SITDEF 2019: LAV II 8x8 armored ambulance in service with Peruvian Naval Infantry Units.

Ambulance version of the LAV II 8x8 amphibious armored vehicle is now in service with Naval Infantry Unit of the Peruvian Navy. At SIDEF 2019, the International Exhibition of Technology for Defense and Prevention of Natural Disasters, the LAV II ambulance was displayed to the external static display of the Peruvian armed forces.

Ambulance version of the LAV II 8x8 amphibious armored of the Peruvian Navy at SITDEF 2019, defense exhibition in Lima, Peru. May 18, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In May 2015, General Dynamics has delivered first of 32 LAV II 8x8 amphibious vehicles to Peru. According to General Dynamics, 2 ambulance version of the LAV II has been delivered to the Peruvian Navy. The LAV 2 is an 8x8 armored vehicle personnel carrier (APC) designed and manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems.

The all-welded steel hull of the LAV II provides the crew ballistic protection against firing of small arms fire and shell splinters, with the driver being seated at the front of the hull on the left with the power pack to his right. The vehicle can carry a total of 10 military personnel including driver, commander and gunner.

Externally, there is no difference between the APC and the ambulance version of the LAV 2. As for the APC version, the ambulance is fitted with an open-top turret mounted at the front of the hull which can be armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

The LAV II ambulance is used to transport casualties and its crew from tactical situations under full armor protection. The LAV II ambulance is designed to accommodate essential medical equipment and supplies, including a patient oxygen system, to provide emergency medical treatment to the casualties. The internal layout at the rear part of the vehicle has been modified to carry four stretchers, two on each side of the hull.