"LAV-III vs. LAV-25" Topic

As a follow-up question I had to Incognito's query

TMP link

How similar/different are the LAV-III (Canada) and the LAV-25 (USMC) in terms of shape/size, etc.? From what I understand they are based on slightly different platforms but I'm not sure how that transfers to external features.

Thanks!

The LAV-25 is based on the first generation of MOWAG Piranha series vehicles. LAV-III series vehicles, like the Stryker, are a thid generation. For reference, some Canadian vehicles like the Coyote, are based on the second generation of Piranhas. While basically similar in configuration, the first and third generation vehicles are very distinct.

they do look very simmilar, but essentialy the lav 3's are slightly longer and higher.
the side slope on the lav 2 series is at a shallower angle than the lav 3, giving less interior space.
the hight of the lav 3 also increses the space inside by quite a bit.
think of a lav 3 as a stryker with a turret from a lav 25.
not all the lav 3 series are the same, the new zealand lav differs from the canadian one, mostly in engine deck.

Also, aren't the LAV-25/LAV2 designed more as AFVs/Cavalry vehicles? They do have the ability to transport troops, but their primary mission is to be a light armored fighting vehicle. Whereas the LAV3/Stryker are built primarily to be troop transports? Also, the LAV3 has the ability to be built as various supporting variants such as mortar carrier, command vehicle, fire support vehicle, and on and on. I only remember one variant for the LAV-25: mortar carrier.

If that's the case then the LAV3/Stryker is more versatile.

Also, the LAV3 has the ability to be built as various supporting variants such as mortar carrier, command vehicle, fire support vehicle, and on and on. I only remember one variant for the LAV-25: mortar carrier.

There were other LAV-25 variants, we just didn't buy them.

OTOH, the LAV-3 is somewhat larger and higher-capacity, and is thus more versatile.
-Kle.

I saw a photo on another message board of the LAV-III parked next to a LAV-25, and the III looked a little bigger, but otherwise about the same. The III is somewhat up-armored, and the guy who posted the photo attributed the size difference to the increased armor, but I personally can't confirm that.

I only remember one variant for the LAV-25: mortar carrier.

The Marines have/had a mortar carrier (LAV-M; and apparently there are plans for one with the EFSS mortar), TOW carrier (LAV-TOW or LAV-25 TOW), command vehicle (LAV-C2; which I believe was the basis for their EW vehicle, LAV-MEWSS), and logistics/recovery vehicle (LAV-LOG/LAV-R). There was an air defense vehicle (LAV-AD), but these have definitely been withdrawn from service. The US Army was part of the initial program and intended to utilize the vehicle as a personnel carrier IIRC, as well as in other roles, for the proposed motorized division that had come out of the Army 86 force structure developments. Its also important to note that the USMC LAV A2 upgrades are not to be confused with second generation vehicles.

The MOWAG Piranha series was developed a pretty broad vehicle type for almost any application. MOWAG offered 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 10x10 configurations for both the first and second generation vehicles. I'm not aware of a 10x10 third generation offering. These included all sorts of variants.

" The US Army was part of the initial program and intended to utilize the vehicle as a personnel carrier IIRC, as well as in other roles, for the proposed motorized division that had come out of the Army 86 force structure developments."

And I was sorely disappointed when I joined the Army and didn't see them. After all, they WERE in Twilight 2000! 8D

And where were the M1A2 Giraffes for that matter????

Does anyone make a LAV-III, or would I be committing some modern wargaming sin to just use the LAV-25 to represent it?

Strykers are based on the LAV IIIH. If you're trying to replicate the Canadian LAV-III/LORIT, then depending the scale you might be able to combine a M1126 Stryker with the turret from a LAV-25. It wouldn't be a 100% accurate (there are important differences in the base Canadian vehicle from the Strykers), but it would be closer than using a LAV-25.

Do the LAV-IIIs have the rollover problem and visibility issues the Strykers have?

Thanks. Sounds like it's just a pain in the behind either way!

what scale are you after
as we do make 2 lav 3's in 20mm (1/72 scale)
picture
if you would like a list please email me
sales@sandsmodels.com
thanks
shaun

Shaun, I was looking for 15mm.

ah, that's a pity, i am not sure who does any in 15mm, what about qrf?
they do a lot of modern vehicles.
you could of course change scales!
drastic i know but it's an option
thanks
shaun

Hi,

I was out of the Canadian Infantry before they got the 6x6 Piranha which to my knowledge the Cougar which had the British Scorpion turret with the 76mm gun on it. Originally it was just to be used as a tank training vehicle. But it served in Bosnia IIRC.
The infantry carrier was the 6x6 Grizzly which had a turret with a 7.62 Mg and a .50 cal.
The Husky ws a recovery vehicle.
I can't recall other versions.
I think Trumpeteer makes 1/72 scale version of them.

Now I can't speak of the LAV 25 and LAV III with much knowledge, except seeing some at displays.
I've seen an engineering vehicle with dozer and hole auger and think a backhoe.
On the highway I have seen two 8x8 with a turret and a larger gun which may have been a 90mm. It wasn't a Stryker MGS as it was an acctual turret.

Can't recall who mad itr but I picked up some 1/72 Strykers pre made such as vehicles by Dragon.

Just spotted this one… you after a LAV III in 15mm?

Yes!