Difference between revisions of "LAV-AD"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_lav_ad
 
|code=us_lav_ad
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_Hydra-70.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
In September 1982, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) adopted General Motors' submission in the LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) program as the LAV-25 in order to improve the strategic mobility of the USMC divisions. With enhanced mobility, there was a concern of these units out-speeding the anti-aircraft defense units, especially against short-range, low-altitude aircraft. As such, in 1991, the USMC sought for a low-altitude air defence system capable of supporting a rapidly moving LAV (also known as Light Armored Infantry (LAI)) battalion. The LAV-25 was chosen as the basis to keep pace with the unit, and configuration tests began in 1992 with a rapid-firing rotary cannon and Stinger missiles. By 1996, the Light Armored Vehicle - Air Defence (LAV-AD) was put into production and the USMC received 17 units by 1997.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the LAV-AD meets the expectation set in its name. It is a lightly armoured vehicle intended for air defence. As such, the armour is basically non-existent, with even heavy machine guns having the capability of penetrating through the side armour. However, the LAV-AD has the provisions to provide close air defence with its Stinger missiles and rotary cannon. The Stinger missile helps reach out to far away enemy targets, ideally under 3 km away for the best effect of either hitting the target or tracking it enough that the enemy is forced to perform evasive manoeuvres that may break off their attack run. If the enemy closes within the Stinger's minimal arming distance, the rotary cannon could help provide the last-ditch effort to knock down the enemy aircraft before it can destroy the LAV-AD or its teammates. For a more ground-attack based role, the LAV-AD can also be equipped with M247 rocket pods in place of its Stinger missiles to complement its HVAP ammo belt that could help take care of lightly armoured targets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
As the name of the vehicle implies, the LAV-AD is not very well armored in any area and can even be penetrated by heavy machine guns in the rear and side. To compensate, its mobility is excellent and it can travel across the battlefield very quickly; making it much more survivable.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
* High hardness rolled armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Aluminium alloy 7039 (front lower glacis)
 +
* Bulletproof glass (windows)
 +
* Wheel (tires)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 15 mm (45°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 7.31 mm (66°) ''Upper glacis'' || 7.31 mm (35°) ''Top'' <br> 7.31 mm (0-20°) ''Bottom'' || 7.31 mm (15°) || 7.31 mm <br> 5 mm ''Engine vents''
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Turret || 12.7 mm (49°) ''Turret front'' <br> 60 mm (49°) ''Windows'' || 7.31 mm (9-10°) <br> 60 mm (9°) ''Windows'' || 7.31 mm (0-31°) || 7.31 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* Belly armour is 7.31 mm thick.
 +
* Wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
The LAV-AD's mobility is rather superb. As a wheeled vehicle, it has good speed on roads. Despite being similar in appearance and having a weaker engine than the [[M1128]], the LAV-AD accelerates much faster due to its lighter weight, resulting in a higher power-to-weight ratio, and it also has a slightly faster reverse speed. The engine is also relatively quiet, allowing for stealthy movements and ambushes.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=391|rbMinHp=243}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|GAU-12U (25 mm)}}
 
{{main|GAU-12U (25 mm)}}
  
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
The main armament of the LAV-AD is the 25 mm GAU-12U rotary autocannon. It functions similarly to the 20 mm [[M168 (20 mm)|M168]] Vulcan found on the [[M163]] earlier on in the tech tree, but with a reduced ammo capacity of only 1,000 rounds total (500 ready, 500 reserve instead of 1,100 ready, 1,100 reserve) and fire rate (1,800 rpm instead of 3,000 rpm) due to the limited room in the vehicle and larger calibre ammunition. The gun is also fully stabilized, with handling akin to that of the [[HSTV-L]]; slower than the [[M163]] and [[M247]] Sergeant York but still fast enough to react to most aerial targets at close range, particularly helicopters and slow, low-flying jets. Like most other AAs, it comes with a Default, AP, and HE belt. The Default belt has a 1:1 AP to HE ratio and is the only belt the vehicle has access to when stock. The HE belt has a 3:1 HE to AP ratio while the AP belt has a 3:1 AP to HE ratio. The former is more effective against aircraft while the latter is more effective against armoured vehicles. The AP round is the same across all belts, and can penetrate 66 mm of flat armour at point blank range. Combined with the relatively high fire rate, it can easily destroy barrels, tracks, and machine guns with ease as well as being able to shred light vehicles.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 1,000 (500) || rowspan="2" | 2,200 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+65° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 1,155 (385) || rowspan="2" | 1,800 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 50.2 || 69.5 || 84.4 || 93.3 || 99.2 || rowspan="2" | 26.00 || rowspan="2" | 23.00 || rowspan="2" | 21.20 || rowspan="2" | 20.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 33.9 || 39.9 || 48.5 || 53.6 || 57.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
  
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}
−
* '''PGU-25/U:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}
+
* '''PGU-25/U:''' {{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}
−
* '''PGU-20/U:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
+
* '''PGU-20/U:''' {{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:GAU-12U (25 mm)/Ammunition|HEI*, HVAP}}
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || 91 || 85 || 64 || 45 || 32 || 22
 
−
|-
 
−
| PGU-25/U || 91 || 85 || 64 || 45 || 32 || 22
 
−
|-
 
−
| PGU-20/U || 91 || 85 || 64 || 45 || 32 || 22
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| 25 mm HVAP-T || HVAP-T || 1,036 || 0.21 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 25 mm HEI-T || HEI-T || 1,065 || 0.19 || 0 || 0.1 || 54 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 25 mm HEI-T PGU-20/U || HEI-T || 1,100 || 0.19 || 0 || 0.1 || 54 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 125: Line 95:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''2''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''3''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|FIM-92 Stinger}}
+
{{main|Hydra 70}}
  
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
The LAV-AD also has access to Hydra 70 M247 rockets with a researchable modification. This modification gives the vehicle an additional weapon set-up, replacing the Stinger pod above the main gun with a Hydra 70 rocket pod with 19 rockets, similar to those found on [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1 Cobras]] and [[AH-64 (Family)|AH-64 Apaches]]. The Hydras are fired as a secondary weapon.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="4" | [[Hydra 70]] rocket
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
| 19 (19) || N/A || N/A || N/A
−
| rowspan="2" | 16 (4) || rowspan="2" | -8°/+65° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! ''Realistic''
 
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Hydra 70/Ammunition|M247}}
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Range<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| FIM-92E || SAM || 1,000 || 6,000 || 10.1 || 1 || 10 || 540 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| FIM-92K || SAM || 1,000 || 6,000 || 10.1 || 1 || 10 || 540 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''16''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''1''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Hydra 70}}
+
{{main|FIM-92 Stinger}}
  
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
The LAV-AD also comes with [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missiles. The missiles are IR guided, meaning they require a lock-on before firing. The vehicle has FIM-92Es by default and can unlock FIM-92Ks as a later modification. These are the same Stinger missiles used by the [[Ozelot]] in the German tech tree and function the same way. The missiles are launched as special weapons.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | [[Hydra-70 M247|Hydra 70]] rocket
+
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 16 (4)<br>(12 with Hydra 70s) || rowspan="2" | -8°/+65° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 19 (19) || N/A || N/A || N/A
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:FIM-92 Stinger/Ammunition|FIM-92E, FIM-92K}}
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
The FIM-92E detonates on impact while the FIM-92K has a proximity fuse.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M247 || 290 || 290 || 290 || 290 || 290 || 290
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Belt details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M247 || Rocket || 739 || 10.16 || 0 || 0.01 || 1.19 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 254: Line 180:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''16''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 260: Line 186:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
In battles, the player can either use the LAV-AD as an AA or in a limited anti-tank role. By using the LAV's fast speed, the player can easily reach deep into enemy territory where enemies are less vigilant compared to when they're near the frontline. The player can use this advantage by either hiding and waiting for planes to be distracted on friendly tanks and shooting them down or used to attack unsuspecting SPAAs and IFVs/light tanks from mid range and then closing up close to killing MBTs. The rocket pod makes quick work of enemy armour if you can get on their flanks. Additionally, the LAV's fast speed makes for a decent distraction against enemies while your teammates destroy them.
 +
 
 +
'''Against Aircraft'''
 +
 
 +
The LAV's Stinger SAMs are a mixed bag. The Stingers have a decent maximum range of around 6 km, and once launched, powerful IRCCM (InfraRed counter-counter measures) makes it difficult for flares or IRCM to distract the missile. However, it has a mere 13G overload, meaning even basic defensive manoeuvres may defeat the missile. Upon launching, a conspicuous smoke trail makes the missile as well as your own position easy to notice. In addition, a small warhead makes for unreliable damage; more survivable aircraft may need two or more hits to bring down.
 +
 
 +
The Stinger's maximum range of around 6 km is usually sufficient to lock onto the hot engines of jet aircraft. It is useful against aircraft at 2-4 km altitude, where their manoeuvrability will be reduced, making it easier for the Stinger to hit. The Stinger is particularly useful against helicopters near the battlefield (1-3 km). Helicopters are slow and have a difficult time kinetically evading even the 10G Stinger, and the Stinger's IRCCM sees that IRCM and flares are useless against it. In an uptier, however, helicopters are actually the Stinger's worst nightmare. Helicopters do not have particularly hot engines, and with long-range air-to-ground missiles, the Stinger cannot even get a lock on helicopters at long ranges. In these cases, the LAV simply cannot do anything but hide from the helicopter.
 +
 
 +
The LAV's 25 mm cannon is sufficient against close aircraft and helicopters. However, it has poor long range accuracy, and thus should only be used within a absolute maximum of 3 km.
 +
 
 +
'''Against Tanks'''
 +
 
 +
The LAV is mobile, outpacing most light tanks at its BR, and can use this to its advantage by reaching the enemy territory and flanking SPAAs and light tanks. Against MBTs, the LAV's 25 mm cannon is insufficient to reliably penetrate any MBTs frontally. In addition, the 25 mm cannon has poor post-penetration damage against MBTs. Therefore, side shots are highly recommended to reliably penetrate them.
 +
 
 +
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of facing an MBT head-on, aim for the gun mantlet. This will potentially damage their gun breech and/or cannon barrel and blind their gun sights with explosions. If you are lucky, these factors will have damaged their breech enough before they have a chance to fire, allowing you to then destroy the tracks and manoeuvre for a shot at the less protected side armour. However, considering the low post-penetration damage of the 25 mm gun, there is a very high chance you will simply be one-shot before you can do enough damage to the cannon, and therefore it is highly ill-advised to intentionally face an MBT head-on unless absolutely necessary.
 +
 
 +
Though side shots are recommended against MBTs, depending on the angle, the 25 mm gun may not be enough to penetrate and/or deal sufficient damage. This is especially true against commonly-faced Soviet MBTs, which often have more armoured sides that the 25 mm gun struggles to penetrate. In such cases, bringing the 70 mm Hydra rocket pod is a good choice. With 290 mm of HEAT penetration, the LAV-AD can knock out many MBTs from the side with a few rockets. However, the rockets have low velocity and do not work with the laser rangefinder, making precise shots difficult, especially at range. And, despite the increased penetration over the 25 mm gun, is still insufficient to frontally penetrate MBTs. Therefore, the rockets should be fired at the sides of MBTs and at close ranges. Make sure to make your rocket shots count, as the pod only holds 19 rockets.
 +
 
 +
'''Threats'''
 +
 
 +
In the LAV-AD, anything above a 12.7 mm calibre poses a big threat to the player. Therefore, the LAV's best defense is offense. You should aim to destroy enemy vehicles before they even have a chance to train any of their weapons (including heavy machine guns) on you. If taking hits cannot be avoided, your best bet is to first destroy autocannon-equipped vehicles that can shred the lightly armoured LAV (luckily, most autocannon-equipped vehicles are lightly armoured themselves and can be shredded by the LAV's 25 mm cannon or 70 mm Hydra 70 rockets). As for the main cannon of a MBT, it's all down to luck; hope that the MBT either misses or the armour-piercing shell overpenetrates and deals no damage.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 267: Line 213:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Has access to Hydra 70 rockets
+
* Has access to Hydra 70 rockets for additional anti-tank firepower
−
* The 25 mm GAU-12U cannon shreds any air vehicules in its range
+
* The 25 mm GAU-12U cannon shreds air vehicles
−
* High mobility
+
* The 25 mm GAU-12U has no tracers making it harder for enemies to notice your location when firing
−
* Can get two SAM launchers if you choose to not have Hydras on the vehicle
+
* Highly mobile thanks to its light weight and is also amphibious
 +
* Can carry up to 16 Stinger SAMs if you choose to not have Hydras
 +
* Stinger SAMs have IRCCM that make them practically immune to flares once launched
 +
* Has access to 2nd generation thermal sights for the gunner
 +
* Has optical tracking which does not trigger RWR
 +
* Comes with smoke grenades stock
 +
* Access to laser rangefinder for the 25 mm gun
 +
* Not equipping Hydras enables the Stingers to be fired in relatively quick succession with no reload
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* The SAM has only a maximum overload of 10G which may prove difficult against planes with high manoeuvrability.
+
* Stinger SAMs only have a maximum overload of 13G and have difficulty overcoming most defensive manoeuvres
−
* The reloading time of the 25 mm cannon is long
+
* Long reload for the 25 mm gun
−
* You have to choose between two SAM launchers or one SAM launcher and one Hydra 70.
+
* Bringing the Hydra rocket pod reduces the number of available Stingers and gives them a lengthy reload time after 4 have been launched
 +
* Penetrable by heavy machine gun fire and prone to overpressure damage
 +
* Shorter missile range and lacks a search radar when compared to its contemporaries like the [[Roland 1]], [[FlaRakPz 1]], and [[XM975]] at the same BR
 +
* No proximity-fused ammunition
 +
* Hydra rockets are hard to aim due to their low velocity and do not work properly with the laser rangefinder
 +
* Low sight FOV and relatively high zoom levels makes it hard to use against multiple targets up close
 +
* 25 mm gun is inaccurate at longer ranges
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
=== [[wt:en/news/7598-development-lav-ad-revolving-firepower-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
 
 +
Development of the LAV-AD began in 1987 after a contract was signed with both the FMC Corporation and General Electric to design a SPAA variant for the LAV-25 for the USMC. Both companies began developing a system based on the USMC requirements that it had to be armed with a 25 mm cannon and possess provisions for mounting Stinger missiles and Hydra-70 rockets. While the FMC company opted to outfit their design with the same M242 cannon used on the base model of the LAV-25, General Electric decided to go for the GAU-12 'Equalizer' Gatling style rotary cannon.
 +
 
 +
Having reviewed both prototypes, the USMC decided to procure General Electric's design, placing an initial order for 125 vehicles to be produced. By 1996, the LAV-AD had formally been adopted into service. Despite the initial plans to produce over 100 vehicles, only 17 were actually manufactured due to funding issues. In 1998, the final unit was delivered to the USMC and further development of the vehicle was discontinued due to high maintenance costs. Among other operations, the LAV-AD was used in combat action in Iraq.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_lav_ad Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|QvGHPYrGrXU|'''The Shooting Range #301''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 03:54, 29 June 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
LAV-AD
us_lav_ad.png
GarageImage LAV-AD.jpg
GarageImage LAV-AD Hydra-70.jpg
LAV-AD
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.7 10.0 10.0
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In September 1982, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) adopted General Motors' submission in the LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) program as the LAV-25 in order to improve the strategic mobility of the USMC divisions. With enhanced mobility, there was a concern of these units out-speeding the anti-aircraft defense units, especially against short-range, low-altitude aircraft. As such, in 1991, the USMC sought for a low-altitude air defence system capable of supporting a rapidly moving LAV (also known as Light Armored Infantry (LAI)) battalion. The LAV-25 was chosen as the basis to keep pace with the unit, and configuration tests began in 1992 with a rapid-firing rotary cannon and Stinger missiles. By 1996, the Light Armored Vehicle - Air Defence (LAV-AD) was put into production and the USMC received 17 units by 1997.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the LAV-AD meets the expectation set in its name. It is a lightly armoured vehicle intended for air defence. As such, the armour is basically non-existent, with even heavy machine guns having the capability of penetrating through the side armour. However, the LAV-AD has the provisions to provide close air defence with its Stinger missiles and rotary cannon. The Stinger missile helps reach out to far away enemy targets, ideally under 3 km away for the best effect of either hitting the target or tracking it enough that the enemy is forced to perform evasive manoeuvres that may break off their attack run. If the enemy closes within the Stinger's minimal arming distance, the rotary cannon could help provide the last-ditch effort to knock down the enemy aircraft before it can destroy the LAV-AD or its teammates. For a more ground-attack based role, the LAV-AD can also be equipped with M247 rocket pods in place of its Stinger missiles to complement its HVAP ammo belt that could help take care of lightly armoured targets.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 6 / 6
Turret12 / 6 / 6
Crew3 people
Visibility136 %

As the name of the vehicle implies, the LAV-AD is not very well armored in any area and can even be penetrated by heavy machine guns in the rear and side. To compensate, its mobility is excellent and it can travel across the battlefield very quickly; making it much more survivable.

Armour type:

  • High hardness rolled armour (hull, turret)
  • Aluminium alloy 7039 (front lower glacis)
  • Bulletproof glass (windows)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (45°) Lower glacis
7.31 mm (66°) Upper glacis 		7.31 mm (35°) Top
7.31 mm (0-20°) Bottom 		7.31 mm (15°) 7.31 mm
5 mm Engine vents
Turret 12.7 mm (49°) Turret front
60 mm (49°) Windows 		7.31 mm (9-10°)
60 mm (9°) Windows 		7.31 mm (0-31°) 7.31 mm

Notes:

  • Belly armour is 7.31 mm thick.
  • Wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB109 / 20 km/h
RB and SB100 / 18 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
2 back
Weight13.4 t
Engine power
AB525 hp
RB and SB275 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB39.2 hp/t
RB and SB20.5 hp/t

The LAV-AD's mobility is rather superb. As a wheeled vehicle, it has good speed on roads. Despite being similar in appearance and having a weaker engine than the M1128, the LAV-AD accelerates much faster due to its lighter weight, resulting in a higher power-to-weight ratio, and it also has a slightly faster reverse speed. The engine is also relatively quiet, allowing for stealthy movements and ambushes.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 109 20 13.4 391 525 29.18 39.18
Realistic 100 18 243 275 18.13 20.52

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 524 → 7 039 Sl icon.png
RB4 130 → 6 426 Sl icon.png
SB4 556 → 7 089 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications209 300 Rp icon.png
348 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 190 / 240 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
25mm_PGU_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
25mm_PGU_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
70mm_stinger_block2_aam_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
Hydra 70
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Setup 1:25 mm GAU-12U cannon
FIM-92 Stinger
Setup 2:25 mm GAU-12U cannon
FIM-92 Stinger
Hydra 70

Main armament

25 mm GAU-12U cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition1 155 rounds
Belt capacity385 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
26.0 → 20.0 s
Fire rate1 800 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 60°
Main article: GAU-12U (25 mm)

The main armament of the LAV-AD is the 25 mm GAU-12U rotary autocannon. It functions similarly to the 20 mm M168 Vulcan found on the M163 earlier on in the tech tree, but with a reduced ammo capacity of only 1,000 rounds total (500 ready, 500 reserve instead of 1,100 ready, 1,100 reserve) and fire rate (1,800 rpm instead of 3,000 rpm) due to the limited room in the vehicle and larger calibre ammunition. The gun is also fully stabilized, with handling akin to that of the HSTV-L; slower than the M163 and M247 Sergeant York but still fast enough to react to most aerial targets at close range, particularly helicopters and slow, low-flying jets. Like most other AAs, it comes with a Default, AP, and HE belt. The Default belt has a 1:1 AP to HE ratio and is the only belt the vehicle has access to when stock. The HE belt has a 3:1 HE to AP ratio while the AP belt has a 3:1 AP to HE ratio. The former is more effective against aircraft while the latter is more effective against armoured vehicles. The AP round is the same across all belts, and can penetrate 66 mm of flat armour at point blank range. Combined with the relatively high fire rate, it can easily destroy barrels, tracks, and machine guns with ease as well as being able to shred light vehicles.

25 mm GAU-12U Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 1,155 (385) 1,800 -8°/+60° ±180° Two-plane 50.2 69.5 84.4 93.3 99.2 26.00 23.00 21.20 20.00
Realistic 33.9 39.9 48.5 53.6 57.0

Ammunition

  • Default: HVAP · HEI*
  • PGU-25/U: HEI* · HEI* · HEI* · HVAP
  • PGU-20/U: HVAP · HVAP · HVAP · HEI*

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEI* 7 6 4 3 3 3
HVAP 66 62 46 33 23 16
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEI* 1,085 0.19 0.1 0.1 54.4 79° 80° 81°
HVAP 1,036 0.21 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
3 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Additional armament

Hydra 70
Ammunition19 rounds
Belt capacity19 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.2 → 2.5 s
Fire rate150 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 60°
Main article: Hydra 70

The LAV-AD also has access to Hydra 70 M247 rockets with a researchable modification. This modification gives the vehicle an additional weapon set-up, replacing the Stinger pod above the main gun with a Hydra 70 rocket pod with 19 rockets, similar to those found on AH-1 Cobras and AH-64 Apaches. The Hydras are fired as a secondary weapon.

Hydra 70 rocket
Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer
19 (19) N/A N/A N/A

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M247 HEAT 290 290 290 290 290 290
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M247 HEAT 739 10.16 0 0.01 1.19 65° 72° 77°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
1 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Additional armament

FIM-92 Stinger
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition16 rounds
Belt capacity8 rounds
Fire rate60 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 60°
FIM-92 Stinger
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition12 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate60 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 60°
Main article: FIM-92 Stinger

The LAV-AD also comes with FIM-92 Stinger missiles. The missiles are IR guided, meaning they require a lock-on before firing. The vehicle has FIM-92Es by default and can unlock FIM-92Ks as a later modification. These are the same Stinger missiles used by the Ozelot in the German tech tree and function the same way. The missiles are launched as special weapons.

FIM-92 Stinger missile Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 16 (4)
(12 with Hydra 70s) 		-8°/+65° ±180° Two-plane __._ __._ __._ __._ __._ _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Realistic __._ __._ __._ __._ __._

Ammunition

Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
FIM-92E SAM 670 5,000 10.1 1 0.1 - - 540 79° 80° 81°
FIM-92K SAM 670 5,000 10.1 1 0.1 0 1 540 79° 80° 81°

The FIM-92E detonates on impact while the FIM-92K has a proximity fuse.

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
16 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Usage in battles

In battles, the player can either use the LAV-AD as an AA or in a limited anti-tank role. By using the LAV's fast speed, the player can easily reach deep into enemy territory where enemies are less vigilant compared to when they're near the frontline. The player can use this advantage by either hiding and waiting for planes to be distracted on friendly tanks and shooting them down or used to attack unsuspecting SPAAs and IFVs/light tanks from mid range and then closing up close to killing MBTs. The rocket pod makes quick work of enemy armour if you can get on their flanks. Additionally, the LAV's fast speed makes for a decent distraction against enemies while your teammates destroy them.

Against Aircraft

The LAV's Stinger SAMs are a mixed bag. The Stingers have a decent maximum range of around 6 km, and once launched, powerful IRCCM (InfraRed counter-counter measures) makes it difficult for flares or IRCM to distract the missile. However, it has a mere 13G overload, meaning even basic defensive manoeuvres may defeat the missile. Upon launching, a conspicuous smoke trail makes the missile as well as your own position easy to notice. In addition, a small warhead makes for unreliable damage; more survivable aircraft may need two or more hits to bring down.

The Stinger's maximum range of around 6 km is usually sufficient to lock onto the hot engines of jet aircraft. It is useful against aircraft at 2-4 km altitude, where their manoeuvrability will be reduced, making it easier for the Stinger to hit. The Stinger is particularly useful against helicopters near the battlefield (1-3 km). Helicopters are slow and have a difficult time kinetically evading even the 10G Stinger, and the Stinger's IRCCM sees that IRCM and flares are useless against it. In an uptier, however, helicopters are actually the Stinger's worst nightmare. Helicopters do not have particularly hot engines, and with long-range air-to-ground missiles, the Stinger cannot even get a lock on helicopters at long ranges. In these cases, the LAV simply cannot do anything but hide from the helicopter.

The LAV's 25 mm cannon is sufficient against close aircraft and helicopters. However, it has poor long range accuracy, and thus should only be used within a absolute maximum of 3 km.

Against Tanks

The LAV is mobile, outpacing most light tanks at its BR, and can use this to its advantage by reaching the enemy territory and flanking SPAAs and light tanks. Against MBTs, the LAV's 25 mm cannon is insufficient to reliably penetrate any MBTs frontally. In addition, the 25 mm cannon has poor post-penetration damage against MBTs. Therefore, side shots are highly recommended to reliably penetrate them.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of facing an MBT head-on, aim for the gun mantlet. This will potentially damage their gun breech and/or cannon barrel and blind their gun sights with explosions. If you are lucky, these factors will have damaged their breech enough before they have a chance to fire, allowing you to then destroy the tracks and manoeuvre for a shot at the less protected side armour. However, considering the low post-penetration damage of the 25 mm gun, there is a very high chance you will simply be one-shot before you can do enough damage to the cannon, and therefore it is highly ill-advised to intentionally face an MBT head-on unless absolutely necessary.

Though side shots are recommended against MBTs, depending on the angle, the 25 mm gun may not be enough to penetrate and/or deal sufficient damage. This is especially true against commonly-faced Soviet MBTs, which often have more armoured sides that the 25 mm gun struggles to penetrate. In such cases, bringing the 70 mm Hydra rocket pod is a good choice. With 290 mm of HEAT penetration, the LAV-AD can knock out many MBTs from the side with a few rockets. However, the rockets have low velocity and do not work with the laser rangefinder, making precise shots difficult, especially at range. And, despite the increased penetration over the 25 mm gun, is still insufficient to frontally penetrate MBTs. Therefore, the rockets should be fired at the sides of MBTs and at close ranges. Make sure to make your rocket shots count, as the pod only holds 19 rockets.

Threats

In the LAV-AD, anything above a 12.7 mm calibre poses a big threat to the player. Therefore, the LAV's best defense is offense. You should aim to destroy enemy vehicles before they even have a chance to train any of their weapons (including heavy machine guns) on you. If taking hits cannot be avoided, your best bet is to first destroy autocannon-equipped vehicles that can shred the lightly armoured LAV (luckily, most autocannon-equipped vehicles are lightly armoured themselves and can be shredded by the LAV's 25 mm cannon or 70 mm Hydra 70 rockets). As for the main cannon of a MBT, it's all down to luck; hope that the MBT either misses or the armour-piercing shell overpenetrates and deals no damage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has access to Hydra 70 rockets for additional anti-tank firepower
  • The 25 mm GAU-12U cannon shreds air vehicles
  • The 25 mm GAU-12U has no tracers making it harder for enemies to notice your location when firing
  • Highly mobile thanks to its light weight and is also amphibious
  • Can carry up to 16 Stinger SAMs if you choose to not have Hydras
  • Stinger SAMs have IRCCM that make them practically immune to flares once launched
  • Has access to 2nd generation thermal sights for the gunner
  • Has optical tracking which does not trigger RWR
  • Comes with smoke grenades stock
  • Access to laser rangefinder for the 25 mm gun
  • Not equipping Hydras enables the Stingers to be fired in relatively quick succession with no reload

Cons:

  • Stinger SAMs only have a maximum overload of 13G and have difficulty overcoming most defensive manoeuvres
  • Long reload for the 25 mm gun
  • Bringing the Hydra rocket pod reduces the number of available Stingers and gives them a lengthy reload time after 4 have been launched
  • Penetrable by heavy machine gun fire and prone to overpressure damage
  • Shorter missile range and lacks a search radar when compared to its contemporaries like the Roland 1, FlaRakPz 1, and XM975 at the same BR
  • No proximity-fused ammunition
  • Hydra rockets are hard to aim due to their low velocity and do not work properly with the laser rangefinder
  • Low sight FOV and relatively high zoom levels makes it hard to use against multiple targets up close
  • 25 mm gun is inaccurate at longer ranges

History

Devblog

Development of the LAV-AD began in 1987 after a contract was signed with both the FMC Corporation and General Electric to design a SPAA variant for the LAV-25 for the USMC. Both companies began developing a system based on the USMC requirements that it had to be armed with a 25 mm cannon and possess provisions for mounting Stinger missiles and Hydra-70 rockets. While the FMC company opted to outfit their design with the same M242 cannon used on the base model of the LAV-25, General Electric decided to go for the GAU-12 'Equalizer' Gatling style rotary cannon.

Having reviewed both prototypes, the USMC decided to procure General Electric's design, placing an initial order for 125 vehicles to be produced. By 1996, the LAV-AD had formally been adopted into service. Despite the initial plans to produce over 100 vehicles, only 17 were actually manufactured due to funding issues. In 1998, the final unit was delivered to the USMC and further development of the vehicle was discontinued due to high maintenance costs. Among other operations, the LAV-AD was used in combat action in Iraq.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #301 - Metal Beasts section at 00:27 discusses the LAV-AD.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


USA anti-aircraft vehicles
M3 Half-track derivatives  M13 MGMC · M15 CGMC · M16 MGMC
M24 derivative  M19A1
M41 derivative  M42
Radar SPAAG  M163 · M247
Missile SPAA  ADATS · Imp.Chaparral · LAV-AD · XM975

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