How are prototype AFVs constructed?

[Olefin]

We build prototype AFV's where I am employed and it depends on how many you build. For instance we have to do ballistic testing and that requires some of the prototypes to be built with the same armor that the production one would have. Same for our firing prototypes as well.

The M8's we built for instance were built with the same armor that was to go on the production build.

[Cdnwolf]

Like this from Black Ops 2 lol

[raketenjagdpanzer]

I guess in retrospect I could see a unit here or there with their hands on a MICV prototype draped in "composite" armor (call it a value of around 50, maybe, on front/vital areas, 20 sides, 10 rear etc. for T2k v1?) thrown into the fight...or worse, such a vehicle in NA hands. If your opponents are a bunch of displaced people with at best civilian side- and hunting weapons, such a beast would be a terror...

[Olefin]

How about a prototype pulled out of a museum - Aberdeen and other museums have them of various vehicles -

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Originally Posted by Olefin

How about a prototype pulled out of a museum - Aberdeen and other museums have them of various vehicles -

depends on whether or not it was put there with a working engine, I guess.

Brazil's army actually owns and parades its two Osorio prototypes around (although I've heard tell that they're in such a poor state that an iron rod was welded between the gun breech and floor of the turret to keep the main gun from flopping around). Engesea folded and without anyone else picking up their physical assets, the gov't just kept the two protos as parade vehicles.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Oh I also found out that the LAV-75 (not sure if it's a mild steel prototype or production prototype) is in the hands of a private collector who keeps it in running condition.

I'm sure the ARES cannon is de-milled, but I think it's cool that he keeps it running. It shares a lot of commonality with the m113 in the drivetrain and suspension so parts are probably not an issue...