The LMV 2 provides better performance, greater reliability, and increased crew comfort. One of the most important benefits is the growth of payload of some 40% to approximately 1.5 tonnes, depending on the vehicle configuration.
The new version, 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 enhancing 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. As an example, the digitised dashboard provides on demand maintenance based data on prognostics, allowing the user to accurately review and schedule maintenance tasks, instead of predicting and scheduling preventive maintenance.
Italian-made IVECO LMV 2 Light Multirole Vehicle at Eurosatory 2016, the international land and airland defence and security exhibition in Paris, France.