Description and use

The C7A1 assault rifle is an improved version of the basic C7 combat rifle, incorporating a low-mounted optical sight. The C7 rifle is a Canadian adaptation of a U.S. firearm known as the M16A1E1. The C7A1 eliminates the carrying handle of the C7 and substitutes an optical sight. The C7A1 assault rifle is the personal weapon for most soldiers in Canada and outside the country.

Characteristics

Cost

$2,000 per unit

Status

The land component of the Canadian Forces since 1986

Manufacturer

Diemaco, Kitchener, Ontario

Description and use

The C9A1 is a C9 light machine-gun with a special optical sight attached. The C9 is an adaptation of the United States M249 Squad Automatic Weapon that was developed from the Belgian Minimi manufactured by Fabrique Nationale Herstal S.A. in Belgium. The Minimi (mini-mitrailleuse or mini machine-gun) is a fully automatic, gas operated, belt or magazine-fed-weapon. Within the rifle section, the C9A1 is used to provide fire cover during manoeuvres involving assault rifle-equipped in the offence and, to cover the most likely enemy approach in the defence positions.

Characteristics

Cost

$ 4,000 per unit

Status

In service since 1986 with all elements of the Land Forces in Canada and on deployment outside the country.

Manufacturer

Fabrique Nationale, Herstal, Belgium

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Description and use

The C6 is a general purpose machine-gun developed in Belgium. It is a fully automatic, air-cooled, belt-fed and gas-operated weapon. This very versatile machine-gun is used by the Canadian Forces as a fire support weapon in the following roles: co-axial, sustained or light fire. In a co-axial role, the weapon is mounted in a vehicle turret beside the main armament. It would complement the 25-mm or 105-mm cannon as the antipersonnel weapon.

In a sustained fire role, the C6 is mounted on a tripod. With the C2 sight and aiming lamp, the gun crew can aim at non-visible targets which, due to fog, smoke or darkness can no longer be viewed through the iron sight. In this role, the C6 can be employed in most offensive and defensive fire support tasks, but not as an indirect fire weapon.

In a light fire role, the C6 is fired from its bipod or from its sling, which is looped over either shoulder. In this role, it can be brought into action quickly and is particularly useful as an assault, close quarter, or anti-aircraft weapon. The light role may be the role of choice for patrolling, advance, hasty defence, delaying actions, and withdrawal.

The C6 machine-gun is found in major units of the combat arms, particularly armour and infantry.

Characteristics

Cost

$10,000 per unit

Status

In service since 1978 with all components of the Land Force in Canada and on deployment outside the country.

Manufacturer

Fabrique Nationale, Herstal S.A., Belgium

Description

The M72 SRAAW was developed during the 1960's by the Hesse Eastern Company. It was a revolutionary design for its, a pair of telescoped tubes with a preloaded HEAT rocket in place. The unit was light and compact and could be easily carried by an individual soldier. When required, the user extended the telescopic tube, which automatically cocked the launcher and erected the simple sight. The user placed the tube on his shoulder, took aim and squeezed the trigger to discharge the rocket to a range of up to 1,000m, though for effective anti-tank use the maximum range was about 150m against moving targets and 300m against stationary tanks. The warhead could penetrate just over 300mm of mild steel and the M72 was also effective against light field fortifications. The M72 was widely adopted by NATO and other armies and the design has sinc been copied in various countries.

In subsequent years the design had been improved and a manufacturing consortium set up. The current version is powered by a much-improved rocket motor and with a variety or more powerful warheads. Although primarily designed for the defeat of light armour, the weapon retains a moderate capability against main battle tanks when engaging them at the top, sides or rear.

The series of new variants, designated the M72A4, M72A5, and M72A6 are man-portable, lightweight, direct fire weapons. The tactical round consists of an in-tube burning free-flight rocket that is factory packed in a disposable telescoped launcher.

Characteristics

 

Rocket Calibre	66mm
Length (not extended)	665mm
Length (extended)	899mm
Weight (not fired)	3.45 kg
Muzzle Velocity	150-200 m/s
Effective Range	Moving- 150m Stationary- 300m
Warhead	M18 or M18A1

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Description

The M2 Carl Gustav is the primary section level anti-tank recoiless rifle which employs two kinds of ammunition for the weapon. The primary round is the High Explosive Anti-Tank commonly referrd to as HEAT. The effective range os this round of ammunition is 700m. The second round is the High Explosive Dual Purpose Round (HEDP). This round was specifically designed to destroy bunkers and fortified positions. The effective range of this ammunition is 500m. The Carl Gustav is best served by a two man crew. One fires the weapon and the other carries ammunitions and acts as the loader. The weapons is fitteed with iron sights, and it is equipped with a 2x optical sight with a 17 degree field of view. It can be fired from the standing, kneeling or prone position. When fired on flat surfaces, the weapon is supported by a flexible bipod mounted immediately in front of the shoulder piece.

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Description and use

The heavy logistic vehicle wheeled (HLVW) is used for heavy lift capabilities. From an inventory of ten variants, these vehicles are providing support to land forces that include territorial defence, domestic emergencies and peacekeeping.

Characteristics

Status

In 1992, 1,212 heavy logistic vehicles were acquired for the Land Force.

Description and use

The medium logistic vehicle wheeled (MLVW) is the backbone of the land force logistic support. These vehicles are used throughout the battlefield in such roles as command and control, troop and cargo transport, maintenance and administrative functions. This vehicle fleet is employed in all land force missions including territorial defence, domestic emergencies and peacekeeping. 

Characteristics

Status

In 1982, 2,769 medium logistic vehicles were procured for the Land Force.

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Description and use

The light support vehicle wheeled (LSVW) replaced the old army fleet of 5/4 ton trucks procured in 1976 and commercial utility cargo vehicles bought in the early 1980s. The fleet consists of a wide variety of configurations, carries four different types of shelters that contain a wide variety of special equipment.  The LSVW is used throughout the battlefield in such roles as command and control, troop transport, line laying, medical evacuation, maintenance, administration and light cargo. The vehicle is air transportable in a CC 130 Hercules aircraft.  It is employed in all land force missions including territorial defence, domestic emergencies and peacekeeping.

Characteristics

Status

Between 1993 and 1997, 2,879 light support vehicles were delivered to the Land Force.

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Description and use

The Iltis is a standard military pattern, 4 x 4, light utility vehicle designed to meet the Army's field force requirements. The vehicle is used primarily for command, liaison, reconnaissance and communication functions.  It is also kitted to carry out cable laying, weapons carrying and ambulance functions. The vehicle is air transportable in a CC 130 Hercules aircraft.  It is employed in all land force missions including territorial defence, domestic emergencies and peacekeeping.

Characteristics

Status

Between 1984 and 1986, 2,500 Iltis vehicles were delivered to the Land Force