Scale: 1/72

Recommended to help you build an M3A3 or M7A3 Bradley Fire Support Team "BFiST" Vehicle from:
Ace Corporation 1/72 scale M2A2 Bradley
Armo 1/72 scale M2A2 Bradley
Dragon 1/72 scale M2A2 ODS Bradley
Dragon 1/72 scale M2A3 Bradley
Revell 1/72 scale M2A2 Bradley
Trumpeter 1/72 scale M2A2 Bradley
and more!
 
The M3A3 and M7A3 Bradley BFiST fire support vehicles are a variant of the M2A2 Bradley ODS fighting vehicle modified for use as an armored artillery forward observer vehicle and laser designator.  The M3A3 and M7A3 provide artillery target location and supports the use of precision guided artillery munitions.  Modifications include the replacement of the TOW missile launcher box with a large, long range sensor box containing target location and rangefinding optics and laser.  This model represents the new sensor box.
 
From ArmyRecognition.com: "The BFIST (Bradley Fire Support Team) is the “Eyes" of the US armed forces artillery units. The United States Army acquired the Bradley fire support vehicle (BFIST) to replace the M981 fire support team vehicle (FISTY). This vehicle is based on the chassis of the Bradley M3A2 [Cavalry Fighting Vehicle] Operation Desert Storm (ODS). It maintains the existing Bradley signature and improves reliability, availability, maintainability, mobility and survivability. Using state of-the-art long-range sensors, BFIST can acquire, identify, track and designate targets while mounted and under armor, enhancing crew survivability. The BFIST is assigned to the Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and Combined Arms Battalions of the Armored Brigade Combat Teams of the US Army."
 
Click here to learn more about the Bradley M7A3 BFiST from BAE Systems.
 
Notice:  the sensor's shutter is a separate part so that the shutter can be positioned either open or closed.  The shutter is extremely fragile.  Caution is recommended when cutting the shutter away from the support sprues.
 
If mounting the shutter to the sensor box in the closed position, break away the small strut that supports an open shutter from the upper right corner on the front of the sensor box.
 
The sensor box attaches to the flat portion of the turret in place of the TOW missile launcher box, minus the raise/lower mechanism.  A subtle, raised rectangular panel on the side of the sensor box is present as an aid.
 
No instructions are provided with this model.  Please study photos of actual M7A3 Bradley BFiST fighting vehicles in the carousel and from your own references to learn precisely where to mount this product to your Bradley kit's turret and how to paint it.
 
Click here for an M3A3 BFiST vehicle walkaround.
 
When cutting away the supporting sprues, be careful not to remove the bolt detail from the bottom of the sensor box.
 
© Model Monkey LLC.  This 3D-printed product may not be copied or recast.