Hi folks, I´m currently working on my Trumpeter Stryker and wnt to add some personal touches to the kit, besides correcting the RWS (alredy done it) and other odd and ends.

Now a couple of questions. 1st, are there any Strykers around using the CIP panels like the ones used in Abrams´, Bradleys and Humvees? and 2nd, it is right or not NOT to add those rings to the wheels?

Any help much appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Cheers

Those rings on the wheels are steps. Ive seen them with and without them there. Some wheels have a tire pressure monitoring system and dont use the step rings. So, really, the choice is yours if you want to use them. As far as CIP panels, I havent seen any in my referance pictures. I would say if they are used, its definitely not the norm. The idea of the CIP panel is to provide a "cold spot" when someone looks at them through infrared devices. I would tend to think that the bar armor on the strykers would create a huge "cold spot" and would render CIP panels unnecessary. but thats just my .02. Perhaps someone else has some good input on this??

Gary

As Gary states, the rings are steps and have minute non-slip coatings on them. Older vehicles have the ring at all eight wheels, newer ones only have one at the front for the driver to climb up.

Thanks Robin for your quick answer....I can´t see what Gary said though, it seems his answer dissapeared

Do you know anything about the CIP panels?

Many thanks again

Cheers

When the 1st Stryker Brigade deployed in October 2003, some vehicles were equiped with CIPS. The one on the front was about 12" wide and ran the width of the front of the vehicle under the front slat. Then there was a panel mounted to each side of the storage racks that were mounted at 10 degree angles. As far as the rear goes I did not see one. Since then I believe the threat is down as far as fratracide goes so they are not long being issued. I know the Strykers sitting out side of my tent right now do not have any.

Ric

Ric,
I know that you are not stranger to that environment but do be careful. Try to get back here and to ML as your schedule permits as your technical expertise will be sorely missed. Take pics when you can and keep your JAFOs out of trouble.
God Speed
John

PS, if you would happen to get a couple of spare minutes to measure a LRAS3, I would appreciate it but make sure that everything else is complete first...

Jon,
Thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate it. As soon as I can I will get the pics of the LRAS3 to ya. Besides that I am gonna take some pics of the Brads getting up armored here. I will try to find a good conection so i can get the pics uploaded in a timely maner.

Ric

Thanks for the info Rick, one final question. The CIPs were used on the vehicles fitted with slat armour or just the plain ones as initialy issued to units?

Thanks in advance and take care over there, be safe.

Cheers

I can't comment on the older vehicles, but all of the trucks I have seen have only the front driver side step ring. The only "authorized" way to get on top of the vehicle is at the driver station, or through the hatches.

All eight tires have CTIS (central tire inflation system)