Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MAV Mobile Armored Vehicle APC prototype undergoing trials
As reported by The Dead District, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ prototype of MAV (Mobile Armored Vehicle, APC version of the Type-16 MCV) is undergoing trials to replace the Type 96 WAPC in the Japan Defense Forces.
Unveiled in October 2015, the new 8×8 armored vehicle, as can be judged by its appearance, Defence Blog wrote, is made based on the chassis of the new 26-ton wheeled armored vehicle MCV (Maneuver Combat Vehicle, type 16).
The vehicle is 8m long and 2.8m wide. It will be operated by 2 crew members and have space for at least 9 troops in full combat gear. It is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4-cylinder 4VA diesel engine developing 400 kW and allowing a top speed of more than 100km/h. The 8×8 is all-wheel drive and has independent, double wishbone or hydropneumatic suspension.
In 2019, other competitors for the JGSDF Type 96 replacement project included Finland’s Patria with their Armored Modular Vehicle XP (AMVXP), and General Dynamics Land Systems’ LAV 6.0 which were invited to submit the vehicles for testing by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA).
Different variants of the vehicle will be made available, including command and control (C2), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and anti-tank vehicles.
