New LAV-FSV 8x8 armored AFED 2018 defense exhibition Saudi Arabia.

During AFED 2018, the defense exhibition that was held in Saudi Arabia in February 2018, the American Company General Dynamics has presented a new version of it 8x8 light armoured vehicle under the name of LAV-FSV (Light Armoured Vehicle-Fire Support Vehicle). The vehicle is based on a V-shaped hull to increase survivability against mine blast and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) threats.

General Dynamics LAV-FSV at AFED 2018, defense exhibition in Saudi Arabia. (Picture source Twitter)

The LAV-FSV is an 8x8 armoured vehicle using similar design to the all family of LAV vehicle, with the driver sits at the front of the hull on the left side, with engine on its right, turret in the middle of the hull and troops compartment at the rear. The vehicle has a crew of three including driver, commander and gunner and can carry four infantrymen. It has a gross weight of 28,100 kg and is powered by a Caterpillar C13 diesel engine developing 700 hp. coupled to an automatic transmission Allison 2800 with seven forward and one reverse gears and a single-speed transfer case..

The LAV-FSV is fitted with the Series 3000 turret developed and designed by the Belgian Company CMI Defence, armed with one 30mm and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

Standard equipment of the General Dynamics LAV-FSV includes NBC detection/protection system, automatic fire suppression and smoke grenade dischargers. The top of the turret is fitted with electro-optical and infrared offering 360° observation and awareness all-around the vehicle.

The LAV-FSV seems very similar to the LAV 700 which was unveiled in February 2017 during IDEX, the defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The LAV 700 is based on the technology of the Stryker 8x8 armoured in service with the US army. The LAV 700 features a new larger hull made on all welded steel with an applique passive armour package. To increase protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and modern anti-tank missile, the vehicle can be fitted with a modular armour.

General Dynamics LAV 700 8x8 armoured at IDEX 2017, defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Picture source Army Recognition)