GDLS LAV III OPV

     Notes: The LAV III OPV (Observation Post Vehicle) is designed for a FIST team, and is essentially a standard Kodiak externally, except for an additional laser rangefinder and a laser designator which are on the turret, but can move independently of it, and are controlled by the commander/forward observer.  Externally, the OPV can be identified by the plethora of antennas on the roof. It is internally where the OPV has the greatest differences; in addition to the independently trainable extra laser rangefinder and laser designator, the commander/forward observer has his own thermal imager and image intensifier (though they are not in a hunter/killer arrangement with the gunner). Down in the hull lies the greatest difference; the OPV has a computer to compute fire solutions and coordinate airstrikes and naval fires, and a total of two long-range data-capable radios, one radio for communication with aircraft (with data capability), one very long range radio which is used to communicate with ships (and has data-capability), and two short-range radios.  The OPV also carries the equipment to hand-plot fire solutions as well.  The OPV has GPS with an inertial navigation backup, as well as extensive interactive mapping software.  A total of three LCD screens provide information to the hull crew, and two to the commander/forward observer; the driver has one with navigational information and vehicle state.

     Being a variant of the LAV III, the OPV has many features in common with the LAV III. The driver is in his customary place in the front left, and has standard driving controls.  The Kodiak is powered by a Caterpillar 3126 turbocharged diesel developing 350 horsepower, coupled to an automatic transmission.  The 8x8 suspension can be switched to 4x8 (with the rear set of wheels providing the power) to improve on-road performance; it is also beefed up to improve off-road performance.  All wheels have antilock brakes and run-flat tires, as well as a traction control system. In the front of the hull is a winch with a capacity of 6804 kg and 100 meters of cable. The LAV III is not amphibious.  The rear ramp is retained, though it is a tight squeeze to get to that ramp. The crew and passengers also have the protection of a collective NBC system, and OPV has a chemical agent detector and a radiation meter.  The OPV is radiologically protected. Armor is still of steel, though it is improved over that of the LAV-25. The OPV has a laser/radar warning receiver to alert the crew when they are being targeted. The crew and troops have air conditioning. each side of the turret are a cluster of four smoke grenade launchers.  The OPV can use the MEXAS appliqué armor kit.  It can also be fitted with bar/slat armor around its hull to further foil HE-type rounds (Including HEAT); this acts as spaced armor with an AV of 1, and from some angles, gives a sort of “double spaced” effect (the 2D6 normally added to a hit are not added on, and then the hit is reduced by a further 2D6). The ramp is not covered by the bar/slat armor though the area immediately to the right and left of the ramp are – 25% of all rear-quarter hits will hit the bar/slat armor. The bar/slat armor adds 300 kg to the weight of the vehicle and slows it by 2%, and increases fuel consumption by 2%. The OPV employs thermal dampening technology which presents a -2 penalty to those trying to detect it by IR/thermal-based vision devices or when an IR-guided weapon tries to lock on.

*Hull and Turret Roof AV is 3; Hull Floor AV is 5Sp.