IVECO showcases its LMV 2 at Eurosatory 2018.

Iveco Defence Vehicles is present at Eurosatory 2018, between 11 and 15 June, to display the most recent developments in its products range and to highlight its latest commercial success to existing customers and other visitors to the show. Here, the LMV 2 : the new Light Multirole Vehicle 4x4.

 The IVECO's Light Multirole Vehicle 4x4 (2) at Eurosatory 2018 in Paris (Picture source Army Recognition)

Since its launch, the Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) has been continuously developed, typically usinh lessons learned in the field, to meet the specific operational requirements of its users.

The LMV 2 provides improved performance, greater reliability, and uncompromised ergonomics. One of the most important benefits is the increase in playload of up to 90%, exceeding 1.5 tonnes. Two models are presented at Eurosatory 2018 : an unequipped vehicle and a vehicle fitted with the C4ISR weapon systems required by the Italian Army. The latter is part of a contract with the Italian Army for 34 units, signed in 2016.

The second generation LMV, with a more powerful 220 hp engine, integrates an upgraded driveline - with a high-performance 8-speed automatic gearbox - capable of managin more power and torque, and making the transition between gears smoother when driving off-road. The vehicle has an Automatic Drivetrain Management system (ADM) and, with a new Electronic Stability Program (ESP), is able to work both on- and off-road. These solutions maximize mobility, enhance handling perfomance and improve driving safety and comfort. Mobility can be further enhanced through a specially designed suspension system and combined with tyres equipped with a CTIS system to better match different terrains.

The new crashworthy crew cell has been designed to comfortably accommodate five fully-equipped sodliers, including body armour and personal equipment. The internal roll-bars have been redesigned, increasing available legroom, while the balistic steel cab is larger than the previous models, increasing space and comfort inside the cab and providing space for the integration of mission systems and equipment. The internal layout improves crew ergonomics and ability-to-work, while incorporating a next-generation digitised dashboard. The protection against mine and KE-threats has been improved through the use of new structures and materials. IED protection is further enhanced by the addition of a third hinge to each door.

The new "dual-role" hard-top allows the vehicle to be equipped with a manual weapon turret or, with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), both of which can be fitted and removed in the field, ensuring greater flexibility of deployment.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) has been greatly enhanced to suit the high radio "density" of modern battlefields. Additionally, the maintenance load has been reduced by improving the type and location of the subsystems and by tailoring the service schedule. For example, the digitised dashboard provides on demand maintenance data based on prognostics, allowing the user to accurately review and schedule maintenance tasks, instead of predicting preventive maintenance.

What about its success ? With total sales of more than 4,000 units to 15 different countries to date, the LMV is Europe's vehicle of choice in its category. International customers include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Italy, Lebanon, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Tunisia, and United Kingdom.