Light Strike Vehicle
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The LSV is an improved version of the DPV it replaced. Although the conventional US military replaced its DPVs with Humvees, special operation groups adopted the LSV for it's small size and high mobility. It is used for fast hit-and-run style raids (as its name suggests), scouting missions, special forces support, and low intensity guerrila warfare. Unlike the DPV, the LSV has had export success and is marketed as a light attack vehicle. The current generation model is the ALSV (shown in the image), with the "A" standing for "advanced". It is currently used by the USMC, US Army, USN, and the armed forces of Greece, Mexico, Oman, Portugal, and Spain. The UK retired its LSVs in the mid-1990's.
- Country of origin:United States
- Manufacturer:Chenowth Racing Products
- Crew:1 driver, 1 main gunner, 1 passenger/secondary gunner (note: gunner is often considered a passenger, therefore crew is sometimes listed as 1 with 2 passengers)
- Payload:700kg
- Weight:960 (unloaded), 1660 (maximum capacity)
- Configuration:4X4
- Production location:Washington DC, USA
- Length:4.08m
- Width:2.11m
- Height:2.01m
- Maximum speed:130kph (on road), 110kph (off road)
- Range: 500km
- Production location: Washington DC, US
- Engine: Diesel
- Armament: 1X 12.7mm M2 .50 caliber HMG, 1X 5.56mm M249 SAW LMG, 1X 7.62mm M60 or M240 series GPMG, 2X AT4 light AT rocket launcher(Most common configuration); or 1X TOW ATGW in place of 12.7mm M2 HMG; or 1X MK19 40mm GL in place of HMG
- Features: Similar to DPV, "dune buggy" type configuration, low bonnet, can be air transported internally by CH47 or CH53 transport helicopters. 7.62mm MG (often an M60E3) is mounted rear-facing on the back of the engines. Gunner's seat can spin around operate 7.62mm MG. 2 AT4 are sometimes fitted foreward-facing on roll over cage bars (one on each side) above driver. Spare tires are sometimes placed above rear wheels. Crew has little protection from small arms fire. Engine is uncovered. Rollover cage bars extensively used. Driver and passenger sit side by side in front, gunner sits in elevated rear-central seat in front of engine. If TOW is mounted, it replaces the 3rd passenger and rollover cage.
- Status: Active for Greece, Mexico, Oman, Portugal, Spain, United States, retired for UK
- Service history:1991-present
- Operators: Current: Greek Army, Mexican Army, Omani Army, Portuguese Army, Spanish Army, US Army (special forces), US Marine Corps (special forces), US Navy (special forces, particularly with SEALs)
Former: UK Army (was used mainly by SAS)
Source: Chenworth Racing Products & Janes Special Forces Recognition Guide.
See also: List of land vehicles of the U.S. Armed Forces
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