The Coyote is a vital component of the army's leading-edge battlefield systems. This highly mobile, well-armed and well-protected reconnaissance variant of the Light Armoured Vehicle family is employed in the conduct of battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance missions at the battlegroup and brigade levels. Incorporating both radar and a variety of electro-optic sensors, the Coyote surveillance system provides an all-weather, day and night observation capability. The Coyote is in use with the Army's six mechanized infantry battalions, the three armour regiments and their respective schools.
The most innovative aspect of the Coyote is its surveillance system, designed to detect hostile forces using a combination of day camera, radar, thermal imaging, and laser range-finding equipment.
Designed to operate in the world's hot spots, the Coyote is armed and armoured to fulfil its mission. The ballistic-steel hull protects against small-arms fire, mines and high-explosive airbursts. Add-on armour protects against larger projectiles. The two-man electric-drive turret is equipped with a laser-warning receiver. A fully stabilized 25-mm chain gun provides light assault firepower. On roads the vehicle's maximum speed is 100 km/h, with a maximum range of 660 km. It can deploy quickly to an area accessible by roads or trails, and then continue cross-country. A mast-equipped version of the vehicle raises its surveillance gear 10 m above the ground to see hostile forces over obstacles and from protected positions.
Armament:
25-mm stabilized M242 chain gun
7.62-mm stabilized coaxial machine gun
7.62-mm top-turret mounted machine gun
76-mm grenade launcher (2 clusters of 4 launchers)
7.62-mm C6 machine gun
Specifications:
Length: 6.39 m
Width: 2.50 m
Height: 2.69 m
Maximum speed: 100 km/hr
Range: 660 km
Weight: 14.4 t
Gradient: maximum 60%
Side slope: maximum 30%
Trench crossing: 2.06 m
Fording: 1.3 m max
Sights: Daytime optical, Thermal Imagery (TI), Generation III Image Intensification (II)
Surveillance System: Battlefield Surveillance Radar, Thermal Imager, Daylight camera, and Laser Range-finder
Winch: Front-mounted 6,800 kg dynamic pull self-recovery winch
Engine: 275 hp Detroit Diesel 6V53T
Transmission: 5 forward gears, 1 reverse
Transfer case: 2 speed
Suspension: Independent rear 4 wheels torsion bar, Front 4 wheels strut
Wheels: 8 wheels (4 or 8 wheel drive)
Tires: Michelin XML
Brakes: Power (air)
Entered service: 1996
Number in service: 203
Canadian Forces Coyote