Following a study of the Iveco Multirole Light Vehicle (MLV), in September 2001 Alvis signed an agreement with Iveco Defence Vehicles to offer MLV for the UK MoD Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV) requirement. Iveco was recently awarded a contract by the Italian Army to develop MLV in both armoured and unarmoured variants. The Italian Army has a requirement for over 2500 vehicles. The armoured MLV is particularly well matched for the FCLV role.
With a width of 2050mm and weighing 6500kg, MLV is readily air-transportable in EH101 and CH47 (2 vehicles) and C-130 (2 vehicles), thus ensuring rapid deployment into any operational theatre. MLV's engine is the Euro 3,Iveco F1 D 185 BHP; the vehicle has automatic transmission, hydrosteering, off-road ABS, central tyre inflation system, independent suspension and, following brief preparation, can ford depths of 1.5m. All of these attributes combine to give MLV exceptional versatility and mobility in all terrain.
The appliqué armour system fits within the vehicle skin resulting in the same visual appearance for both armoured and unarmoured versions. Different levels of armour appliqué are available to provide protection against threat levels from Stanag Level 1 (7.62 ball) up to Stanag Level 4 (heavy machine gun). Underbelly mine protection is standard; armour kits for anti-tank mine protection under the wheels can also be added.
Because of FCLV's broadly defined requirement Alvis is offering two purpose-built vehicles. Scarab, which is a fully armoured vehicle offering high levels of protection for the whole vehicle. MLV provides protection for the vital crew area, whilst offering a highly cost-effective solution that utilises many commercial components.
MLV was first shown to the public at Defence Vehicles Dynamics, Long Valley, UK, in May 2002, and is being displayed again in the Ride & Drive Section of Army 2002, Salisbury Plain, 3-7 July 2002. Army 2002 is the UK's largest live firepower event of the year.
See MLV at Army 2002, Salisbury Plain, 3-7 July 2002, Alvis stand no OS05.
Alvis Vehicles Limited is based in Telford, UK and is wholly owned by Alvis plc. Alvis plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is involved with the design and production of armoured fighting vehicles and other specialist military vehicles. The Alvis Group turnover in 2001 was £150 million.
