18 January 2001

AV Technology Corporations, now part of General Dynamics Land Systems, developed the Dragoon family of 4 x 4 light armoured vehicles for a variety of military and paramilitary roles.

To reduce life-cycle costs, Dragoon uses automotive components from existing military vehicles and can be fitted with a wide range of weapon stations including two-person turrets armed with a 25mm cannon or 90mm gun. When used as a troop carrier it can carry a maximum of 12 people.

The Dragoon is fully amphibious, propelled in the water by its wheels at a maximum speed of 5.6km/h. With the aid of optional water jets, its speed can be increased to 8.8km/h.

Standard equipment includes a heating and air-conditioning system and power steering. Optional equipment includes a central tyre-pressure regulation system that allows the tyre pressure to be adjusted to suit the terrain.

Specifications

Crew: 1 + 4

Configuration: 4 x 4

Armament: 1x 90mm gun (main); 1x 7.62mm machine gun (co-axial); 1x 7.62mm machine gun (anti-aircraft)

Combat weight: 12,700kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 23.62hp/tonne

Power pack: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T six-cylinder diesel developing 300bhp coupled to Allison MT-653 automatic transmission

Length: 5.89m; Width: 2.49m

Height: 2.819m (overall)

Max speed: 116km/h

Range: 865km

Airportable: C-130 Hercules

Status

In production. In service with Thailand (small number); Turkey (100 plus with deliveries under way); and Venezuela (100 including 90mm versions).

Variants

Specialised versions, including internal security vehicle, mortar carrier, command post vehicle, electronic warfare vehicle, anti-tank vehicle and logistics support vehicle. Most recent production vehicles built (for the Turkish Police) have been in the internal security/riot control configuration.

Manufacturer

AV Technology Corporation, Shelby Township, Michigan, USA

AV Technology Corporations, now part of General Dynamics Land Systems, developed the Dragoon family of 4 x 4 light armoured vehicles (Source: S Gourley)