The Light Armoured Tactical Vehicle

The requirement for LTAVs was identified in order to fill a capability gap that existed between soft skinned vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). The need to deploy small groups in command, escort and specialist tasks when threat levels are elevated renders soft skinned vehicles inadequate. Similarly, the size and profile of APCs make them inappropriate for use in certain situations, such as built up areas with narrow streets. Therefore the need for a robust, flexible, multi-role vehicle to complement the existing APC fleet was recognised.

Peace Support Operations are becoming increasingly complex and present many and varied threats to troops. Force protection was one of the primary considerations in the procurement of the vehicles. The RG32M provides substantial levels of protection from small arms fire, shell fragments, Roadside bombs and landmines, thereby enhancing the protection of our personnel. The vehicle combines speed with tactical versatility. It is lighter than an APC and is therefore more maneuverable and easier to transport by air.

Training on the LTAV will commence shortly with an initial priority of equipping Ireland's commitment to the EU Nordic Battlegroup of 2011. The Defence Forces will commit 160 personnel to the Battlegroup, which will remain on standby for short-notice deployments around the world from January to July 2011. The Irish contribution comprises an Intelligence Surveillance and Target Acquisition (ISTAR) company and headquarters element.


Four different variants of the vehicle have been purchased: A Standard variant which incorporates a protected weapons station; An Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) variant fitted with specialist surveillance equipment; A Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) variant which incorporates enhanced Fire Control systems and a Communications Information and Signals (CIS) variant which is fitted with advanced communications systems.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• LTAV
• Defence Forces
• Army
• Irish Army