The BLUF:
I am looking for a good pic of two of the rear interior area on the new M7A4 BFIST.
The vehicle:
This is the latest version M7A4 BFIST (Bradley Fires Integration Support Team) vehicle that is used by Artillery observers in mechanized and tank companies.
It has all the features of the new A4 version Bradleys, which can be seen here:
It also has a targeting box replacing the TOW box. Inside the targeting box is a G/VLLD (Ground/Vehicle Laser Locator Designator) sight used by the arty observers to locate, and laser-designate targets to obtain target locations. The targeting box is available from @Model_Monkey as an excellent 3D printed part.
The build:
I plan to build one using Magic Factory’s newly released M2A4 IFV kit, the Model Monkey targeting box, and a Meng interior.
The dilemma:
The older version of BFISTs (M7A2 and M7A3) had the below interior setup.
I have built an earlier M7A2 BFIST using this interior setup.
It appears that the M7A4 has a different interior set-up as compared to earlier BFISTs. It looks like the computer station has been made smaller and is on the right sidewall, as opposed to the earlier setup of it facing to the front (operator facing the rear) on the right side. I can’t tell what type or where the operator’s seat is either. It looks like it might fold up. I wish I could find better pics, but this is it so far.
The ask:
Does anyone have any other pics of the rear cabin on an M7A4 BFIST? Or does anyone know an active Soldier who has access to an M7A4 BFIST and could supply a pic or two of the rear cabin?
Hey man, I made an account so I could post these lol. I went through the OPNET for the M7a4 last year, got this picture here that might be able to help you out if you’re still looking after all this time haha.
Thank you Salvatore. That is exactly what I am looking for. I am still looking for better pics and haven’t started it yet. Any chance you have another that shows more of the right side of the hull where the radios are? Or if not, can you explain it? Is it basically the same as on the M7A2/A3?
You have always come thru for me when I needed pics and I greatly appreciate that. I still feel like I owe you a beer if you ever have time in Colorado Springs.
I’m glad to have helped.
I’m there less often but next trip is in July. Too bad Southside Johnny’s has been gome a number of years, as has the Martini Bar connected to it by way of that Hip Hop place. What an odd combination of locales. While I prefer a good hole-in-the-wall, Bristol is never a bad choice. I can’t believe they discontinued Fat Tire altogether. What’s going on in the world?
I will be using the Magic Factory M2A4, a modified Meng M2A3 interior, Model Monkey targeting head, and a couple 3D printed parts from Jacques. It will still be a little while before I get started though. I need to finish up the M6A3 and have at least one more on deck first.
I got home at midnight last night to discover that the first of my three Magic Factory kits did indeed arrive. Unfortunately, by 0630 this morning I was on my way to Colorado and then Montana. No time to fondle the parts even. But I did have time to confirm at least some of the fears that I had about the inaccuracies. So far I’ve been able to identify 12 of them. but I’m not going to encroach on your thread with that. When I get started, I’ll identify them as I go. I’ll be doing an M7A4 as well, but it’s probably going to be second on my list.
They are radically different vehicles. The M6A4 is a hypothetical vehicle made by adding the M-SHORAD parts to the M2A4 kit. It is similar to what I am building using an M2a3 to build a hypothetical M6A3.
I’m picking up our bikes in Pueblo this evening and going as far north as I can before I pass out. I hope to make it at least as far as Cheyenne. I worked a security detail last night until 12.
This is a club event, so no distractions allowed. Although the Fat Boy does have saddlebags, they’re generally reserved for important things like ammunition and water.
