Steve Relyea's new ride

M1040 BlockII FAST ATTACK VEHICLE

Originally entering service in 1984 the M1040, Fast Attack Vehicle was manufactured by Chenowth Racing. After evaluation it was found the Special Operation Community needed additional equipment which was not provided on the original design.

The first revision, the M1040 BlockII, received significant modifications from its original design. Emerson Defense Systems was contracted around 1985 to provide all the modifications to 125 Fast Attack Vehicles. Wire brush guards protecting the headlamps were added, fenders to block sand, cargo baskets were added to the running boards and the rollcage was reinforced.

Armament was also changed on the vehicles. First was the addition of a permanent bank of four grenade dischargers, located on the outside of the vehicle body on the right side, just ahead of the passenger’s seating position. A cradle gun mount for a 7.62 machine gun to be operated by the passenger was also added along with two AT-4’s for anti-tank capabilities.

The vehicle is powered by a 2 liter 130 hp air-cooled Volkswagen engine capable of 70mph and giving them a range of about 210 miles.

The vehicle was to be used by the Special Forces primarily as a reconnaissance vehicle to direct artillery fire on targets behind the enemy lines as well as making their own strikes against targets of opportunity. Additionally, they would operate as a fast response force multiplier and provide support for any units trapped by the enemy.
Chenowth Fast Attack Vehicles in both 2 and 3 man configuration saw action in the Gulf War with the US Special Forces who led the way into Kuwait. It was in service with the US Navy, Marine Corps and Army.

When the Volkswagen engine went out of production a parts shortage ensued which doomed the Fast Attack Vehicle. In 1998-1999 all FAV’s were decommissioned instead of being put through another major upgrade as was done with the 3 man Desert Patrol Vehicle which is still currently being used by the US Special Forces.

All but 10 Chenowth FAV’s were scraped. The remaining 10 were turned over to the United States Air Force and were used as Base Security Vehicles at Edwards Air Force Base and later sold to civilian collectors.

This vehicle was one of ten vehicles purchased from the Air Force and it is now owned by a private owner in Michigan.

SPECIFICATIONS
Frame: Chenowth 1½ inch ChromeMoly Tube
Engine: Volkswagen air cooled 2 liter 130 hp
Transaxle: Mendeloa 4 speed manual
Front Suspension: Wright Heavy Duty
Weight: 2330lbs. Cargo: 900lbs.
Speed: 70 mph
Armament: Browning M60 Machine Gun
Browning .50 Cal. Machine Gun

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