LAV-75; Stingray; M8 AGS

[Raellus]

Thanks, Leg. I'll have to take a closer look at the numbers tomorrow. The pic you posted at the bottom left looks most like the M20 Ridgway. The caption says "30 ton configuration with skirst and applique". That's pretty darn close to the weight I listed in my stat block. Lucky guess!

[Targan]

The pic you posted at the bottom left looks most like the M20 Ridgway. The caption says "30 ton configuration with skirst and applique". That's pretty darn close to the weight I listed in my stat block. Lucky guess!

Well the caption says ton and 30 short tons = 27.2155 tonnes so actually it's eerily similar to the compromise weight of 25 tonnes you suggested. So either way you choose to interpret it they're good guesses indeed.

[Raellus]

M20 Ridgway

Thanks for all of the feedback. I could probably continue to tweak it for weeks but I'm pretty happy with this version so I think I'll call it a day. Here's the final draft.

[Tegyrius]

I summon this thread to rise from the grave!

Ahem.

While looking for some unrelated miniatures information, I stumbled across an offering of a metal and resin Stingray kit in 1/48th scale (should be an acceptable, albeit not perfect, fit with 25mm/28mm miniatures):

http://www.hlbs.co.uk/product.phpid=725

Take note of the paint scheme.

- C.

[Raellus]

That is B2 from the v1.0 U.S. Army Vehicle Guide!

[Matt Wiser]

It is, indeed!

[robert.munsey]

Passive IR uses artificial illumination to see in low light conditions. Note that I said low light conditions.

FLIR is a common term used for what others call a 'thermal' sight. This type of sight allows the users to see via the heat radiated by the objects. It is much better than passive sights as FLIR does not require illumination and can allow the operator to see through smoke and fog.
Here is a very good history on the subject, plus a kewl army video!

http://www.nvl.army.mil/history.html

HEre is another website for history on NODS;

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/nvg.htm

and a couple more that explain the difference with pictures;

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/night-vision-vs-thermal-vision-what-you-cant-see-can-hurt-you/

http://www.infrared1.com/ANIR.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_vision

What's the difference between FLIR and passive IR

[Targan]

Yay M-8 AGS! Maybe coming back from the dead

http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2015/10/russia-mind-bae-revives-light-tank-90s/122731/

[swaghauler]

Real World LAV-75 Alternatives.

There is still a "near 75mm" option for the LAV-75. Considering how "Anti-Aircraft Weapons light" both the Army and the Marines are; One can easily see them adopting "off the shelf" alternatives to fill the AA and light AT gaps in the inventory. That "off the shelf" alternative would be the OTO Melara 76/62mm Compact Rapid Fire Cannon. Originally built as a compact self contained naval cannon; OTO Melara designed a special turret to fit on armored vehicles in the 90's but saw no real sales. I could see both the Army and Marines buying the turrets and fitting them to either a tracked or LAV chassis (the original Italian design was mounted on a MOWAG chassis). This would give such a force both a heavy AA capability AND a light AT capability in one gun. The only disadvantage I could see, is that the gun turret is very high/tall. It was fitted with a radar as well. This means that you could use this vehicle as a "picket" for your forces. The only target it couldn't engage is an MTB.

[Nowhere Man 1966]

I'm sure somewhere, Tim, "TR" Walker is very happy about this if it goes through. IIRC, he was a big supporter of the M-8 Buford in the 1990's.

[pmulcahy11b]

Yay M-8 AGS! Maybe coming back from the dead

http://www.defenseone.com/technology...nk-90s/122731/

I like the article along the sidebar: "Don't chase Putin out of Syria; let him fail on his own." That may be a valid strategy!

[swaghauler]

Doesn't the STRYKER already come in a variant with the 105mm low recoil gun

[Matt Wiser]

No doubt. I liked the vehicle since I saw it in Tom Clancy's Armored Cav. Clancy never forgave the Clinton Administration for canceling the vehicle to pay for the Bosnia Peacekeeping Force.

[pmulcahy11b]

Doesn't the STRYKER already come in a variant with the 105mm low recoil gun

It's also a taller vehicle that is much more difficult to airdrop.

[LT. Ox]

don't understand

It's also a taller vehicle that is much more difficult to airdrop.

Sorry, I am not used to the idea but why is it harder to kick out
Is it the Center of g or is it because of the height at the door