Ross Wilkers
General Dynamics‘ Canadian land systems business has won a $134.4 million contract modification to upgrade 66 vehicles, continuing work under a potential $1.1 billion contract awarded in October 2011.
The company said the contract now covers 616 LAV III vehicles total, up from the 550 covered under the initial award, and extends the fleet’s lifecycle to 2035.
Survivability upgrades will include double-V-hull technology, add-on armor protection and energy-attenuating seats for protection against mine blasts and improvised explosive devices.
Other upgrades will include a new engine, a height management system, driveline and suspension.
The company will also update the vehicle’s fire control, thermal, day and low-light sights and data displays.
“The upgraded LAV III will provide our Canadian soldiers with one of the most advanced and modern vehicles of this type in the world,“ Deep said. “It will also provide much-needed job stability throughout Canada’s high-value defence sector.“
