Fast Attack Vehicles

What exactely is a fast attack vehicle? Is that it's name? Does it have a number designation ex M4, or PanzerKampfWagen IV?

This is a Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) used by the US Navy SEALs.




It is buit by Chenowith, of San Diego, CA, who usually builds and designs off-road racers. It is basically an armed dune buggy or sand rail. Pretty cool, isn't it.

Here is a short write-up about them at a Spec Ops site:

QUOTE: Manufactured by Chenowith of San Diego, Ca. They also manufacture a wide range of racing dune buggies. Weaponry includes the MK-19 .20mm gatling gun for the passenger side gunner, the .50 calibre belt fed machine gun (facing forward) and the M-60 machine gun (facing aft) for the swivel seat gunner. Additionally, two Anti-Tank weapons (AT-4) will be mounted on the roof (not shown) for stand off weapons capability. SEALs operate the FAV at night wearing night vision devices mounted on their racing helmets. Standard wear is either the nomex flight suit or desert cammies (the nomex is preferred because it keeps more sand out). Special sand tires allow the FAV to transit the deep sand regions of the desert (not shown). The side compartments are used to carry supplies and gear, as well as wounded or downed airmen.

From what I have heard, the HobbyFan model is really bad. It isn't even close to scale and the parts are really rough. I saw a review of it somewhere but can't find it now. From what I have read, it is a waste of money. It looks like a beach dune buggy and not a FAV or DPV.
I have also wanted to build one ever since I saw them in Desert Storm. Dragon even came out with a FAV as a future release in the early 90's, they even had a drawing on the box sides of other kits. They later dropped it because they said there wasn't enough interest in it. They didn't consult me on the matter. I think it would have sold great and been very popular.

As for scratch building one. I can't find any good info on one at all. I even wrote and emailed Chenowith for any info they could give me. I got no response from either. If you find anything let me know too. I am still dying to build one.

Oh yeah, I know what those are-sorry didn't recognize the name of it...lol

Actually found the review of the HobbyFan kit. It actually is a pretty good kit, however, it is not a FAV. It is a Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV). Here is the review: http://www.jbwholesalers.com.au/reviews/hobbyfan/hf009.htm and a photo of it: I prefer the FAV. Here is also the USMC version using an M151A2 Ford MUTT:



And the new USMC Improved FAV (IFAV). A Mercedes jeep-like vehicle.



Some other cool FAVs.

got those in BF42 desert combat mod

Dragon had a chenowth in theres catalouge in 1992 but it was never released, and theres stories going around about it now (its turned into folklaw)

chenowth racing products made the seal FAV, there might be info here http://www.chenowth.com/

The thing needs a Lewis gun to make it look worthy of a real Desert Rat.

Found this while looking for more information. It gives the demensions for the DPV. Which i think is the same thing as the FAV. If anyone can convert these to 1/35 scale measurements i would appreciate it.

Desert Patrol/Light Strike Vehicle is a modified Chenowith off-road, three-man, 2x4 racing vehicle. The DPV was designed to operate anywhere a four-wheel drive vehicle can, with additional speed and maneuverability. The DPV can perform numerous combat roles including, but not limited to: special operations delivery vehicle, command and control vehicle, weapons platform, rear area combat operation vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, forward observation/lasing team, military police vehicle, and artillery forward observer vehicle. The weapon systems used with the DPVs are: Mark 19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun, M2.50 Cal Machine Gun, M60 7.62 Machine Gun, AT-4 Missile, Low Recoil 30mm Cannon, and TOW Missile Launcher. Vehicle Specifications: Prime Contractor: Chenowith Acceleration: 0-30 mph in 4 sec. Powerplant: 2000cc gas engine Speed (max): 60+ mph Payload: 1500 lb. Range: 200-plus miles Dimensions: Length: 161 inches Height: 79 inches Width: 83 inches Gross Vehicle Weight: 2700 lb. Max Grade: 75% Max Side Slope: 50% Ground Clearance: 16 inches


Matt

if u get History Channel, there was an episode of TACTICAL TO PRACTICAL not too long ago w/ a great brief segment on the SEAL FAV and its evolution.
speed, firepower and very high all-around coolness factor,
i can't believe they think it wouldn't sell !
i'd buy 1 most definitely !

frosty

Excellent pictures Guys.
mark956

I'm still kicking myself. There was one on display at an Air Show I was at and I didn't think I'd ever need pictures of one. Needless to say, I was later assigned to Special Ops and got to deploy where our MH-53J Pave Low III's were transporting and off loading FAV's for an exercise. Now I have a 1/72 scale Pave Low kit and I'm going to attempt to scratch build a FAV or DPV as they're referred to now, with my brothers help. He's the car guy of the family.

So any drawings will be appericated by me and I'm sure, many others.

Don

Has anyone else done any work on one of these LAV's or DPV's?  I roughly started scratchbuilding the base platform for one, but realized my measurements were way off after doing more calculations.  I would appreciate any help.  Thanks!