-1994 | number = 103<ref name="Report"/> | variants = See ''Variants'' | weight = 14,696 kg. | length = 6.40 m | part_length = | width = 2.54 m | height = 2.7 m (turret roof), 1.98 m (hull top) | diameter = | crew = 3 (Crew) + 9 (Passengers) | cartridge = | caliber = | action = | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights =  | breech = | recoil = | carriage = | elevation = | traverse =  | blade_type = | hilt_type = | sheath_type = | head_type = | haft_type =  | filling = | filling_weight = | detonation = | yield =  | armour = Protects against 7.62mm ammunition. | primary_armament = 1 x 90 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm Machinegun | secondary_armament = 2x6 40 mm Smoke Dischargers | engine = Cummins 6 CTA 8.3 diesel turbo charged engine | engine_power = 260 bhp | pw_ratio = 18.36 bhp/ton | suspension = 6 x 6 | vehicle_range = 925 km | speed = 105 km/h (road), 3 km/h (water) | guidance = }}

The '''Cadillac Gage LAV-300''', originally named the V-300,<ref name="GS">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300.htm|title=LAV-300/LAV-600|first=John|last=Pike|website=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723104925/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300.htm|archive-date=2019-07-23}}</ref> is a family of American light armored vehicles (LAVs) including up to 15 configurations. It was originally created and designed by CG as a private venture project.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}}

As of 2020, the vehicle and its derivatives are no longer being marketed by Textron.

== History == The first country to buy it was Panama, which purchased 12 to 13 LAV-300s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/frdcstdy.panamacountrystu00medi/?q=caribbean&sp=277&st=text|title = Image 277 of Panama : A country study| website=Library of Congress }}</ref> in APC, Fire Support Vehicle and Armored Recovery variants.{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}}<ref name="GS"/> Most of them were captured by American forces during Operation Just Cause.<ref name="GS"/> In Panama Defense Forces service, they were used by the 5th Infantry Company, the 6th Infantry Company (Mechanized) and Battalion 2000 (Mechanized).{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}} 4 LAV-300s were used by the 6th Infantry Company; 9 were used by Battalion 2000.{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}} They were deployed during the Battle of Paitilla Airport to block the path of the SEALS deployed to destroy Noriega's private aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/special-operations-highlighted-early-hours-operation-just-cause/|title=Special Operations Highlighted the Early Hours of Operation Just Cause|website=SOFREP}}</ref>

Kuwait placed an order in 1984 for 62 vehicles, some of them in FSV configuration.<ref name="Report"/> Most of Kuwait's LAV-300s were destroyed by Iraqi troops during the 1990 Invasion of Kuwait with a few vehicles survived the invasion.<ref name="Laur">{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Modern US Military Weapons|last=Laur|first=Colonel Timothy|location=New York|publisher=Berkley Publishing Corporation|date=1995|isbn=978-0425147818|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780425147818|page=201}}</ref>

When production of the vehicle was reorganized and placed at New Orleans, its name changed from the V-300 to the LAV-300 in 1994.<ref name="Report"/>

The Philippines placed an order in 1993 for 24 LAV-300 MK IIs, 12 in APC configuration and 12 in FSV configuration, which were delivered by 1995.<ref name="GS"/> The contract was worth $USD18.243 million.<ref name="Report"/> LAV-300s used by the Philippine Marine Corps were designed to be equipped with the .50 BMG/7.62mm NATO turret for the APC and the Cockerill 90mm gun for the FSV.<ref name="AR LAV-300">{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html |title=LAV-300 V-300 Cadillac Cage Textron light wheeled armoured vehicle US army United States pictures te |publisher=Armyrecognition.com |date=2013-07-14 |access-date=2020-03-07 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126133725/https://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In a 1994 report by Natick from January to September 1993, the LAV-300 was once considered to be a suitable candidate for the US Army Military Police Armored Security Vehicle program.<ref name="NatickCBPreport">{{cite web|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282834.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307150952/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282834.pdf|archive-date=2020-03-07|title=Front end analysis of armored vehicle alternatives for the chemically and biologically protected shelter|first1=Stephen A.|last1=Rei|first2=Randy|last2=Stoehr|publisher=United States Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center|url-status=live|date=June 1994}}</ref> In 1999, the LAV-300 was considered alongside the LAV-600 to be selected for the US Army's Brigade Combat Team.<ref name="GS"/> In the same year, an infantry fighting vehicle version of the LAV-300 MK II was tested at Fort Knox for potential deployment with rapid reaction forces before the Stryker was chosen instead.<ref name="Report"/> This proposal was even backed by Captain David L. Nobles in his proposal due to low economical expenses needed to maintain the LAV-300.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1990/MAY_JUN/ArmorMayJune1990web.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.benning.army.mil |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201160230/https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1990/MAY_JUN/ArmorMayJune1990web.pdf |archive-date=1 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Production of the LAV-300 ended in 1994 with marketing discontinued by 2000.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-150.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723104927/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-150.htm |archive-date=2019-07-23 |title=LAV-150 Commando |website=globalsecurity.org |access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>

In 2008, Cobb County Police Department has reported the purchase of a LAV-300 for $500,000 with $45,000 to $51,000 paid to refurbish the vehicle for police use.<ref name="AJC08A">{{cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/10/10/police_tank.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016065715/https://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/10/10/police_tank.html|archive-date=2008-10-16|title=Cobb police add tank to arsenal | ajc.com|date=16 October 2008}}</ref><ref name="CCPDH">{{cite web|url=https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-safety/police/about/department-history|title=Department History|website=Cobb County Georgia}}</ref> The vehicle was acquired by the CCPD through the 1033 program from Fort Polk, Louisiana.<ref name="CCPDH"/>

In 2010, Federal Defense Industries announced that they entered into an agreement with Textron Marine & Land Systems in order to provide authorized aftermarket parts, support and other types of assistance for the LAV-300 since FDI maintains a technical library for spare parts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fdi.us.com/cadillac-gage|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190615075157/https://www.fdi.us.com/cadillac-gage|archive-date = 15 June 2019|title = Federal Defense Industries : Cadillac Gage}}</ref>

In 2011, Napco entered into an agreement with Textron to provide authorized aftermarket parts, support and other types of assistance for the LAV-300.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Napco General Presentation |url=http://www.napcointl.com/Napco%20General%20Presentation.pdf |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=www.napcointl.com}}</ref>

On 15 September 2016, the Bartonville Police Department showed a LAV-300 with surveillance gear through the 1033 program.<ref name="Barton">{{cite web | url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2016/09/15/honey-badger-s-got-thick/25431759007/ | title=Honey Badger's got a thick skin }}</ref>

On 5 October 2018, the Philippine Department of National Defense launched a bid to upgrade armored vehicles of the Philippine Navy and Air Force under the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) Acquisition Project with a budget of PHP711,938,000.00.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/philippines_phl_awarded_contract_to_upgrade_light_armored_vehicles.html |title=Philippines: PHL awarded contract to upgrade light armored vehicles |website=Army Recognition |date=2018-10-05 }}</ref> On 28 November 2018, the DND released a bid requirement for a company to modernize the LAV-300s still in working condition with the PMC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/2018/SBB/SBB%20NR%20DND-PN-PAF-LARSU-18-R-03.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.dnd.gov.ph |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308070319/http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/2018/SBB/SBB%20NR%20DND-PN-PAF-LARSU-18-R-03.pdf |archive-date=8 March 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 10 January 2019, Larsen & Toubro was awarded a contract for $US 14 million for the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Light Armor System Upgrade in replacing worn out engines and other parts.<ref name="LATR">{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/january/6738-indian-company-to-take-care-of-light-armor-system-upgrade-project-for-the-philippines.html?fbclid=IwAR13sE0Wj8q0SRBZiwy-HW4o0ACsxVdUcHgxWJZr-ICiB_1m_T0TJvo6KR0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018185320/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/january/6738-indian-company-to-take-care-of-light-armor-system-upgrade-project-for-the-philippines.html?fbclid=IwAR13sE0Wj8q0SRBZiwy-HW4o0ACsxVdUcHgxWJZr-ICiB_1m_T0TJvo6KR0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2019 |title=Indian company to take care of Light Armor System Upgrade project for the Philippines |website=Navy Recognition |date=2019-01-10 }}</ref> On June 7, 2023, LAV-300s upgraded by Larsen & Toubro were tested in Bulacan.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=12 June 2023 |title=Philippine Marine Corps conducted road testing of upgraded V-150 and V |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2023/philippine-marine-corps-conducted-road-testing-of-upgraded-v-150-and-v-300-commando-armored-vehicles |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=www.armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

==Design== thumb|left|300px|A Marine with the 1st Marine Division works with Filipino marines to examine the LAV-300's interior.

The LAV-300 has a seating capacity for three crewmembers, consisting of a driver, commander and gunner,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300-specs.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420011648/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav-300-specs.htm|archive-date=20 April 2017|title=LAV-300/LAV-600 - Specifications}}</ref> and nine passengers.<ref name="D">{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Armored-Vehicles/LAV-300_a000057001.aspx|title=LAV-300|website=Deagel.com|access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref> Its weight is at 14,696 kg. with a length of 6.40 m and width of 2.54 m.<ref name="Army Recognition">{{cite web|title=LAV-300 Cadillac Gage Textron Light armoured vehicle|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html|website=Army Recognition|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126133725/https://www.armyrecognition.com/lav-300_v-300_wheeled_armoured_variants_uk/lav-300_v-300_cadillac_cage_textron_light_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_us_army_united_states_pictures_te.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The height is at 2.7 m with a turret and at 1.98 m to the hull.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}} It can go up to 105 km/h under a range of 925 km.<ref name="Army Recognition"/>

It offers high mobility, speeds of up to {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and can be air-transported by a C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, C-17 Globemaster III and a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.<ref name="D"/> Some versions can be air-transported by CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.<ref name="D"/>

=== Armor === The LAV-300's armor is composed of high-hardness Cadloy steel armor employed on a minimum silhouette hull capable of withstanding 7.62 mm caliber bullets at point-blank range from any angle.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/><ref name="Army Recognition"/> Additional armor of the vehicle's floor can protect the crew from grenades and landmines.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> Survivability is further enhanced from low observable technology to minimize levels of thermal, seismic and audio signatures, and minimal radar return.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/>

=== Maneuverability=== The LAV-300 is amphibious with no need for preparation for fording.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}}

Highly mobile, the LAV-300 MK II is also fully amphibious with no need for preparation for fording and swimming.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> The tires are radial tubeless and can be outfitted with run-flat inserts and a central tire inflation system for enhanced mobility.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> It can climb a 60 percent gradient, operate on a 30 percent side slope, and tackle two-foot-high obstacles.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/>

=== Engine === The LAV-300 uses a Cummins VT-504 270-hp liquid cooled turbocharged V-8 diesel engine.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/><ref name="GS"/>

The LAV-300 MK II's turbocharged diesel engine allows for acceleration from 0 to 32 km/h in less than 10 seconds.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> It can use Jet-A fuel, kerosene and other lighter fuels in case of a lack of diesel fuel.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> The six-wheel, dual hydraulic brakes permit the vehicle to go from 20 miles per hour to 0 in approximately 12 m with its operating range at 925 km.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> The suspension is composed by a 6x6 wheels (6 driving wheels- 2 wheel steering front axle has solid beam on trailing arms. Rear axles have independent trailing arm with coil springs and 1 shock absorber.<ref name="AR LAV-300"/> It also has a transmission of 6 forward and 2 reverse gears.<ref name="GS"/>

===Equipment=== The NBC and night vision system are optional equipment made available on end user request.{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}} It also has a central tire inflation system equipped.<ref name="Army Recognition"/>

==Variants== The LAV-300 has fifteen different configurations—the most common being: command post, armored personnel carrier, anti-tank, military logistics, ambulance and armored recovery vehicle.<ref name="GS"/>{{sfnp|Foss|2000|p=392}}

The following turrets are available for the LAV-300:<ref name="GS"/><ref name="AR LAV-300"/><ref name="Report"/> *7.62 mm machine gun combined with 12.7 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm or 40 mm guns *20 mm anti-aircraft gun *Missile-based anti-aircraft system *BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile *90 mm gun *81 mm and 120 mm mortars.

===LAV-300 MK II=== An improved version of the LAV-300, known as the '''LAV-300 MK II''' was developed in the 1980s with an aftercool type engine, improved transmission with 6 forward and 2 gear ratio with better tires and a larger fuel tank.<ref name="GS"/> An infantry fighting vehicle variant was made as part of the MK II.<ref name="Report"/>

===LAV-300A1=== A variant of the LAV-300 equipped with a turret from the Stingray light tank.<ref name="GS"/><ref name="Report"/> It was later designated as the LAV-600.<ref name="Report"/>

== Operators ==  thumb|400px|Map with LAV-300 operators in red and former operators in blue

===Current operators=== * {{flag|Philippines}}: 24 vehicles as of 2015<ref name="Army Recognition"/><ref name="PMCGS">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/philippines/pmc-equipment.htm|title=Philippine Marine Corps|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> from the original 36 in 1990.<ref name="PMCGS"/> In 2001, Floro International Corporation was contracted to modernize LAV-300s in use by the Philippine Marine Corps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floro-intl.com/news.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020502004032/http://www.floro-intl.com/news.htm|archive-date=2002-05-02|title=FIC to Overhaul V150 LAV|date=2 May 2002}}</ref> Another upgrade project was announced in 2015 with a contract for PhP34.5 million ($USD784,000 in 2015) to upgrade the LAV-300 FSV's turret systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/philippine_marine_corps_to_upgrade_turrets_of_its_armored_fighting_vehicles.html|title=Philippine Marine Corps to upgrade turrets of its armored fighting vehicles - February 2015 Global Defense Security news UK - Defense Security global news industry army 2015 - Archive News year|last=ngain|website=www.armyrecognition.com}}</ref> Another was launched in 2018 with a bid awarded to Larsen & Toubro to replace worn out components in 2019.<ref name="LATR"/> * {{flag|United States}}: A used LAV-300 purchased in 2008 and refurbished with thermal sensors, computerized tracking devices (including FLIR), night vision and tear gas launchers with a breaching tool used for dynamic entry methods.<ref name="CCPDH"/><ref name="AJC08A"/> It's used by the Cobb County Police Department SWAT team.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/06/cops-military-gear/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218105427/https://www.wired.com/2012/06/cops-military-gear/|archive-date=2020-02-18|title=Small-Town Cops Pile Up on Useless Military Gear | WIRED|magazine=Wired|date=18 February 2020}}</ref> In 2016, a LAV-300 was refurbished and used by the Bartonville Police Department.<ref name="Barton"/> Another is used by the Victoria County Sheriff's Office; the vehicle was upgraded by Clegg Industries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victoria County Sheriff's Office - LAV-300 Armored Personnel Carrier |url=http://www.cleggind.com/projects/specialty-vehicles/heavy-vehicles/project-details/victoria-county-sheriff's-office-armored-vehicle |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.cleggind.com}}</ref>

===Former operators=== *{{Flagcountry|Ba'athist Iraq|1991}}: Captured from Kuwait during Gulf War.<ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/EquipmentOfTheIraqiArmy1958-2003specialReportVol.1|title=Former Equipment of Iraqi Army|website=Archive.org|access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref> * {{flag|Kuwait}}: 62 vehicles, destroyed during the Invasion of Kuwait.<ref name="Army Recognition"/> * {{flag|Panama}}: 12 vehicles.<ref name="Army Recognition"/> Formerly used by the PDF's 5th Infantry Company, 6th Infantry Company and Battalion 2000.{{sfnp|Rottman|2010|p=14}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== {{commons category|LAV-300}} * {{citation |title=Jane's Tank and Combat Vehicle Recognition Guide (Second Edition) |first=Christopher F. |last=Foss |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-00-472452-6 |year=2000}} * {{citation |title=Panama 1989-1990 | first =Gordon L. |last=Rottman |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1855321564|year=2010}}

==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20061124112247/https://www.textronsystems.com/pdf/products/lav300_datasheet.pdf Archived Textron brochure]

Category:Armored cars of the United States Category:Armored fighting vehicles of the Philippines Category:Armored personnel carriers of the Philippines Category:Armoured cars of the Cold War Category:Amphibious armoured fighting vehicles Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s Category:Six-wheeled vehicles Category:Textron