US Marine Corps "LAV" really German???

[ReconMarine]

I was looking through some old books on WWII.

I came across a picture of a German RAD.

I struck me as very simmilar to the Marine LAV's.

Is there a relationship?

Did the Corps. copy the designs of the Germans?

Does anyone have some insight on this subject?

/S/ Recon Marine

[Dennis Redler]

I would not be at all surprised if the Marines did study German designs or, at the least, were influenced by them. Through the years I have seen many aspects of modern military design that, to me, reflect back to German designs of WW2. This includes uniforms, weapons, aircraft and rocketry,and I believe armor too.
If this could be verified and documented, it would be interesting.
Dennis

[Takao]

If you wanted the real awnser, you would not talk to the Marines. Talk to the Swiss Mowag Motorwagenfabrik AD corporation, developers of the Pirahna LAV. It's their baby the Marines are using under the designation LAV-25.

If you want a real treat go to Mowag's website and checkout the 10*10 version. Now that's what I want for city driving and winter weather.

[Aufklarung]

Hi guys
If you want the real answer go to the owners site. LAVs are made in and by Canadas GM Defense in London Ontario.
http://www.gm-defense.com/division_reps.asp
Go to products menu. 8)
They also own Mowag and the LAV design has been greatly improved since they were bought out. The LAVII Coyote is a veh I have commanded and gunned in my parent unit. We use it as a recce veh at the Bde level. We also have the LAVIII in svc and a number of different 8x8 variants. USMC has the LAV I and some of the spt variants but plan to buy a different LAV III from us soon. Our don't swim tho'. I imagine yours will.
regards
A

[ReconMarine]

Perhaps the Swiss copied the German RAD?

/S/ Recon Marine

[Aufklarung]

Sure, it's entirely possible.
If you look at just about any Wheeled APC in the 6x6 or better range, you'll see they all share design features.
Regards
A

[ReconMarine]

Outstanding pics.

/S/ Recon Marine