USMC LAV questions

[twong]

First question, does anyone know what that box is by the M240? The page I got the image from says Desert Storm. Any other images of that box?

Image was found here.
https://nara.getarchive.net/media/a-marine-from-company-c-2nd-light-armored-infantry-battalion-looks-out-from-7e11cc

Second question. Does anyone have any info on this LAV-AT. It is showing a TOW launcher in front of the Hammerhead turret. The caption says it is from OIF. Anyone have any other images of this LAV-AT?

This is the link I got the image from.

Us Marines 3rd Lar Move Cautiously Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image |...

[Jakko]

That second TOW launcher is just the normal tripod for it, set up on the roof of the vehicle.

[SableLiger]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but on the first image; it looks to me like an AN/TAS-4 Night SIght, typical of older M220 launcher units, is mounted to the right of the M240.

Newer units feature an integrated Day/Night scope system, developed by Raytheon.

[twong]

Thanks! I will check it out.

[twong]

Thanks! I wanted to see how it was sitting on the hull or if anyone knew the story about that specific vehicle.

[Stikpusher]

@SableLiger

Correct me if I’m wrong, but on the first image; it looks to me like an AN/TAS-4 Night SIght,

It actually looks to be the AN/TAS-4A off of the TOW 2 system by the cables. The -4 didn’t have those additional hook ups. I used both types once upon a time… I’m curious how the LAV-25 obtained that one as they are usually issued one per system and it is a “sensitive item”’for accountability.

[SableLiger]

I don’t know how the Marines do their logistics, but in the Army, it would’ve been “laterally transferred” on a temporary basis via a DA-3161 form. “Essential equipment needed for a very specific purpose”. Maybe that vehicle is a Platoon Leader or Company Commander vehicle, which would require that piece of equipment.

[twong]

@Stikpusher, @SableLiger, thanks! I tried looking up the LAV with the AN/TAS-4 and AN/TAS-4A and couldn’t find any more images or any information of that LAV or any others. Seems to be a one off photo.

[TopSmith]

I am guessing the Hammer Head is dead lined and the ground mount is the “Plan B”

[Stikpusher]

@TopSmith

guessing the Hammer Head is dead lined and the ground mount is the “Plan B”

A rather frequent occurrence in old AT company M901s. They used the same turret.

[twong]

@TopSmith, thanks! I also tried looking up more information and images of that LAV-AT and found nothing more on it. You could very well be correct about it being plan B.

[Trisaw]

The USMC LAV-ATs now have a different (better) launcher than the M901 Hammerhead.

I don’t know of anyone who makes a 1/35 new launcher in plastic or resin…you might have to look at 3D prints.

https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/1731874/lav-anti-tank-weapon-system-to-reach-foc-by-end-of-2019/

[twong]

That’s the newer LAV-A2 version. They have a newer TOW launcher.

The original LAV-AT has the same TOW launcher as the M901.

[Trisaw]

Got it, thanks.

Yes, the LAV-A2 has the bolt-on appliqué armor, increasing armor protection to 14.5mm AP all around whereas the LAV has 7.62mm AP protection front and 7.62mm ball protection elsewhere.

[twong]

Trumpeter makes the whole range of original USMC LAVs in 1/35. The only newer LAV-A2 kit they have is the LAV-25A2.