General Dynamics [GD] Canada was awarded a $254 million contract for the provision and integration of an enhanced surveillance system on to Canadian LAV III Upgrade vehicles, called LAV 6.0.
The upgraded surveillance suite includes a ten-meter retractable mast, an Operator Control Station, radar, thermal/day and image intensification sights, laser range finder, and GPS mounted on a stabilized platform.
The improvements allow for enhanced detection ranges, on-the-move operation, integrated silent watch power management, and the transmission of images through the communications system, the company said.
“General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada continues their 37-year partnership with the Government of Canada,” Danny Deep, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, said in a statement. “More than 20 years ago, we designed and delivered to the Canadian Army the Coyote vehicle which at the time was the best reconnaissance/surveillance vehicle in the world. We are now privileged to deliver the next generation of advanced surveillance capability to the Canadian soldier.”
The LAV 6.0 vehicles with the upgraded systems are set to be delivered beginning December 2016.