Transportability Testing of Light Armored Vehicle-Logistics (LAV-L)

A transportability test of the U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle-Logistics LAV-L was conducted. The transportability testing evaluates the suitability of the LAV-L for transporting ammunition in the rail and highway mode. The transportability testing of the LAV-L consists of a rail impact and a series of road tests with three types of ammunition considered representative of the ammunition expected to be carried on the LAV-L. The rail impact test was performed with a 4,000-lb pallet of simulated ammunition secured in the cargo area of the LAV-L. During the six mile per hour mph rail impact, the pin in the vehicle tiedown clevis on the front curbside of the LAV-L failed. The front cables were then applied directly to the vehicle tiedown point without the use of clevises. The vehicle tie-downs completed the rail impact test without incident. The procedure for securing the 4,000-lb LAV-L payload failed. Prior to the rail impact retest, eight clevises were received and installed in place of the tested clevises. Also prior to the retest, the web straps restraining the inertly loaded pallet were altered to create more securement of the pallet. The rail impact retest was completed without incident as was the series of road tests with the 4,000-lb pallet load, the Stinger missile load, and the mixed load of various types of ammunition packages. After replacing the clevises, the LAV-L functioned very well during the rail impact test. jhd