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Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV)/

Scorpion Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV)/

Light Strike Vehicle (LSV)

Scorpion DPV

Statistics

Country of Origin/Used by:	USA (and Greece, Mexico, Oman, Portugal & Spain)
First Produced/Service Dates:	Late 1980's (1989?)
Manufactured by:	Chenowth Racing Products, Inc.*
Crew:	3
Armament:	Main: (1) 7.62mm M60/M240 Machine Gun, .50 cal M2HB Heavy MG, 40mm Mk19 Automatic Grenade Launcher or TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile Launcher. Commander (1) 7.62mm M60/M240 MG; Rear: (1) 7.62mm M60/M240 MG.  Also, two AT-4 Anti-Tank weapons can be carried.
Engine:	4 Cylinder Gasoline
Miscellaneous:	After the U.S. High Technology Light Division (HTLD) concept was eliminated in 1986, the initial Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) still seemed able roles in the U.S. military, albeit on a much smaller scale. The most obvious role was Special Operations missions. However, based upon the experiences of the HTLD, an improved vehicle model was developed, reportedly spearheaded by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC).  This new vehicle is referred to by a few different names, mostly based upon the user. These are: (confusingly) Fast Attack Vehicle (Army), Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV) (U.S. Navy SEAL Teams) and Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) (USMC). The SEAL DPV's are also sometimes called "Scorpion". The new FAV is also based upon a civilian Chenowth Sandrail (Dune Buggy), but with changes and improvements; most notably the addition of a third crew member position at the rear. It appears that some of these upgraded variants may have been converted from the first FAV vehicles, while others were newly built. In approximately 1996, Chenowth developed the even more capable, Advanced Light Strike Vehicle (ALSV). Notable improvements and changes include new water-cooled Porsche Diesel engines, 4-wheel drive capability and accommodation of a fourth crew member, if needed.  Reportedly, the ALSV's were used in Afghanistan and Iraq, but we have not seen any confirmation either way. *There is information indicating Lockheed-Martin Defense Systems was also involved with the FAV.  However, it is unclear as to any specifics about their role.
Data Sheet Available:	FAV/LSV Datasheet via Chenowth Racing Products, Inc.

Photos

Reference	Source/Provider
Scorpion DPV Photos	The Dave Haugh Collection
Scorpion DPV Photos	The James Loop Collection
Scorpion DPV Photos	U.S. National Archives
Scorpion DPV Photo	U.S. Navy
Scorpion DPV Photos	Ian Young - UK
Advanced Light Strike Vehicle (ALSV) Photo	U.S. Marine Corps

References Available

Online

Printed

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Model Photos