LIV (SO) Serval

Light Infantry Vehicle for Special Operations LIV (SO) Serval
German LIV (SO)
Type	Light Utility Vehicle
Place of origin	Germany
Service history
In service	2004 - present
Used by	Operators
Production history
Manufacturer	Rheinmetall
No. built	21+
Specifications
Weight	3,500 kg (7,700 lb)
Length	5.64 m (222.0 in)
Width	2.50 m (98.4 in)
Height	2.30 m (90.6 in)
Crew	4
Main armament	1 × 40 mm HK GMG or .50 caliber heavy machine gun
Secondary armament	2× Rheinmetall MG3 7.62×51mm general purpose machine guns
Engine	2.685 litre, 5 cylinder diesel engine 156 hp (116 kW)
Payload capacity	1,200 kg (2,600 lb)
Transmission	5 speed automatic
Fuel capacity	150 L (33 imp gal; 40 US gal)
Operational range	830 km (520 mi)
Speed	120 km/h (75 mph)

The Rheinmetall LandSysteme Light Infantry Vehicle for Special Operations, or LIV (SO), is a German light armoured utility vehicle developed from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It is also known by the names serval, Wolf and AGF. As the name implies, the LIV (SO) is designed specifically for use by special operations forces, and has light armour, high mobility and high firepower. Development of the vehicle started in 2002, and 21 were procured by the German Army for the KSK special forces in 2004. An unspecified number of vehicles were delivered to the Swiss Army in 2007.

The name "Rheinmetall LandSysteme (RLS) Light Infantry Vehicle for Special Operations" is abbreviated as LIV (SO). It is also marketed under the names Wolf and Serval. The German name for the LIV (SO) is Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeug, meaning "reconnaissance and combat vehicle". The vehicle is also marketed by the abbreviation of this name, AGF, without translation. The LIV (SO) is also referred to by a combination of these names, such as LIV (SO) Wolf, LIV (SO) Serval and Serval AGF.

Rheinmetall was awarded the contract for the LIV (SO) by Germany's Ministry of Defence in 2002. The vehicles were required on an immediate need basis, and Rheinmetall were given only 10 months to deliver the first example of the vehicle. The initial order was for 21 vehicles, all of which were delivered to German special forces units in 2004. The Swiss Army obtained several modified LIV(SO)s in 2007. The LIV (SO) was also considered for purchase by Lithuania in 2005, although the final contract was given to Land Rover.

The LIV (SO) is developed on the chassis and running gear of the 270 CDI model of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. However, the gross vehicle weight rating and wheelbase of the LIV (SO) are both higher than that of the normal G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz developed chassis, complete with the engine compartments, is fitted with rear compartment and frame to complete the vehicle, which are designed by Rheinmetall developed by Binz GmbH & Co. The frame provides roll-over protection. The LIV (SO) is four-wheel driven, and is powered by a 2,685 cc (163.8 cu in) 5-cylinder diesel engine capable of producing 156 horsepower (116 kW). The engine is low grade fuel tolerant, and complies with the Euro 3 emission standards. The transmission is a Mercedes-Benz 5-speed automatic.