USN Amph. Vehicle LARC-V (Extra Armour Version)

Plastic model kit of a US amphibious transport vehicle, the LARC-V (with additional armor)

• 1:35 scale
• Includes photo-etched parts
• Features detailed driver's cabin interior
• Includes armor for the front cabin windows
• Side railings for the cargo deck
• Includes pallet jack (stowed or operating position) with pallet and cargo (barrels)
• Flattened tires
• 2 marking options:
  • LARC vehicle unloading gear during amphibious assault training, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004 support exercise
  • US Navy Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1, during training, July 23, 2008
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The LARC-V (Lighter, Amphibious Resupply, Cargo, 5-ton) remained an indispensable amphibious vehicle for the US Navy decades after its introduction. Following extensive modernization, numerous vehicles continued to be used by Beachmaster Units (BMU) for amphibious logistics, training, and support missions. The vehicle proved its worth particularly in scenarios requiring the transport of supplies directly between ship and shore in the absence of port facilities. Its combination of high off-road mobility and amphibious capabilities made the LARC-V a unique asset within the US Navy well into the 21st century.

Externally, the modernized vehicles differed little from the Vietnam-era originals. They retained the characteristic aluminum hull, the towering driver's cab, the open cargo deck, and the low surrounding gunwales or railings. However, various modernization programs involved comprehensive overhauls of the engine, transmission, hydraulics, electrical systems, and braking systems. Modern radio equipment, GPS navigation, additional antennas, and up-to-date lighting and safety features were also added. Depending on the stage of modernization, the vehicles either retained the classic olive-drab paint scheme or featured the solid US Navy gray finish.

The RIMPAC 2004 amphibious exercises in Hawaii provide a prime example of the continued use of these vehicles. There, LARC-Vs supported landing operations and the transport of equipment between landing craft, the beach, and staging areas. Official US Navy footage from July 2004 shows vehicles that largely retained their familiar Vietnam-era appearance while incorporating modernized technology.

LARC-Vs also remained part of the Beachmaster Units' inventory during various training exercises in 2008. During this period, the focus was on crew training and logistical beach operations conducted under realistic operational conditions. The vehicles transported pallets, combat engineering materials, and supplies, impressively demonstrating that a concept developed as early as the 1960s remained highly capable in modern operational environments.

For scale modelers, the differences between the various periods of service are of particular interest. A LARC-V configured for RIMPAC 2004 typically displays the classic olive-drab paint scheme with few visible external upgrades. In contrast, vehicles used for training in 2008 often feature the US Navy’s gray paint scheme, along with additional antennas, modern lighting, and contemporary equipment details. However, the distinctive design of the cargo deck—featuring railings that run around the perimeter—remained virtually unchanged throughout the vehicle's service life and stands out as one of the LARC-V's most recognizable features.