New in 2018: Replacing Light Armored Vehicles’ obsolete anti-tank turrets

Dozens of aging Light ­Armored Vehicles will get new turrets in 2018.

The LAV’s anti-tank variants will replace the obsolete Emerson 901, which is based on technology from the 1960s.

The new turrets can fire radio ­frequency-guided TOW anti-tank missiles and the gunner’s seat will remain stationary as the turret traverses, officials said. With the current anti-tank LAVs, the gunner’s seat moves with the turret.

The Marine Corps has more than 700 LAVs, including 100 anti-tank variants.

The upgrades started in late 2017. The first four anti-tank LAVs were upgraded with the new turret in ­September and that will continue until the end of 2019.

Meanwhile, the Marines are working toward designing a new, next ­generation LAV. Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh said in ­September that the new LAVs should have advanced technologies, such as Active Protective Systems, which can confuse or destroy incoming anti-tank missiles.

Walsh, deputy commandant for Combat Development and Integration, likened the leap in technologies ­needed for future vehicles to the difference between U.S. aircraft that fought in the Gulf War and the F-35.

“We need to look at something like the F-35,” he said. “You can clearly see a generational change when you go from AV-8 Harriers and F/A-18 Hornets to the F-35.”