FANG vehicle

FANG vehicle
Name	FANG
Caption	A FANG vehicle on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Type	Fast Attack Vehicle
Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Chenowth Racing Products
Designer	John B. Chenowth
Production date	1980s
Number	Approximately 100
Variants	See text
Engine	Volkswagen air-cooled engine

FANG vehicle. The FANG (Fast Attack/Reconnaissance Nighttime Ground) vehicle is a lightweight, high-speed dune buggy-type military vehicle developed for the United States Air Force in the 1980s. Designed primarily for base defense and special operations roles, it provided a rapid, agile platform for security forces and combat control teams. Its development was influenced by off-road racing technology and it saw limited operational use with the USAF and other entities during the late Cold War period.

Overview

The FANG vehicle was conceived as a highly mobile weapons platform to protect dispersed air bases, particularly following lessons from conflicts like the Vietnam War. It filled a niche for a rapidly deployable vehicle that could patrol perimeters, conduct reconnaissance, and engage light threats. The vehicle's simple, rugged design based on commercial Volkswagen components allowed for easy maintenance and operation in austere environments. Its small profile and off-road capability made it suitable for the rapid deployment force concept emphasized by the United States Department of Defense in the 1980s.

Design and development

The FANG was designed and built by Chenowth Racing Products, a company founded by famed off-road racer and engineer John B. Chenowth. The chassis and suspension were derived directly from Chenowth's successful desert racing buggy designs, prioritizing lightweight construction and durability. Power was provided by a modified, air-cooled Volkswagen Type 1 engine, similar to those used in the Volkswagen Beetle. Armament typically consisted of a M60 machine gun or M2 Browning machine gun mounted on a pintle at the rear, with provisions for M72 LAW anti-tank rockets. Development was conducted in cooperation with the USAF Security Forces and the Special Operations Command.

Operational history

The FANG entered service with the United States Air Force in the mid-1980s, primarily equipping security police squadrons within the Tactical Air Command. Its most notable deployment was with the 4442nd Tactical Training Group at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field in Nevada, where it was used for training and exercises simulating base defense. While it never saw large-scale combat, elements were evaluated during exercises like REFORGER and were reportedly considered for use by Delta Force. Some vehicles were also deployed to forward locations like Hurlburt Field and Clark Air Base in the Philippines.

Variants

Several variants of the FANG vehicle were developed or proposed. The basic FAV (Fast Attack Vehicle) configuration was the most common. An improved model, sometimes designated the **Advanced FANG**, featured a more powerful Volkswagen wasserboxer engine and upgraded suspension. A dedicated **reconnaissance variant** was equipped with additional communications equipment and navigation aids like the AN/PRC-77 radio for combat control teams. Chenowth also developed a similar vehicle, the **Light Strike Vehicle (LSV)**, which was adopted in small numbers by the United States Army and the British Army's Special Air Service.

Operators

The primary operator of the FANG was the United States Air Force. Within the USAF, vehicles were assigned to specific security forces units and the 1st Special Operations Wing. A small number were acquired by the United States Navy for evaluation by their SEAL Teams. Internationally, a few vehicles were purchased by the Philippine Air Force during the tenure of President Ferdinand Marcos. After being retired from U.S. service, some FANGs were transferred to civilian law enforcement agencies in the Southwestern United States.

In popular culture

The distinctive appearance of the FANG vehicle has led to its use in several films and television series, often depicting special forces or post-apocalyptic settings. It appears in the 1990 film Navy SEALs starring Charlie Sheen. A modified FANG was famously used as the "Interceptor" vehicle in the Mad Max film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. It has also been featured in episodes of the television series Airwolf and in numerous military simulation video games, including installments of the Conflict: series.

Category:Fast attack vehicles Category:Military vehicles of the United States Category:Cold War military vehicles of the United States