Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle

Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle or International Light Armored Vehicle is an armored fighting vehicle based on the Cougar and manufactured by Force Protection Industries, BAE Systems and General Dynamics.[1][2]

Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle
A MRAP (Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle) in the service of the Iraqi army
Service history
In service2007–Present
Used byIraq, United States
WarsIraq War
Production history
ManufacturerBAE Systems, General Dynamics
No. built300+
Specifications
Mass36,000 lbs (16,330 kg)
Length309 in (784 cm)
Width106 in (268 cm) at rear side market lights
Height110 in (280 cm)
Crew2+8

ArmorClassified
Secondary
armament
Optional firing ports
EngineCaterpillar C7 FMM Diesel
330 hp (246 kW) @ 2400 RPM
860 ft lbs (1166 nm) torque @ 1440 RPM
TransmissionAllison 3500 SP series
Operational
range
350 mi (565 km)
Maximum speed 55 mph (89 km/h)

Nicknamed the Badger, The ILAV is based on the Cougar, which can carry ten passengers (the six wheel version can carry sixteen). The Cougar/ILAV vehicle uses a capsule design to protect the passengers and key vehicle components from mines and roadside bombs. The Badger itself costs about US$432,000. Just like other MRAPS, the Badger can be outfitted with a robotic arm for the purpose of investigating possible IEDS and UXOs.[3][4]

Operational history

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Iraqi Army

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The Iraqi Army began to be equipped with the ILAV in 2007 and main user of the ILAV.[5] The Iraqi Army Second Division was one of the first unit to receive the ILAV. Members if the Division stated that the ILAV will help provider improved protection for Soldiers of the Iraqi Army.[6] The Eight Division received two ILAVs and training from the 555th Engineer Brigade in 2008.[7] Current Iraqi Army Engineers are being trained and equipped with the remote controlled arm variants.[8][9]

US Army

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The ILAV was delivered to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in 2009 for training against IEDs. The ILAV is planned to be used in "Training the Trainer" program to help new operators safety drive US MRAPs. The Department of Defense currently restricts the use of the ILAV for training only because the armor does not meet DOD requirements to be deployed in field.[10]

Operators

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References

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  1. ^ http://www.baesystems.com/article/BAES_045534/providing-critical-mine-protection-for-soldiers Providing Critical Mine Protection for Soldiers
  2. ^ http://www.gdls.com/index.php/products/mrap-family/ilav Archived 2013-01-24 at archive.today General Dynamics International Light Armored Vehicle (ILAV)
  3. ^ http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/bae-delivering-a-cougar-variant-for-iraqs-4454m-ilav-contract-02338/ BAE Delivers a Cougar Variant for Iraq's ILAV Contract
  4. ^ http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/01/iraqi_engineering_fo.php Iraqi forces develop engineering capabilities
  5. ^ http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20070415.aspx Cougars Cousin Badger Arrives in Baghdad. April 15, 2007.
  6. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-28. Retrieved 2012-09-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Iraqi Army 2nd Division receives ILAVs
  7. ^ http://www.dvidshub.net/news/25230/8th-iraqi-army-division-receives-route-clearance-equipment#.UHZP5lH1jxE 8th Iraqi Army Division Receives Route Clearance Equipment
  8. ^ http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/01/iraqi_engineering_fo.php Iraqi forces develop engineering capabilities
  9. ^ http://www.dvidshub.net/news/56359/regional-guard-brigade-soldiers-graduate-iraqi-army-engineer-school Regional Guard Brigade Soldiers graduate Iraqi Army Engineer School
  10. ^ http://www.army.mil/article/16191/new-vehicles-used-in-anti-ied-training/ New vehicles used in anti-IED training
  11. ^ "Armor: Cougars Cousin Badger Arrives in Baghdad".
  12. ^ http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/Badgers_headed_for_Baghdad5666.shtml Archived 2015-12-22 at the Wayback Machine Badgers headed for baghdad
  13. ^ http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/as-isil-retreats-iraqi-kurds-gain-new-ammunition/ As ISIL retreats, Iraqi Kurds gain new ammunition
  14. ^ "Etat islamique et chars d'assaut: comment les djihadistes emploient leurs blindés en Irak et en Syrie". France Soir (in French). 2 February 2017. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
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