Trumpeter 00393 USMC LAV-AD Light Armored Vehicle-Air Defense (1/35) – Plastic Model Kit

Trumpeter 00393 USMC LAV-AD is a high-quality plastic model kit that faithfully reproduces the American Light Armored Vehicle LAV-AD (Light Armored Vehicle – Air Defense) in 1/35 scale. This model was developed for enthusiasts of modern military vehicle modeling and offers a highly detailed replica of the anti-aircraft version of the popular infantry carrier used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Vehicle History

The LAV-AD was created as part of the modernization of the LAV-25 family of vehicles. It is a variant dedicated to short-range air defense, equipped with a GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm turret and dual FIM-92 Stinger missile launchers. The vehicle entered service in the mid-1990s and was used by the USMC during overseas missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in exercises to protect mechanized units from aerial threats during the Cold War and in modern armed conflicts. The United States Marine Corps utilized this vehicle for tactical air defense duties until the mid-21st century.

Trumpeter 00393 Model Features

• Scale: 1/35 – guarantees a high level of detail and excellent reproduction of features
• Precisely replicated elements: rotating turret, GAU-12 cannon, missile launchers, antenna equipment, and optical details
• Material: high-quality plastic, durable and easy to work with
• The model kit does not include glue or paints – separate modeling accessories are required
• The set includes decals and a comprehensive assembly instruction sheet
• Perfect starting point for further customizations and enhancements using metal accessories or photo-etched sets (sold separately)

Category and Difficulty Level

This product belongs to the category: 1/35 scale plastic model kit of a military vehicle. Recommended for intermediate and advanced modelers who value accuracy, realism, and a construction challenge. Assembly difficulty level: 3/5.

Recommendation

Trumpeter 00393 LAV-AD is a must-have model for any collector of modern military vehicles and armor historians. It is also a great choice for modelers building dioramas from the Cold War era or 21st-century conflicts. The abundance of details, high historical accuracy, and wide possibilities for customization make it an excellent choice for a long modeling evening.