I want to begin my official lobbying push to have Mongoose add the LAV to the USMC forces in BF:E. I know that the Stryker had apparently been planned before being dropped in favor of the EFV. I think the EFV is great, but it serves a very different role from the LAVs. I really like the role and function of the LAR (Ligh Armored Recon) Battalions and would want to base my BF:E force around one.
Presently the LAVs are going through an upgrade program to keep them in the field unitl 2015, the beginning of the scope for BF:E, but their replacement is not planned to be fielded until 2024 and not enough is known about it to put it into BF:E at this time. So, my guess would be that the LAV will see additional upgrades to keep it going to 2024. Here is a great article about the current state of the LAV. The LAV Battalions have been so valuable in Iraq, that the USMC is trying to add 5 additioanl LAV Companies.
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2005/Mar/UF-Marine_Corps.htm
Some of the present upgrades for the series includes new fire control and depleted uranium shells for the LAV-25. An upgrade for the LAV-M from the 81mm mortar to a rifled 120mm mortar that the USMC is planning to role out, it will then be called the LAV-EFSS. The LAV-AT is supposed to see a turret upgrade for its TOW missile launcher. There is also an communications upgrade coming for the LAV-C2 command variant, which would serve as a command for the LandWarrior troops.
Also, the only vehicle based AA threat the USMC posseses is the LAV-AD which packs a 25mm gatling gun and a quad Stiner launcher!
Pictures here:
http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_lav.php3
More Info here:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav.htm
The LAV seems like a win for Mongoose from a cost standpoint. They could save on modelling costs with one chassis providing the USMC forces with a APC, AA platform, indirect fire support, and command vehicle. It seems pretty likely they will still be in action in the scope of the game.
So, Mongoose, can I get my hopes up for the LAV making it into BF:E or should I make other plans?
Presently the LAVs are going through an upgrade program to keep them in the field unitl 2015, the beginning of the scope for BF:E, but their replacement is not planned to be fielded until 2024 and not enough is known about it to put it into BF:E at this time. So, my guess would be that the LAV will see additional upgrades to keep it going to 2024. Here is a great article about the current state of the LAV. The LAV Battalions have been so valuable in Iraq, that the USMC is trying to add 5 additioanl LAV Companies.
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2005/Mar/UF-Marine_Corps.htm
Some of the present upgrades for the series includes new fire control and depleted uranium shells for the LAV-25. An upgrade for the LAV-M from the 81mm mortar to a rifled 120mm mortar that the USMC is planning to role out, it will then be called the LAV-EFSS. The LAV-AT is supposed to see a turret upgrade for its TOW missile launcher. There is also an communications upgrade coming for the LAV-C2 command variant, which would serve as a command for the LandWarrior troops.
Also, the only vehicle based AA threat the USMC posseses is the LAV-AD which packs a 25mm gatling gun and a quad Stiner launcher!
Pictures here:
http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_lav.php3
More Info here:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lav.htm
The LAV seems like a win for Mongoose from a cost standpoint. They could save on modelling costs with one chassis providing the USMC forces with a APC, AA platform, indirect fire support, and command vehicle. It seems pretty likely they will still be in action in the scope of the game.
So, Mongoose, can I get my hopes up for the LAV making it into BF:E or should I make other plans?
