Stryker vs. LAV

[Stingray]

With the advent of the Marine Module, can some one explain the similarities and differences of the Army Stryker vs. the USMC LAV ?

IIRC, the Stryker was developed using the LAV as the base vehicle. Is this true?

Waiting anxiously for the USMC to arrive !!!

Thanks

Stingray

[YankeeDog]

While, AFAIK, the Strkyer was not directly based in any way on the marine LAV, they're both based on the Mowag Piranha, so they're in the same family.

Google will get you many more details. There are multiple variants of each (IFV, TOW, Mortar, Command, etc.). There is no LAV equivalent to the Strkyer MGS, though.

Here's quick summary of the major differences between the most common, IFV variants of each:

LAV-25: Amphibious (non-surf, so it can only handle fairly flat bodies of water), 25mm bushmaster autocannon and coaxial 7.62mm MG in manned turret. 3 crew, capacity for 6 dismounts.

Strkyer: RWS with either .50 M2 MG or Mk19 40mm Grenade launcher. 2 crew, capacity for up to 11 dismounts.

So, compared to the Strkyer IFV the LAV-25 has more firepower, and the ability to cross calm bodies of water. To gain these advantages, it gives up dismount capacity.

[gibsonm]

USMC LAV-25 = 1st Generation LAV

NZ LAV = 2nd Generation LAV

Stryker = 3rd Generation LAV

All have a common ancestor in the Mowag Piranha but each is a development based on lessons learned and technological changes since the earlier version came out.

So while the 8 wheel layout is common (earliest versions were only 6 wheeled) after that they diverge, sometimes markedly.

[Holman]

How many LAVs serve in a Marine platoon? With those big squads and six-seat vehicles, I'm guessing a company looks like a convoy!

Or are there LAV variants with more seating involved? And are the LAVs integral to the platoon or considered attached assets?

[flamingknives]

USMC LAVs are recce assets, so IIRC they have smaller squads to match the vehicle.

[MikeyD]

I doubt there's so much as a widget that's shared between LAV and Stryker. Stryker's a frickin' MONSTER compared to the little LAV. Remember, LAV only carries 6 while Stryker holds 12. it'll be interesting pitting them against eachother in the game. LAV-25's gun can easily hole a Stryker, but Stryker's .50 cal can easily hole the thinner-skinned LAV in return. Aren't the Marines buying a new batch of LAVs, the LAV A2? Based more on the Canadian and Aussie LAV because the Marine's base vehicle's long out of production? I've only spotted two confirmed photos of the thing.

[YankeeDog]

IIRC, the Lav2 is an extensive re-work and upgrade of the existing LAVs, not a purchase of new chassis. It may well incoporate some of the improvements developed for other models.

[Snake Raper]

The Stryker system is based off of the LAV 3 chassis, not the LAV 25. Similar in design but different generation as stated.

[Echo]

LAV-25s are recon units, they only carry 4 Marine scouts. My brother (marine scout) rode with the A company, 3rd LAR all the way into Baghdad. Theyre alot meaner than Strykers (25 mike mike).

[Huntarr]

HI-REZ set just a taste

[Holman]

My primitive world-war-2-analogy brainstem is thinking "M8 Greyhound."

[Stingray]

Is the USMC in Iraq or Afganistan currently using the LAV-25 or other variants? How do they compare with the Strykers as far as survivablility? What do the grunts think about them?

[Huntarr]

Stingray if you read the notes for those pics I linked you'll see that The Corps has been using them since the 90's in Iraq. LAV's swim, Strykers sink.