Louverd Part on Sides of Desert Storm Vehicles?

[Tankbuilder]

Shalom.

Can anyone tell me what the louvered part that i see on the side of Desert Storm vehicles used by the USA forces is? You get 4 pieces with louvres in the 1/35 scale Tamiya Modern US Military equipment Set. I also see this item on the Tamiya 3524 Bradley IFV, 35265 M113A2 APC and 35269 M1A2 Abrams kits.

http://www.borgfeldt.ca/product.htm?Product=799-35264&Source=Category&Category=799_135_MILITARY

http://www.borgfeldt.ca/product.htm?Product=799-35265&Source=Category&Category=799_135_MILITARY

http://www.borgfeldt.ca/product.htm?Product=799-35269&Source=Category&Category=799_135_MILITARY

What is this thing and is it fastened right to the main part of the vehicle? Is it just some sort of add on part?

Thanks and cheers from Peter

 

[RichB]

It is a Combat Identification Panel (CIP). They create a distinct IR signature cold spot thru thermal imaging systems. They can be installed directly to the vehicle skin (velcroed) or mounted in a bracket frame attached to the vehicle.

Cheers,
Rick

 

[Tankbuilder]

It is a Combat Identification Panel (CIP). They create a distinct IR signature cold spot thru thermal imaging systems. They can be installed directly to the vehicle skin (velcroed) or mounted in a bracket frame attached to the vehicle.

Cheers,
Rick

Shalom.

Thanks Rick. I read about CIP but the images i found weren't clear which part that was.

This is good to know as it means with luck I might be able to convert my 35132 US M2 Bradley IFV to one like 35264 M2A2 ODS IFV. Both are Tamiya kits.

Cheers from Peter