Hobbyboss 1/35 LAV300 90mm Cockerill Gun # 84573

The LAV-300 with a 90mm Cockerill Gun, serial number #84573, is a highly mobile, light armored vehicle developed by the Cadillac Gage company (now part of Textron Marine & Land Systems).

The LAV-300 series was designed in the 1970s and 1980s as a versatile, wheeled armored fighting vehicle (AFV), suitable for various roles including reconnaissance, infantry support, and anti-tank missions.

The variant equipped with a 90mm Cockerill gun combines mobility with significant firepower, making it an effective platform in both offensive and defensive operations.

Key Features:

Armament:

The primary weapon of the LAV-300 variant #84573 is the Cockerill Mk III 90mm gun, a low-recoil rifled gun known for its versatility in engaging both armored and soft targets.

This 90mm gun can fire a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive (HE), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), armor-piercing (AP), and canister rounds, making it capable of tackling enemy tanks, fortifications, and infantry concentrations.

The gun is mounted in a fully traversable two-man turret, providing the vehicle with 360-degree fire coverage.

Secondary armament typically includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun for engaging infantry and lighter targets.

The vehicle may also be equipped with a 12.7mm (0.50 caliber) heavy machine gun mounted externally for additional fire support and anti-aircraft defense.

Armor and Protection:

The LAV-300 is constructed with welded steel armor that provides protection against small arms fire, shell fragments, and light anti-tank weapons.

While it is not designed to withstand heavy anti-tank missiles or large-caliber rounds, its armor offers decent protection for its weight class, especially in fast-moving reconnaissance or skirmishing roles.

The vehicle can be equipped with smoke grenade launchers to provide concealment and evade enemy fire when retreating or repositioning.

Mobility:

One of the defining characteristics of the LAV-300 is its high mobility.

The vehicle is built on a 6x6 wheeled chassis, which gives it good speed on both roads and off-road terrain.

This mobility allows the LAV-300 to quickly reposition on the battlefield, perform hit-and-run attacks, or serve as a mobile gun platform.

It is powered by a Cummins 6CTA8.3 diesel engine, producing around 260 horsepower, enabling the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 105 km/h (65 mph) on roads.

It has an operational range of approximately 700 km (435 miles), providing excellent strategic mobility for both long-range patrols and rapid deployment.

The LAV-300 is also amphibious, with a water speed of up to 5.4 km/h (3.4 mph), allowing it to cross rivers and other bodies of water without needing additional preparation.

Crew and Electronics:

The LAV-300 typically carries a crew of three: a commander, gunner, and driver.

It can also carry additional personnel or equipment, depending on the mission profile.

The vehicle’s fire control systems, though basic compared to modern AFVs, are effective for its role.

The gunner is equipped with optical sights for both day and night operations, which allow for accurate targeting of enemy vehicles and positions.

Operational Role:

The LAV-300 with a 90mm Cockerill gun is designed for fire support, reconnaissance, and anti-armor roles.

Its speed, combined with the punch of its 90mm gun, allows it to support infantry in fast-moving engagements or provide stand-off firepower against enemy armor.

This makes it well-suited for hit-and-run tactics, where mobility is crucial for avoiding counterattacks.

Its amphibious capabilities also enable the LAV-300 to operate in coastal, riverine, and wetland environments, giving it a significant tactical advantage in operations where crossing water obstacles is necessary.

This feature, combined with its wheeled chassis, means it can be rapidly deployed over vast distances without the need for specialized transport, unlike heavier tracked vehicles.

Tactical Advantages:

Speed and Mobility: The LAV-300 can rapidly reposition on the battlefield, allowing it to exploit gaps in enemy lines or retreat from overwhelming force.

Firepower: The 90mm gun gives it the ability to destroy light and medium armor while also providing suppressive fire for infantry and engaging hardened targets.

Amphibious Capabilities: Its ability to operate in water expands its versatility in complex terrain.

Combat Use:

The LAV-300 series, including variants like #84573, has been exported to various nations and has seen combat in a wide range of environments, from urban warfare to open desert engagements.

It has been used in peacekeeping missions, counter-insurgency operations, and conventional warfare scenarios.

Its combination of firepower, mobility, and relatively low logistical demands make it a valuable asset for both national armies and paramilitary forces.

Legacy:
The LAV-300 with the 90mm Cockerill gun remains a notable example of wheeled armored fighting vehicle design, offering a balance of mobility, firepower, and versatility.

Though it is not as heavily armored as main battle tanks, its speed and flexibility make it an important tool for forces requiring rapid reaction capabilities and adaptable fire support.

The LAV-300 (serial #84573) represents the culmination of decades of development in light armor technology, providing a durable and effective platform for modern warfare while maintaining the ability to perform in a variety of operational contexts.