Trumpeter 00391 LAV-M (Mortar Carrier Vehicle)

The LAV-M is a modern American wheeled self-propelled mortar. The vehicle is powered by a single engine Detroit Diesel 6V53T with a power of 279 hp . It is armed with a single 81 mm M252 mortar and a single 7.62 mm M240E machine gun.

LAV-M has been developed by General Dynamics based on the LAV-25 wheeled armored personnel carrier for use primarily by the US Marine Corps. The basic change compared to the LAV-25 was the placement in the center of the hull of the mortar compartment, which is closed from the top with a special door during movement. The vehicle can be transported by air with such planes as the C-130 Hercules, C-141 or C-5 Galaxy and the CH-53E helicopter. The LAV-M takes with it a fire unit of 99 mortars. It is also characterized by amphibious abilities. A version was also developed for the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, designated LAV-M (S), armed with a 120mm mortar mounted in a rotating turret.