February 2, 2025: Residents of Vernon got a rare glimpse of a Canadian military Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) on Sunday afternoon as it rolled down 27th Street, its imposing frame and rugged off-road tires drawing attention.
The yellow military plate confirmed its status as an active-duty vehicle used by the Canadian Armed Forces for reconnaissance, patrols, and convoy security.
Built by Textron Systems Canada in Ste-Hyacinthe, Quebec, the TAPV has been in service since 2016, replacing older reconnaissance vehicles like the RG-31 Nyala and Coyote.
Designed for high survivability in combat zones, it boasts ballistic armor resistant to 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds, a V-shaped hull to protect against roadside bombs, and run-flat tires for continued mobility even after sustaining damage.
The TAPV is equipped with a Remote Weapons Station (RWS), which can be fitted with a .50 caliber heavy machine gun, a 40mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL), or a C6 7.62mm machine gun, allowing the crew to fire from within the armored cabin. A Battle Management System (BMS) and thermal imaging enhance its reconnaissance capabilities, making it an asset in both combat and peacekeeping operations.
Weighing in at 18.5 tons, the TAPV is heavier and better protected than the U.S. M1117 Guardian, but lighter than fully mechanized combat vehicles like the German-built Boxer CRV.
While it lacks the amphibious capability of some other armored vehicles, it excels in off-road mobility, reaching speeds of 105 km/h and traveling up to 650 km on a full tank.
For Vernon residents, this military-grade machine was an unusual sight, but for Canadian forces, it’s a battle-proven patrol vehicle built to withstand the toughest conditions.
Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle Spotted in Vernon
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