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 armored and unarmored variants. The Italian Army has a requirement for over 2500 vehicles. The armored 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 armor system fits within the vehicle skin resulting in the same visual appearance for both armored and unarmored versions. Different levels of armor 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; armor 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 armored 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 utilizes 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. Go to http://www.army2002.com for further details.
