Special Operations.Com
Desert
Patrol Vehicle
Navy SEALs demonstrating
the Desert Patrol Vehicle. Photo copyright
by Jim Sugar Photography. Not for distribution.
The DPV is correctly named the Desert
Patrol/Light Strike Vehicle. It is a modified
Chenowth, off-road, three-man, 2x4 racing vehicle.
The DPV is designed to operate anywhere a four-wheel
drive can, with additional speed and maneuverability.
The DPV performs numerous combat roles
including, but not limited to: special operations
delivery vehicle, command and control (C2) vehicle,
rear area combat operation vehicle, reconnaissance
vehicle, forward observation/lasing team and artillery
forward observer vehicle. The weapons systems
used with the DPV's are: MK 19 40 mm grenade
launcher, M2HB .50 cal. machine gun, M60 7.62mm machine
gun, AT-4 Missile and M3 Carl Gustav recoilless rifle.
The addition of a third seat for a gunner, and additional
mounts for weapons systems has enhanced its effectiveness.
The DPV's gained widespread public attention
during Operation Desert Storm when they were used
by SEALs in the liberation of the U.S. Embassy in
Kuwait City and in providing security for the U.S.
Ambassador upon his return. Speed, maneuverability
and versatility in the sand made the DPV one of the
main modes of land travel by the SEAL teams during
the campaign.
