AVGP
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
The AVGP (Armoured Vehicle General Purpose) is a series of three armoured fighting vehicles purchased by the Canadian military in the late 70's.
These vehicles were based on the 6 wheeled version of the SwissMowag Piranha. Like the 8-wheeled Coyote, but unlike the 8-wheeled American Stryker, these vehicles mounted propellers for amphibious use. The Canadian Armed Forces' Coyotes, the US Marine Corp's LAV, and the US Army's Stryker are lineal descendants of the Piranha.
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Variants
Cougar
- 3 man crew
- Turret of a British Scorpion tank (76mm main gun)
- Used as a tank trainer and fire support vehicle on UN missions.
Grizzly
- Armoured personnel carrier (APC)
- 2 man crew
- Armed with a .50 cal and 7.62mm machinegun.
- Designed to carry a section of infantry.
Husky
Armoured recovery vehicle (ARV)
- Designed to provide mechanical support for the other two vehicles.
AVGP today
The Cougar is only used for training in Canada as a reconnaissance vehicle. The Grizzly is no longer in front line service but are being converted to support vehicles (ie command post). The Husky still serves in its original role.
External link
- Canadian army equipment (http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/2_1.asp)
- SFU site with on the AVGP (http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-vehavgp.htm).
- SFU site on the Canadian Forces ‘Wheeled Light Armoured Vehicle Life Extension’ (http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-vehavgp2.htm) program.
See also
Categories: Cold War armored fighting vehicles | Infantry fighting vehicles | Command vehicles | Canadian armored fighting vehicles
