General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced today that it has successfully fielded the Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV), also known as the Light Strike Vehicle (LSV). These vehicles were fielded to the U.S. Marine Corps' (USMC) 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment in preparation for its deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
The LSV, specifically designed to fly internally in the MV-22 and CV-22
Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and the CH-53 and MH-47 aircraft, are used in a
variety of operations such as reconnaissance, raids, Tactical Recovery of
Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) and airfield seizures in support of Over-the-
Horizon amphibious operations, Irregular Warfare and Enhanced Company
Operations (ECO).
The LSV provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with a
vertically transportable, high mobility, weapons-capable platform. It can
carry enough fuel, water, ammunition, and food for a 3-day mission, while
safely transporting a crew of four. The LSV can be equipped with an M2 .50-
cal., MK-19 or MK-240G machine gun, further enhancing the unit's mission
performance and survivability.
The fielding of the LSV to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines follows the recent
Initial Operational Capability of the Expeditionary Fire Support System
(EFSS) on March 17 with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, who are
planned to deploy with the 24th MEU.
As the third leg of the USMC's triad of land-based fire support for
expeditionary operations, EFSS is the primary close-in fire support system
for vertical element of the Ship-to-Objective Maneuver (STOM) force,
providing expanded fires support to amphibious and expeditionary operations.
The system is comprised of a pair of Prime Mover vehicles, the 120mm M327
rifled mortar weapon, a new family of 120mm insensitive munition (IM) rifled
ammunition and ammunition trailer. Marines can emplace, fire and displace
the EFSS in under five minutes.
"The LSV and EFSS give the Marines greater agility and versatility in
supporting expeditionary operations," said Dr. Dean Bartles, vice president
and general manager of large-caliber ammunition for General Dynamics
Ordnance and Tactical Systems. "Both systems are fast and reliable, giving
the Marines more options and greater survivability in the field."
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