LAV-25: The Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle

Description

The Light Armored Vehicle 25 (LAV-25) has played a significant role in transforming United States Marine Corps doctrine since its introduction in the early 1980s. The Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle program was based on the proven Swiss MOWAG Piranha series of 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 wheeled vehicles. However, developing organizational units, tactics, and employment of the weapon system within the force structure of the Marine Corps proved to be more of a challenge than fielding the weapon system. This resulted in multiple re-designations for LAV units within the Corps. The LAV first saw combat in Panama during Operation Just Cause and LAV-25s have fought in every major conflict since, including Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This book covers the design, development, and deployment of this continuingly successful vehicle.

James D'Angina is the former Curator for the US Army's Air Defense Artillery Museum, Fort Bliss, and has written multiple articles for the US Air Force and the United States Marine Corps.

"Author James D'Angina covers the full history of this vehicle from its development, use in the Corps and the various places it has seen duty. We get to look at several of its systems and how the LAV-25 has been improved over the years. All of this is accompanied by a superb selection of color photos and the illustrations of artist Henry Morshead. Overall, an excellent reference into this fascinating and highly utilitarian vehicle and one that you should get for your library." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness