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The Coyote Light Armoured Vehicle -Reconnaissance (LAV-Recce)
is in service with the Reconnaissance Squadrons of Canada's armoured regiments
and with Infantry Reconnaissance Platoons. The Coyote also serves in Direct
Fire Support Squadrons in Armoured Regiment's Cavalry Squadrons. There
are 203 Coyotes currently in service with Canada's Land Force.
The most innovative aspect of the Coyote is its surveillance
system, designed to detect hostile forces using a combination of day camera,
radar, thermal imaging, and laser range-finding equipment.
Designed to operate in the world's hot spots, the Coyote
is armed and armoured to fulfil its mission. The ballistic-steel hull
protects against small-arms fire, mines and high-explosive airbursts.
Add-on armour protects against larger projectiles. The two-man electric-drive
turret is equipped with a laser-warning receiver. A fully stabilized 25-mm
chain gun provides light assault firepower. On roads the vehicle's maximum
speed is 100 km/h, with a maximum range of 660 km. It can deploy quickly
to an area accessible by roads or trails, and then continue cross-country.
A mast-equipped version of the vehicle raises its
surveillance gear 10 m above the ground to see hostile forces over obstacles
and from protected positions.
The Coyote is a vital component of the Army’s leading-edge
battlefield systems as it enters the next century. This highly mobile,
well-armed, and well-protected reconnaissance variant of the Light Armoured
Vehicle family is employed in the conduct of battlefield reconnaissance
and surveillance missions at the battlegroup and brigade levels. Incorporating
both radar and a variety of electro-optic sensors, the Coyote surveillance
system provides an all-weather, day and night capability to the Army.
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