Komatsu LAV

The Komatsu LAV is a japanese AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) to equip the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces, the Komatsu LAV as seen action on the Iraq War and is only used by Japan.

Decription
The Japanese Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) was designed by Komatsu in the late 1990s. It entered service with Japan Ground Self Defense Forces in 2002. More than 1.000 of these scouts cars were built. Japan is the only operator of this armored vehicle.

Generally the Komatsu LAV can be compared with the Panhard VBL. Vehicle has a welded steel armor. It is claimed that it's armor protection is better than that of up armored HMMWV. Some armored scout cars are fitted with unordinary roof-mounted shielding. An opened split roof hatch provides added protection from both sides.

The Komatsu LAV can be armed with 5.56-mm, 12.7-mm machine guns or anti-tank guided missiles.

This 4x4 vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 160 hp. Engine is moved closer to the vehicle's center to distribute weight more evenly between the axles. It is fitted with run-flat tyres. This armored scout car can be carried underslung or inside some military helicopters. It can be also airdropped from transport aircraft using parachute platform.

There are no known variants of the Komatsu LAV.

General Characteristics

 * Crew: 4-5 men.Komatsu_lav_l3.jpg]]
 * Weight: 4.5t
 * Lenght: 4.4m
 * Width: 2m
 * Height: 1.85m

Performance

 * Engine: ??? Diesel Engine
 * Engine Power: 160hp
 * Maximum Speed: 100Km/h

Armament
The Komatsu LAV can be equiped with the:
 * M249 SAW
 * M2 Browning both manufactured under license.
 * Type 01 LMAT
 * Kawasaki Type 87 Chu-MAT