LAM-97 Cavalier
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| Light Armor Mobile 1997 "Cavalier" | |
|---|---|
 A LAM-97 with Ter armor package driving on a road during military exercises in 2007 | |
| Type | Light Tank |
| Place of origin |  Myrodraeth |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1997–present |
| Used by | Royal Myrodrethian Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Gwynt Automotive Company |
| Designed | 1988–1995 |
| Manufacturer | Gwynt Auto |
| Unit cost | CE$3.8 million (FY2020) |
| Produced | 1997–present |
| No. built | 812 |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 19.25 tons (Base Armor)
22.25 tons (Bis Armor) 24.75 tons (Ter Armor) |
| Length | 8.9 m (29 ft 2 in) (gun forward) |
| Width | 2.69 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Armour | Depends on variant |
Main armament | 1 x M35 105 mm Soft recoil rifled gun |
Secondary armament | 1 × ASG-67 7.62mm machine gun |
| Engine | Toyoda DEP-15 multi-fuel diesel engine 580 hp |
| Power/weight | 28.6 hp/ton |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Fuel capacity | 150 gallons |
Operational range | 485 km |
| Speed | 72 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for a new light tank to be employed by Myrodraeth armored units, the Cavalier entered service in 1997, replacing older, outdated models.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.
Crew protection features
Armament
Primary
Fire control systems
Secondary
Sensors and electronics
Mobility
Operational
Tactical
Variants and derivatives
Variants
Derivatives
Operators
Current operators
- Myrodraeth
- Template:Country data 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.