The AVGP ("Armoured Vehicle, General Purpose") was adopted into the inventory of the Canadian military in 1976 to fulfill a 1974 requirement. Three vehicles were evaluated with the eventual winner becoming the Swiss-made MOWAG Piranha I (detailed elsewhere on this site) in 6x6 wheeled configuration. Local production was granted and the first production-quality units were added in 1979. The service took on the vehicle in three distinct forms designated "Grizzly", "Cougar" and "Husky" - all destined to serve in the Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) role. Production totaled 496 vehicles of all three variants.
The Cougar, manufactured to the tune of 195 units, carried a crew of three with room for two passengers at the rear. Its armament was 1 x 76mm L23A1 turreted main gun capable of firing several munition types with 1 x 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun in a coaxial fitting. 2 x 4 banks of smoke grenade dischargers were installed for self-screening actions.
The Grizzly, produced in 274 examples, held a crew of two and was armed through 1 x 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) and 1 x 7.62mm MMG. 2 x 4 banks of smoke grenade dischargers were also installed.
The Huskey, produced in 27 examples, had a crew of three with passenger space for six at the rear. Its armament suite was made up of 1 x 7.62mm MMG and 2 x 4 banks of smoke grenade dischargers.
All models weighed in the 10.7 tonne range and were powered by 1 x Detroit Diesel 6V53T two-cycle, turbo-charged diesel engine developing 275 horsepower. The vehicle used a 6x6 fully-suspended wheeled configuration for excellent cross-country capabilities and a built-in amphibious quality allowed them to traverse water sources. Road speeds could reach 100 kilometers per hour. Dimensions included a length of 5.97 meters with a width of 2.5 meters.
The series saw combat service in peace-keeping actions (as part of the United Nations) concerning the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. Beyond this, their exposure in such environments was limited. A measure to modernize the fleet fell to naught in the mid-2000s and the fleet was retired from frontline service. After this, stocks went to Africa for peace-keeping service in Sudan (with local African crews operating them).
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
Specifications
General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada Manufacturer(s)
AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT
Traverse bodies of open water under own power with / without preparation.
INFANTRY SUPPORT
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
RECONNAISSANCE
Can conduct reconnaissance / scout missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, et al - typically through lightweight design.
SPECIAL PURPOSE
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.
19.6 ft (5.97 meters) Length
8.2 ft (2.5 meters) Width
8.9 ft (2.7 meters) Height
23,589 lb (10,700 kg) Weight
11.8 tons (Light-class) Tonnage
1 x Detroit Diesel 6V53T 2-cycle turbocharged diesel-fueled engine developing 275 horsepower. Drive System
62 mph (100 kph) Road Speed
373 miles (600 km) Road Range
Cougar:
1 x 76mm L23A1 main gun in Scorpion tank turret
1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
8 x Smoke grenade dischargers
Grizzly:
1 x 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)
1 x 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun (MMG)
8 x Smoke grenade dischargers
Husky:
1 x 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun (MMG)
8 x Smoke grenade dischargers
AMMUNITION
Dependent upon armament fit.
AVGP - Base Series Name; based on the Swiss MOWAG Piranha I model series.
"Cougar" - Fire support vehicle, reconnaissance and tank training variant; fitted with 76mm-armed Scorpion light tank turret; three-man crew.
"Grizzly" - Armored Personnel Carrier form; Cadillac-Gage turret fitting 1 x 12.7mm HMG and 1 x 7.62mm MMG; three-man crew.
"Husky" - Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV) form; two-man crew.
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.
