Komatsu LAV - Japanese Military HMV -Walkaround - History. 高機動車 - 軽装甲機動車.

Komatsu LAV - Kohkidohsha HMV -Walkaround - History. 高機動車 - 軽装甲機動車.

The Kohkidohsha high-mobility vehicle was developed by Toyota as a private venture. and is based on the Toyota Mega Cruiser which was sold exclusively in Japan and is one of the largest 4x4 vehicles ever built by Toyota. The term Kohkidohsha translates as high-mobility vehicle. Currently this vehicle is in service with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and is used in large numbers.
In concept the Kohkidohsha resembles the US HMMWV.

The main role of this vehicle is infantry transport and has a payload capacity of 1 500 kg. In standard configuration it accommodates driver and 9 passengers. Vehicle has a soft canvas top. Windscreen can be folded over the bonnet. Vehicle can tow trailers, 120 mm mortars or other light artillery pieces.

The Kohkidohsha can be configured as a shelter carrier. There are versions of this vehicle equipped with air defense missiles. Some of these versions are fitted with a hard-top.

The Japanese Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) was designed by Komatsu in the late 1990s. It entered service with Japan's Ground Self Defense Forces in 2002. More than 1 000 of these scout cars were built. Japan is the only operator of this armored vehicle, as Japan's laws do not allow export of weapons and military equipment.

Generally the Komatsu LAV can be compared with the Panhard VBL. Vehicle has a welded steel armor.
Some armored scout cars are fitted with ordinary roof-mounted shielding. An opened split roof hatch provides added protection from both sides.
The Komatsu LAV can be armed with 5.56 mm, 12.7 mm machine guns or anti-tank guided missiles.

This 4x4 vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 160 hp. Engine is moved closer to the vehicle's center to distribute weight more evenly between the axles. It is fitted with run-flat tires. This armored scout car can be carried underslung or inside some military helicopters. It can be also airdropped from transport aircraft using parachute platform.

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■ tanks-encyclopedia
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■ preservedtanks
■ pantser.net
■ the.shadock.free.fr/Tanks_in_France

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