LAM-97 Cavalier: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(8 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 43: Line 43:
==History==
==History==
===Development===
===Development===
 
In 1988, the RMA began looking for a replacement of it's large host of various armored vehicles, namely armored cars and light tanks from the 1940s through 60s. It announced a competition for several companies to create a singular light tank design for use in the RMA. This competition was dubbed the "Mobile Firepower Platform Competition." Gwynt responded with the MFP-G-90, a prototype that would form the basis of the Cavalier. Weighing in at less than 20 tons, with a highly modular design and a 105mm cannon, the MFP-G-90 would be the sole design selected for further development. Based on the principles of speed, firepower, and mobility, it began production in mid 1997 and was accepted into service by the end of the year.


===Operational history===
===Operational history===
Line 59: Line 59:


====Armour====
====Armour====
The basic hull of the Cavalier is made of welded aluminum alloy, with a modular armoring system that allows the vehicle to be equipped according to requirements. The Base armor package is designed for the rapid deployment role, can be airdropped, and protects the vehicle against small-arms fire and shell splinters. The Bis armor package can still be air-carried, but must be airlanded and is designed for use by light forces in a more serious threat environment, while Ter armor is designed for contingency operations and is supposed to provide protection against light handheld anti-tank weapons.
Level 1 (Base) against splinters
Level 2 (Bis) against armor piercing small arms and small cannon fire
Level 3 (Ter) against cannon up to 40mm and protection against various handheld anti-tank weapons.
[[File:LAM-97 Ter.gif|thumb|A diagram of the Ter armor package]]


====Crew protection features====
====Crew protection features====
Line 85: Line 92:
[[File:LAM-97 base.jpg|thumb|A LAM-97 "Base" model in standard RMA camoflage]]
[[File:LAM-97 base.jpg|thumb|A LAM-97 "Base" model in standard RMA camoflage]]
*{{flag|Myrodraeth}}  
*{{flag|Myrodraeth}}  
**{{army|Royal Myrodrethian Army}} – As of 2020 the RMA is the sole user of the Cavalier. Approximately 750 to 800 tanks are in use with seven different Armored Cavalry Regiments.
**{{flag|Royal Myrodrethian Army}}– As of 2020 the RMA is the sole user of the Cavalier. Approximately 750 to 800 tanks are in use with seven different Armored Cavalry Regiments.


==See also==
==See also==
===Related development===
===Related development===
===Tanks of comparable role, type, and era===
===Tanks of comparable role, type, and era===

Latest revision as of 22:45, 8 September 2020

Light Armor Mobile 1997 "Cavalier"
LAM-97 Bis.jpg
A LAM-97 with Ter armor package driving on a road during military exercises in 2007
TypeLight Tank
Place of origin Myrodraeth
Service history
In service1997–present
Used byMyrodraeth Royal Myrodrethian Army
Production history
DesignerGwynt Automotive Company
Designed1988–1995
ManufacturerGwynt Auto
Unit costCE$3.8 million (FY2020)
Produced1997–present
No. built812
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Weight19.25 tons (Base Armor)

22.25 tons (Bis Armor)

24.75 tons (Ter Armor)
Length8.9 m (29 ft 2 in) (gun forward)
Width2.69 m (8 ft 10 in)
Height2.55 m (8 ft 4 in)
Crew3 (commander, gunner, driver)

ArmourDepends on variant
Main
armament
1 x M35 105 mm Soft recoil rifled gun
Secondary
armament
1 × ASG-67 7.62mm machine gun
EngineToyoda DEP-15 multi-fuel diesel engine
580 hp
Power/weight28.6 hp/ton
SuspensionTorsion bar
Fuel capacity150 gallons
Operational
range
485 km
Speed72 km/h (45 mph)

The LAM-97 Cavalier (Light Armor Mobile 1997) is a 3rd generation light tank in service with the Royal Myrodrethian Army. Developed by Gwynt Auto in response to a competition for a new light tank to be employed by Myrodraeth armored units, the Cavalier entered service in 1997, replacing older, outdated models. Including prototypes and pre-production models, over 800 have been built by Gwynt and minor manufacturers, and at least 750 are still in service with RMA armored units.

History

Development

In 1988, the RMA began looking for a replacement of it's large host of various armored vehicles, namely armored cars and light tanks from the 1940s through 60s. It announced a competition for several companies to create a singular light tank design for use in the RMA. This competition was dubbed the "Mobile Firepower Platform Competition." Gwynt responded with the MFP-G-90, a prototype that would form the basis of the Cavalier. Weighing in at less than 20 tons, with a highly modular design and a 105mm cannon, the MFP-G-90 would be the sole design selected for further development. Based on the principles of speed, firepower, and mobility, it began production in mid 1997 and was accepted into service by the end of the year.

Operational history

Future and replacement

Design

General characteristics

Protection

Camouflage and concealment

Active protection system

Armour

The basic hull of the Cavalier is made of welded aluminum alloy, with a modular armoring system that allows the vehicle to be equipped according to requirements. The Base armor package is designed for the rapid deployment role, can be airdropped, and protects the vehicle against small-arms fire and shell splinters. The Bis armor package can still be air-carried, but must be airlanded and is designed for use by light forces in a more serious threat environment, while Ter armor is designed for contingency operations and is supposed to provide protection against light handheld anti-tank weapons.

Level 1 (Base) against splinters Level 2 (Bis) against armor piercing small arms and small cannon fire Level 3 (Ter) against cannon up to 40mm and protection against various handheld anti-tank weapons.

A diagram of the Ter armor package

Crew protection features

Armament

Primary

Fire control systems

Secondary

Sensors and electronics

Mobility

Operational

Tactical

Variants and derivatives

Variants

Derivatives

Operators

Current operators

A LAM-97 "Base" model in standard RMA camoflage

See also

Related development

Tanks of comparable role, type, and era