15:01 GMT, December 2, 2008 Edmonton, Alberta | The Canadian Army´s most important fighting vehicle, the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III), is being refitted with new improvements and modifications.

GDLS Edmonton has been working on the army´s fleet of LAV IIIs since 2006, making improvements including a new modified air brake system and steering system.

Once the LAV IIIs arrive at GDLS they are given an inspection followed by a road test. After pre-inspections and work evaluations are recorded, the LAV IIIs are stripped down to their bare structure. Everything is removed, including the turret, before it is sent to the refit stage.

The whole process takes approximately 30 days. Once work is completed, the LAVs are reassembled, given a new paint job, and inspected by a member of the Department of National Defence. After a final inspection the LAVs are returned to their units in showroom condition.

Along with the LAV III refits, GDLS is also responsible for the Bison upgrade. The Bison is being refitted as an armoured mobile repair team vehicle.

GDLS-Canada also manufactures the Stryker Armored Vehicle used by the United States Army.

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See also:

Canada develops supplemental armour kits for its LAV III vehicles
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/4040/

GD awarded $374 Million Light Armoured Vehicle Lifecycle Support Contract by the Government of Canada
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/1581/