Bison

The Bison armored personnel carrier is a workhorse and the pride of Canada. A variant of the Mowag Piranha family, the Bison is an eight-wheeled armored vehicle. The Bison is a part of what is popularly known as the 2nd generation Mowag LAVs. The Canadian Army had purchased 199 Bison since 1990. Initially these APCs were intended for reserve units, however their impressive performance and good all-round qualities convinced military authorities to supply regular army units with these vehicles. Canadian Bisons were deployed during numerous peacekeeping operations all over the world.

It is an 8x8 armored vehicle, which offers an impressive and mobility and cross-country performance. Furthermore the Bison armored personnel carrier offers more space for fully equipped troops comparing with the previous 6x6 APCs. It's crew consists form commander and driver, while commander seats in a raised position similar to main battle tanks. It can carry up to 8 fully equipped soldiers. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via the rear hydraulic ramp.

This armored personnel carrier is amphibious and fords water obstacles with a maximum speed of 10 km/h, by spinning it's wheels.

The Bison carries a 7.62-mm machine gun, placed above the commander's hatch. It is also fitted with a smoke grenade dischargers.

The Bison APC comes in many variants, which have been used for duties like Ambulance, Electronic Warfare, Mobile Repair Team, Maintenance and Recovery, and Reconnaissance.

The newer Bisons have been upgraded with better engines, new torsion bars, effective air conditioning and improved NBC protection. The new and upgraded Bisons are scheduled for delivery until 2008.