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Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig

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Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig (LSV)
Royal Netherlands Army LSV
TypeMultipurpose wheeled vehicle
Place of originFrance, Netherlands
Service history
In service1998–present
Used by Royal Netherlands Army
WarsAfgan War (2001-2021)
Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production history
DesignerLohr Industrie
Designed1991–1994
ManufacturerSP Aerospace and Vehicle Systems
Unit costƒ100k per unit
Produced1996–2001
No. built208
Specifications
Mass1.4 tonnes
Length3.34 m
Width1.81 m
Height1.78 m
Crew2
Engine4 cylinder Peugeot diesel
51 kW
Suspension4 wheel drive
Operational
range
700 km
Maximum speed 70 km/h
Helicopter hauls a LSV, 2014

The Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig (LSV) is a small, open off-road vehicle that can be transported by air. It is specifically designed for, and used by, the Dutch Airmobile Brigade of the Royal Netherlands Army.[1] The LSV is nicknamed affectionately 'playmobiel' (Playmobil) by Dutch soldiers.[2] The vehicle is designed to be transported by helicopters, and had three main variants: One for medical transport, anti-tank, and a general purpose one. The vehicle served the Dutch army for two decades and is in the process of being replaced by a new a light vehicle, although in the later years it was supplemented by the G280 CDI.

History

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With the establishment of the airmobile brigade on 1 May 1992, a need arose for specific equipment for this new unit. For example, a vehicle was needed to provide the brigade with mobility on the ground and to be able to be transported in or under a transport helicopter.[3] This multifunctional vehicle was named 'Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig', which can be roughly translated into 'Airmobile Special Vehicle'. The weight of this vehicle was of great importance because otherwise the range and the loading capacity of the helicopter were to be severely limited. During the procurement process several designs were presented by a range of companies.[4] After a first selection, four candidates remained:[5]

  • "Cobra" of the British Longline
  • The British "Saker" of Wessex
  • The "A3" of Auverland from France
  • "Véhicule Légère Aeromobile" of the French Lohr

However, none of the vehicles available on the market in 1994 could meet the weight requirement of 1200 kg. Therefore, the requirement was adjusted to 1400 kg. After further tests, the "Véhicule Légère Aeromobile" from the French manufacturer Lohr proved to meet the adjusted requirements and Defense therefore opted for this vehicle. Since the intention of the Royal Netherlands Army was to put the vehicles into use during the preparations of the brigade (in the period 1992–1994), the project was delayed considerably. As an interim solution, the brigade used open Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles of type GD-290.[6]

In 1996 the order for the LSV was finally placed. The vehicles were produced under license in the Netherlands by SP Aerospace and Vehicle systems. The first copies were delivered at the end of 1998. The Mechanic Central Workshop of the Army then implemented the conversion of the vehicles into specific AT or GWT execution. The last LSV was delivered at the beginning of 2001.[7]

In 2023, a contract was signed to by the VECTOR light airborne vehicle to replace the LSV.[8] The VECTOR can be carried internally or externally like the LSV from the Dutch heavy-lift helicopter.[9] Previously, the 11th Airmobile had also used the Mercedes-Benz G280 CDI, so the VECTOR replaced both the LSV and that type.[10] In addition, a military grade 4x4 quad called the MDQ was acquired starting in 2020.[11]

Design

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The vehicle consists of a tubular frame with a polyester body, it has two seats and an open load area. It does not have a crumple zone and is therefore perceived as unsafe under peace conditions. The LSV has an automatic gearbox and a permanent all-wheel drive. The engine is from Peugeot.[12]

The vehicle designed to be carried by helicopters more easily.[13]

Types

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There are 3 types of the Luchtmobiel Special Voertuig (LSV) in use by the Royal Netherlands Army:[14]

  • General service (AG), which are used, for example, for the transport of connecting means and ammunition;
  • Wounded transport (GWT), used for transporting wounded soldiers or civilians;
  • Anti-tank (AT), these are used for transporting anti-tank weapons and the associated ammunition.

Operators

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Current operators

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11th Airmobile Brigade – 160 vehicles, to be replaced in 2024.[15]

Images

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  • LSV (AT version) in the snow
    LSV (AT version) in the snow
  • LSV ISAF
    LSV ISAF
  • Two LSV's tactical loaded
    Two LSV's tactical loaded
  • LSV GWT
    LSV GWT
  • Chinook with two LSV's and other burden
    Chinook with two LSV's and other burden

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Dutch Ministry of Defence. "Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig" (in Dutch). defensie.nl. Archived from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  2. ^ J.R. Schoeman (2017-02-22). "25 jaar Luchtmobiele Brigade: Een jonge, maar rijke geschiedenis in valkenvlucht" (in Dutch). Militaire Spectator. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  3. ^ J.R. Schoeman (2017-02-22). "25 jaar Luchtmobiele Brigade: Een jonge, maar rijke geschiedenis in valkenvlucht" (in Dutch). Militaire Spectator. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  4. ^ Dutch government (1994-04-26). "Oprichting luchtmobiele brigade" (in Dutch). Koninklijke Biliotheek. Archived from the original on 2018-04-04. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  5. ^ "Luchtmobiele Speciale Voertuigen (LSV)" (in Dutch). luchtmobiel.nl. Archived from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  6. ^ "Luchtmobiele Speciale Voertuigen (LSV)" (in Dutch). luchtmobiel.nl. Archived from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  7. ^ "Financiële verantwoording van het Ministerie van Defensie (X) - Financiële verantwoordingen over het jaar 2001" (in Dutch). Parlementaire Monitor (ANP). 2009-03-12. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  8. ^ Defensie, Ministerie van (2023-06-15). "Duitsland en Nederland kopen samen voertuigen voor snelle interventie-eenheid - Nieuwsbericht - Defensie.nl". www.defensie.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  9. ^ "Netherlands Army orders 41 light tactical vehicles for special forces". IRIA News. 2022-12-28. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  10. ^ "VECTOR/GRF Light Tactical Vehicles, Netherlands". Army Technology. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  11. ^ "Dutch Special Forces Order New Quad All Terrain Vehicle". Overt Defense. 2020-08-13. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  12. ^ "Luchtmobiele Speciale Voertuigen (LSV)" (in Dutch). luchtmobiel.nl. Archived from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  13. ^ Defensie, Ministerie van (2023-07-12). "Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig - Materieel - Defensie.nl". www.defensie.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  14. ^ Dutch Ministry of Defence. "Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig" (in Dutch). defensie.nl. Archived from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  15. ^ "Factsheet: Samenwerken aan verbeterde inzetbaarheid voertuig luchtmobiele brigade" (in Dutch). dinalog.nl. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
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