MDT David
{{Infobox weapon
| name = MDT David
| image = David-1.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = A MDT David
| origin = United States
| type = Light Armored Vehicle
| is_ranged =
| is_bladed =
| is_explosive =
| is_artillery =
| is_vehicle = yes
| is_missile =
| is_UK =
| service = 2007–present
| used_by = See Users
| wars =
| designer =
| design_date =
| manufacturer = MDT Armor Corporation, Shladot
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 2006–present
| number =
| variants =
| spec_label =
| weight = Land Rover Defender 110: {{convert|3800|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}},
Toyota Hilux LC79: {{convert|4700|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (Gross weight){{cite web| url=http://www.mdt-armor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MDT_David_Brochure_LR.pdf | title=MDT David brochure | publisher=MDT Armor Corporation | accessdate=13 April 2015}}
| length = Land Rover Defender 110: {{convert|4470|mm|ft|0|abbr=on}},
Toyota Hilux LC79: {{convert|5040|mm|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| part_length =
| width = Land Rover Defender 110: {{convert|1790|mm|ft|0|abbr=on}},
Toyota Hilux LC79: {{convert|1972|mm|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| height = Land Rover Defender 110: {{convert|2035|mm|ft|0|abbr=on}},
Toyta Hilux LC79: {{convert|2227|mm|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| diameter =
| crew = 4 – 6
| armour =
| primary_armament =
| secondary_armament =
| engine = Turbocharged inter-cooled diesel engine
| engine_power = Land Rover Defender 110: {{convert|122|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} @ 3500 rpm,
Toyota Land Cruiser LC79: {{convert|129|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} @ 3,800rpm
| pw_ratio =
| transmission = Manual, 5/6 forward
| payload_capacity =
| suspension = Suspension can either be based on a Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Land Rover Defender.
| clearance =
| fuel_capacity =
| vehicle_range =
| speed =
| guidance =
| steering =
| drive = Permanent 4 wheel drive, Part time 4X4
}}
The MDT David is an ultra light armored personnel carrier and light Armored Vehicle assembled by MDT Armor Corporation, an American subsidiary of Shladot LTD.{{cite web | url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/50835 | title=Israel's Shladot company to supply IDF with dozens of David light armored vehicles | Israel Defense }} The vehicle is based on Land Rover Defender and Toyota Hilux platforms and replaces the AIL Storm.
History
On September 6, 2006, MDT Armor Corp was awarded a contract worth $10.1 million under a firm-fixed-price contract with an estimated completion date on July 30, 2007.{{Cite web |title=$10.1M Order for MDT David Up-Armored Urban Vehicles - Defense Industry Daily |url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/101m-order-for-mdt-david-uparmored-urban-vehicles-02581/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website= |language=en}} On October 7, 2009, Arotech and Israel Military Industries (IMI) representatives signed an agreement to jointly work together and market the David worldwide except for India, Israel and the US.{{Cite web |last= |date=2009-10-06 |title=Arotech, IMI to Jointly Market David Vehicle |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/arotech-imi-to-jointly-market-david-vehicle/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Defense aerospace |language=en-US}}
On July 8, 2020, MDT Armor Corp was awarded a contract by US Army Contracting Command to purchase Davids under a $9,982,848 firm-fixed-price contract with an estimated completion date by October 31, 2022.{{Cite web |last= |date=2021-07-09 |title=MDT Armor DAVID Urban LACV Contract Award |url=https://www.joint-forces.com/defence-equipment-news/44915-mdt-armor-david-urban-lacv-contract-award |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Joint Forces News |language=en-GB}} On July 19, 2020, Chad received 28 Davids for operations under the G5 Sahel.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-19 |title=US comes through for Chad with 28 David armored vehicles, 10 trucks, other equipment |url=https://www.military.africa/2020/07/us-comes-through-for-chad-with-28-david-armored-vehicles-10-trucks-other-equipment/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Military Africa |language=en-US}} 88 more were provided in 2021.
On March 30, 2023, MDT Armor Corp was awarded a contract by US Army Contracting Command to purchase Davids under a $21,913,585 firm-fixed-price contract, which is expected to be concluded by September 30, 2025.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-04-01 |title=New MDT Armor DAVID Urban LACV FMS Contract |url=https://www.joint-forces.com/defence-equipment-news/63066-new-mdt-armor-david-urban-lacv-fms-contract |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Joint Forces News |language=en-GB}} On October 19, 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Defense reported initial deliveries made from the US.{{Cite web |title=US delivers David light armored vehicles to Israel amid ongoing war {{!}} Defense News October 2023 Global Security army industry {{!}} Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 {{!}} Archive News year |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2023_global_security_army_industry/us_delivers_david_light_armored_vehicles_to_israel_amid_ongoing_war.html |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=20 October 2023 }}
On April 15, 2024, Ecauador received 45 Davids, using the Toyota 79 chassis, with them being used in anti-terrorist operations.{{cite web | url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/62141 | title=Ecuadorian Army Deploys "David" Vehicles in Anti-Terror Operations | Israel Defense | date=15 April 2024 }} On August 11, 2024, Ecuador received a total of 90 Davids.https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/62814 By December 10, 2024, all of the Davids were delivered.https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/ecuador-deploys-over-100-new-israeli-mdt-david-and-south-african-mbombe-6-armored-vehicles-to-address-escalating-violence
Design
It is designed to provide protection in low intensity conflict. It is capable of resistance from assault rifle fire, blast from floor and roof, and limited protection against Improvised Explosive Devices.{{cite web | url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/d/david.htm | title=David – Light Armored Combat Vehicle | accessdate=14 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218211821/http://www.defense-update.com/products/d/david.htm | archive-date=18 February 2012 | url-status=dead }}
The David has a 4-cylinder, turbocharged inter-cooled diesel engine. It can accommodate 4–6 fully armed people with three doors, roof hatch and 4–6 windows.{{cite web | url=http://www.mdt-armor.com/armored-vehicles-military-law-enforcment/land-rover-basedfamily/david/ | title=The David | date=7 October 2012 | publisher=MDT Armor Corporation| accessdate=14 April 2015}}
Users
- {{flag|Chad}}: Provided 28 Davids in 2020 by Washington DC for Chadian troops under the Special Anti-Terrorism Group in the G5 Sahel. 88 Davids provided to Chad in 2021.
- {{flag|Ecuador}}: Acquired 45 out of 137 Davids with a Toyota Hilux 79 chassis under a contract worth $67,284,313 in April 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/62141 | title=Ecuadorian Army Deploys "David" Vehicles in Anti-Terror Operations | Israel Defense | date=15 April 2024 }} 90 Davids were received in August 2024. Contract completed in December 2024. Outfitted with Browning M2A2 QCB COAX HMGs.
- {{flag|Israel}}: Used in the IDF.{{Cite news |title=Shladot's David: IDF's Dominant Armored Vehicle |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/haaretz-labels/se/2023-08-29/ty-article-labels/.premium/shladots-david-idfs-dominant-armored-vehicle/0000018a-4139-dbb1-a1ff-413d25e10000 |access-date=2023-12-20}} 370 Davids are in service and are expected to be retired from active service after 2027.{{Cite web |title=Israel to receive more David vehicles {{!}} Shephard |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/israel-receive-more-david-vehicles/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.shephardmedia.com |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- [http://www.mdt-armor.com//armored-vehicles-military-law-enforcment/land-rover-basedfamily/david/ MDT David]
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Automotive industry in Israel}}
Category:Military vehicles of Israel
Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles
Category:Armoured cars of Israel
Category:Compact sport utility vehicles
{{Modern-auto-stub}}