Komatsu LAV

History

Like other major military powers in the world, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have invested heavily in their ground maneuver forces. In 2002, the Komatsu LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) entered service, adding a more modern element to the mechanized armed forces - especially in the field of urban warfare. The vehicle was developed in the 1990s around an off-road chassis based on a 4x4 wheel arrangement.

Komatsu LAVs are already fighting JSDF ground forces in the Iraq theater.

Komatsu Japan has produced nearly 2,000 such examples. Internally recognized as "KU-50W".

The Komatsu LAV is a light combat vehicle that acts as a reconnaissance vehicle, security vehicle and general patrol vehicle. It is lightly armed and armored to maintain the speed and agility required for its intended role. Therefore, it is not a direct combat vehicle, but more of an auxiliary player. However, it is inherently versatile and can play as many roles on the battlefield as needed - both official and unofficial.

It is compact enough to be transported in the cargo hold of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook tandem rotor, medium lift helicopter or Lockheed C-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft (or similar).

Inside, the vehicle can accommodate up to five people, including a full-time driver and a weapons specialist. The crew is protected from small arms fire and artillery "spray", the solid surfaces are reinforced, and the sights are somewhat bulletproof.

Power comes from a 4-cylinder 160 hp diesel engine that powers both axles. The road speed reaches 100 km/h and the cruising range is up to 500 km. Ground clearance is excellent due to the vehicle's high stance, but the relatively low profile of the fuselage design allows for smaller targets on the horizon.

The car is also fitted with "run-flat" tires that make it inherently survivable in active combat areas, and all four wheels are suspended to encourage strong off-road capability - great for trying to compete with the workhorses to keep pace critical. Dimensions include a length of 4.4 meters, a width of 2 meters and a height of 1.85 meters.

The Komatsu LAV is moderately armed and can be fitted with a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun or a 7.62mm M249 light machine gun in the central top position of the hull. Both types of firearms originate in the United States and are produced locally under license from Sumitomo Corporation.

A simple open-air shield is provided for the gunner reasonably exposed when operating the roof weapons (a split hatch allows access to this weapons station). Additionally, vehicles carry anti-tank missile launchers (ATGMs) into contested areas to counter armored threats at long distances. This weapon can be a Type 01 LMAT or a Kawasaki Type 87 series launcher. In addition to these systems, aircrews can rely on their own personal weapons for point defense against enemy infantry.

The smoke grenade launcher is optional and provides the vehicle with a mobile self-defense effect.

Japanese ground forces received their first 400 cars in 2005, and the series has been a staple of the service ever since. Japan is currently (2017) the only approved operator for Komatsu.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon.

Changes