Ok, so I am prepping for 2 stryker builds that I am doing, 1 is going to be an iraq slat version, and the other will be a mgs w/ only the mine plate armor, like some of the ones used in afghanistan.
The slat version of the stryker is what I have some questions on. From my understanding the slat armor has gone through several variations through the years in iraq. I am thinking of building a early slat variation, and how I see it, early versions did not have the following that the newer ones have;
No side ceramic plating
No extra plating that covers the wheel
no exhaust cover
no mine reinforcment plate
no additional armor that surrounded the top hatches.
Am I wrong on these observations? Any one care to chime in? thanks for any help
Ashton
You are correct. Early ones in Iraq had only the add-on armor plate and the slat armor. All the other variations are later additions.
1st gen slat armor was 1" thick. The rest is 1/2". If you’re doing early slat, use thicker material or beef up the PE. Early kits lacked headlight extentions and driver steps on the slat as well.
thanks for the info…now a question about troops, 2003-2004 and I understand it is when the slat started to be used…troops as this time were still in the old bdu’s, not the new digital stuff right?
The first Strykers (3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division from Ft Lewis, WA) were deployed to Iraq in late '03 and digital ACU uniform fielding began in '06. Before '06, mostly three-color DCUs were worn. In '06, the Stryker BDE that was deploying was the first to get the ACUs. From '06 to April 30 '08, either Woodland BDU, 3-Color DCU, or ACU could be worn, so you could see a mix of uniforms and patters (ie: DCU uniform with woodland IBA vest). After April 30 '08, the ACU was the only authorized uniform for wear.
So, does that mean that the over all slat panel was higher? or that the distance between the slats were more narrow? You hvae a pic by chance?
Another question is about the add on armor under the slat, I am having a hard time finding reference of what the panels look like. I have a pretty much unlimited supply of evergreen styrene, so scratching this stuff is what I want to do.
Ashton
The original slats were 1" thick, but were on edge, like a set of vertical blinds with the blinds down, but open so you could see through. Only about 1/4" wide facing you, but 1" deep. The next gen was 1/2" mainly for weight savings. It’s function of pre-detonating or trapping an RPG was not affected by the loss of 1/2 inch of material.
There are a couple shots for you to start with!
Chris