Komatsu LAV
The Komatsu light armored vehicle (Japanese: 軽装甲機動車; (kei-sōkō-kidōsha) is a Japanese military vehicle first produced in 2002. Currently used exclusively by the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), it has seen use in the Iraq War. It is built by Komatsu Limited. Defense Systems Division in Komatsu, Ishikawa, Japan. Komatsu's factory designation for the vehicle is KU50W.
| Komatsu LAV | |
|---|---|
A Komatsu LAV parked at JASDF's Hamamatsu Air Base in central Japan. The roof-top shield has a provision for a machine gun. | |
| Type | Armoured scout car |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2002–present |
| Used by | Japan |
| Wars | Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1997 |
| Manufacturer | Komatsu |
| Unit cost | ¥30 million |
| Produced | 1997-2017 |
| No. built | 1937 (2016) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4500 kg |
| Length | 4.4 m |
| Width | 2.04 m |
| Height | 1.85 m |
| Crew | 4+1 (MG or ATGM gunner) |
Main armament | Sumitomo M249 or Sumitomo M2HB |
Secondary armament | Type 01 LMAT or a Kawasaki Type 87 anti-tank missile. |
| Engine | 4-cylinder diesel 160 hp |
| Drive | 4x4 wheeled |
| Transmission | 4 speed Automatic |
Operational range | 500 km |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h (Speeds can exceed 70mph) |
The exterior resembles the Panhard VBL used by the French army, but the LAV has 4 doors and a large cabin for carrying soldiers. The LAV can also be transported by air in vehicles like the CH-47J and the C-130H.
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