The Most Feared U.S. Amphibious Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle: LAV-25

The LAV-25 (Light Armored Vehicle) is an eight-wheeled amphibious armored reconnaissance vehicle used by the United States Marine Corps and Canadian Army. It was built by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, based on the Swiss MOWAG Piranha I 8×8 family of armored fighting vehicles.

The LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle combines speed, maneuverability and firepower to perform a variety of functions for the U.S. Marine Corps, including security, command and control, reconnaissance and assault. Able to operate on land and in water, carry communications equipment and provide a weapons platform.

The LAV-25 is an all-terrain, all-weather vehicle with night capabilities. It is air transportable via C-130, C-141, C-5 and CH-53 E. When combat loaded there are 210 ready rounds and 420 stowed rounds of 25 mm ammunition as well as 400 ready rounds and 1200 stowed rounds of 7.62mm. There are 8 ready rounds and 8 stowed rounds of smoke grenades. A supplementary M240E1 7.62mm machine gun can be pintle-mounted at the commander’s station in the turret.