Beginning in 2015, the LMV line has seen introduction of a 220 horsepower diesel engine unit with an 8-speed transmission system. This, coupled with other slight improvements, has broadened the tactical capability (and inherent value) of the LMV product for various operators.
The vehicle can be defensed by the optional Remote Weapon Station (RWS) set over the top of the hull roof (at center). Otherwise this section of the vehicle exhibits an access hatch and can feature a pintle-mounted, manually-operated machine gun or automatic grenade launcher. Any personal weapons carried by the crew and passengers also come into play as needed. A ram bar can be added to the bow of the truck as can a powered winch system. The hull underside is of a V-shaped design and the floor is reinforced with armor to help mitigate the effects of a detonation under the vehicle - this proven by Italian actions time-and-again in Afghanistan against enemy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The British Army adopted the LMV to become its "Panther" Command and Liaison Vehicle to fulfill the requirements of the Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV) program. The vehicle seats 1+3 and is assembled at British-based factories. The vehicle sports a BAe day-night sighting system and Bowman communications equipment as well as the AEI RWS. Hundreds have been manufactured since introduction and some of the stock has seen combat service in the Afghanistan Theater of War. Beyond the 400 or so already delivered from 2006 to 2009, the British Army holds an option for another 400 units if desired.
The Russian Army version is known as "Rys" and is assembled in Russian production plants.
To date (December 2017) some 4,000 total LMVs have been produced. The versatility of the design is such that the vehicle is also marketed in TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), battlefield ambulance, cargo carrier and special missions support configurations.
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