The LAV-III is incapable of parachute airdrops from C-130 aircraft due to its 78-inch height exceeding limits to avoid striking the tail during roll-off. More compact tracked vehicles can meet these requirements. The M551 Sheridan that was previously used was retired in 1997 and not replaced as planned, leaving a need for a parachute-deliverable armored vehicle for the 82nd Airborne Division.

1. “STRIKE 2” continued!
LAV-III’s 78”+ height, makes it incapable of parachute airdrop
from C-130s due to tip-off curb requirements to not strike tail
when rolling off rear ramp; more compact tracked vehicles
meet this requirement as shown above; M551Sheridan retired
in ‘97 and not replaced as promised!
- LAV-25s in Army service borrowed from USMC (1989-91)
had to have all 8 tires deflated to be C-130 airdropped
- 78”+ LAV-III chassis larger than LAV-I based LAV-25s
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LAV-IIIs are too high to parachute airdrop from C-130s in roll-off condition;
vehicle type will not meet 82d Airborne Division’s requirements for a parachute-
deliverable armored fighting vehicle to replace combat-proven M551 Sheridan