First of all, was the AAVP7A1 without the EAAK kit used in OIF at all? I've searched the net and have yet to find a photo. If not could I convert it to the recovery version without EAAK and be realistic.

Secondly, how did the Marines refuel their tactical fighting vehicles, particularly the M1A1 Abrams? I know the Army logistics vehicles, but Marine Corp vehicles are not as clear for refuelling.

Yes, there were AAVs without the EAAK during OIF. M1A1 Abrams were refueled by LVS tankers (among others I guess...) on the road to Baghdad. You can find pictures of both in Concords "Marines on the ground Operation Iraqi freedom 1".

Erik

Here are a few pics from combatindex.com (showing RAM/RS upgraded Amtracs) :






AFAIK, the recovery variant of the AAV is not fitted with EAAK (at least I still have not found any photographic evidence yet )

HTH
Frenchy

It was not uncommon for Army logistics vehicles to support Marine units, and vice versa. The Marine Corps uses a modular refueling system called SIXCON that can be carried in a variety of logistics vehicles. Also, collapsable 500 gallon bladders with a portable pump and separator (components of the Helicopter Expedient Refueling System) are on occasion loaded in a 5 ton truck to make a mobile refueler for aircraft, I have seen this set up being used with tanks at 29 Palms CA. Hope this helps.

Thank you all for the information and photos. I had not found the combatindex.com website until I saw the replies. I agree that the recovery AAV does not appear to have any of the mounts for the EAAK. Actually on the combatindex.com site there is one in plain old green. I did manage to find one photo of the LVS MK48 setup as a fuel truck. I am familiar with the HEMTT series, but am still learning about the MK48.

I do have a few of the Concord books on my wish list, but it sounds like it might be a good idea to buy sooner than later.

Howdy MacsTrucks, the refueler attached to a USMC tank company is normally a MK48 power unit pulling a MK 17/14 trailer combination. The "Six-con" set up is the MK17 trailer with two 900 gallon pods(It normally carries two as there is a crane unit on the rear end of the bed) trailing a Mk 14 with two 900 gallon fuel pods and a pump/filter unit. The pods on both trailers are all connected to the pump unit with hoses. A single pump/filter and fuel pod can also be put on the back of an MTVR(7 ton Oskosh) to support less thirsty units. The USMC never procured any M978 refuelers. If you go to Missing-Lynx, Modern discussion groups there is a post on Dec 23 regarding the same refuelng questions(USMC M978?). There is also a picture posted of a USMC MK48/14 getting topped off by a US Army M978. Out here.

OIF USMC Abrams refueling (Charlie Company, 1st Tank Battalion, March 2003)


Enlarged picture HERE

from http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil

HTH
Frenchy

Howdy Frenchy, and Happy New Year! The tanks in the picture are from Charlie company. The refueler is from Delta company. This picture was taken during the first of three fuelings done one day in March, 2003. All of 1st Tank battalions available fueling assets were used to to set up three "service stations" enroute that everyone in the battalion passed through. The Delta company refueler was a crazy set up and real tall. Delta always needed more fuel as they were set up as a 16 tank company and had the obstacle breaching detachment. The Mk 17 had two pods and the pump unit mounted above it. The Mk14 had three fuel pods. On the right side out of view there is a piece of refueling gear that we "found" at an aviation unit that is refueling Humvees. I do not know what the real name was but we called it the "octopus". It made refueling go very quick. Out here.

Hi Mike !

"Bonne Année !" to you, and thanks for the additional info (as usual )

Frenchy

Not doubt about it, you guys rock! Those were exactly the photos and bits of information that I was looking for. I'd wanted to do a little 1/72 diorama and that scene with a M1A1 refueling on one side and Humvees on the other.

I haven't done much military modelling in the last 15 years, but was inspired by all the information on the 'net for OIF. I prefer to honor and and pay respect to those who serve their country when I build military models. One too many IPMS contests is what brought on my hiatus.

Now I just need to get enough info on the MK48 to reliably cut-up a Planet Models 1/72 HEMTT and scratchbuild the rest. Based on what I've found the MK48 looks pretty much like the front half of the HEMTT (cab/axles/powerplant) with an articulated center. That will be the hardest part I think.

Curiously the MK48 is not mentioned at all on the Oshkosh trucks site. Perhaps its not "current' enough or was produced in such low numbers that it is grouped with the HEMTT by default.

Thanks for the link.

Here are 3 Webshots photo albums that may be useful for your project (thanks to Joe Wallace) = 152 pictures !

Mk 48 album 1
Mk 48 album 2
Mk 48 album 3

HTH

Frenchy