Light Strike Vehicle | LSV

U.S. Marines with the 15th MEU travel in a Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) during training.

The LSV has now replaced the IFAV throughout the Corps.

The LSV comes in 2 variants - the M1161, which is geared towards reconnaissance/scout operations, and so may be employed by Force or Division Recon elements and the M1163 Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) tows a 120mm mortar.

The M1161 scout variant features mounts for various machine guns and grenade launchers such as M240G, M2 50 cal and MK19.

The M116 is crewed by a driver and can accomodate 3 passengers.

It is 4.14 meters long, 1.5 meters wide and 1.84 meters high.

Weight, with max payload is 8,540 lb.

The M1161 was initially conceptualised as being a forward deployed asset designed to be inserted by the USMC's MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

USMC MV-22s, however, have so far been relegated to non-combat roles so if the M1161 is to be used in its intended role it is more likely to be flown into action by the Corp's CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters.

A lack of substantive ballistic or blast protection may also limit the vehicle's combat role.