A cost-benefit analysis of the LAV mobility and obsolescence program by using U.S. Army Stryker suspensions

Abstract

The U.S. Marine Corps’ Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) is essential to battlefield supremacy, and the Marine Corps has no replacement. Because the LAV has reached the end of its intended 30 years of service, per PM-LAV, it needs a system upgrade due to a service extension to year 2035. A cost benefit analysis was conducted to calculate the possible savings of using U.S. Army Stryker replacement parts compared to, alternatively, building new vehicles. The Stryker and LAV were both built by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and have the same basic design, but the Stryker is newer and bigger. The analysis suggests the Marine Corps could realize savings of up to $200 million, as well as increased LAV capabilities, by using Stryker replacement parts. This would free more funds for the Marine Corps to use on other programs and bolster their light armored reconnaissance battalions.