capable of carrying seven fully-equipped troops in support of troop-level tactical reconnaissance. ASLAV-C (Command) – is an Armoured Command Vehicle equipped with an enhanced radio installation and radio masts, map boards, stowage compartments, specialised seating and a stowable annex. In addition to the crew, the ASLAV-C can accommodate three staff officers and provides command and control at the Squadron and Regimental Headquarter level. ASLAV-S (Surveillance) – is a specialised surveillance vehicle equipped with a hydraulically raised mast-mounted thermal imager, laser range finder, day television camera and battlefield surveillance radar AMSTAR. The ASLAV-S supports tactical reconnaissance with ground surveillance and observation and can carry four crew and two occasional troops. ASLAV-A (Ambulance) – is an Armoured Ambulance and is fitted with specialist medical equipment. In addition to the crew, it can accommodate a medic and three lying patients or six sitting patients. ASLAV Type III The ASLAV Type III has no turret and is used by members of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for repair and recovery. The ASLAV Type III has a crew of two (commander and driver) and usually carries a third mechanic. It is armed with a pintle-mounted FN MAG 58 7.62 mm machine gun, although some have been fitted with the Kongsberg Protector RWS. The ASLAV Type III comes in two variants utilising two specialist MRIKs. ASLAV-F (Fitter) – is a maintenance support vehicle that provides a protected mobile workshop for field repair personnel, including vehicle parts and tools, and is fitted with a HIAB 650 crane. ASLAV-R (Recovery) – is an Armoured Recovery Vehicle equipped with a heavy winch to recover disabled vehicles to a more accessible location or tow them to a repair facility. History The acquisition of the ASLAV family of vehicles for the Australian Army was managed by Defence Materiel Organisation under the multi-phased LAND 112 project. The vehicles were similar to those considered by the Australian Army to replace its M113 armoured personnel carriers in the early 1980s under Project Waler. In April 1989, the Australian Army purchased 15 ex-United States Marine Corps LAV-25 vehicles at a cost of A$28.4 million under LAND 112 Phase 1. These vehicles were purchased to trial the Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (WAFV) concept in northern Australia. The trials were conducted by the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in 1990–1991. The subsequent report endorsed the WAFV concept, and the Army determined that the LAV was the best