Battlefield 4: Infantry Fighting Vehicles Guide

In Battlefield 4, vehicles play an important role in both Solo and multiplayer modes. Among the wide range of vehicles, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) stand out as versatile and essential assets. These vehicles transport infantry while providing fire support and can engage a variety of targets, from infantry to light and heavy vehicles.

This article will provide an overview of the main IFVs in Battlefield 4, including the LAV-25, BTR-90, ZBD-09, and AAV-7A1 AMTRAC, highlighting their features, armaments, and strategic uses.

LAV-25 The Light Armored Vehicle-25

The LAV-25 is an eight-wheeled amphibious infantry fighting vehicle used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Moreover, the LAV-25 is based on the MOWAG Piranha and serves as the primary IFV for the USMC team in Battlefield 4.

Armament and Specializations

Main Cannon

The LAV-25 equips a 25mm cannon that fires several types of shells:

• HE (High Explosive) Shells: These are the default shells and are effective against both infantry and light vehicles.
• APFSDS-T (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot Tracer) Shells: These shells are more effective against heavy vehicles and travel at a higher velocity but lack the explosive splash damage of HE shells.
• Canister Shells: These act like a shotgun, dealing damage in a spread and are highly effective against infantry and light vehicles but are ineffective against heavy armor.

Secondary Weapons

The LAV-25 has a coaxial LMG (Light Machine Gun) for engaging infantry and light vehicles. For anti-armor purposes, the vehicle also equips TOW Missiles or Zuni Rockets.

• TOW Missiles: These are highly effective against ground and air targets, especially when used with the Gunner SOFLAM to laser-paint targets.
• Zuni Rockets: These are more versatile and can be used against a variety of targets.

Optics

Battlefield 4, these can transport infantry and provide fire support, engage a wide of targets, from infantry to light and heavy vehicles.

Countermeasures

The LAV-25 equips IR Smoke, which can temporarily spoof and jam enemy lock-on weapons and provide visual cover. It also has a Fire Extinguisher and Smokescreen to help it recover from being disabled or provide visual cover.

Specializations

The gunner can equip one of the following specializations:

• Gunner SOFLAM: Laser-paints targets for guided missiles.
• Belt Feeder: Improves the reload time of the MG.
• Proximity Scan: Scans for enemies around the vehicle (useless in Hardcore mode due to the lack of a mini-map).
• Gunner Incendiary: Deploys an incendiary grenade to damage or kill nearby enemy infantry.

BTR-90 The Russian 8×8 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier

The BTR-90, a Russian 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier, was designed in 1993. A larger version of the BTR-80, it features a BMP-2 turret, making it a versatile IFV. In Battlefield 4, the Russian team uses the BTR-90, and it functions similarly to the LAV-25.

Armament and Specializations

Main Cannon

The BTR-90 equips a 25mm cannon that can fire the same types of shells as the LAV-25:

• HE Shells: Default shells, effective against infantry and light vehicles.
• APFSDS-T Shells: More effective against heavy vehicles.
• Canister Shells: Effective against infantry and light vehicles.

Secondary Weapons

The BTR-90 has a coaxial LMG and equips TOW Missiles or Zuni Rockets for anti-armor purposes.

Optics

The BTR-90 comes with Zoom Optics by default, which can be replaced with IRNV or Thermal Optics.

Countermeasures

The BTR-90 equips IR Smoke, Fire Extinguisher, and Smokescreen, similar to the LAV-25.

Specializations

The gunner can choose from the following specializations:

• Gunner SOFLAM: Laser-paints targets for guided missiles.
• Belt Feeder: Improves the reload time of the MG.
• Proximity Scan: Scans for enemies around the vehicle (useless in Hardcore mode).
• Gunner Incendiary: Deploys an incendiary grenade to damage or kill nearby enemy infantry.

ZBD-09 The Chinese Armored Fighting Vehicle

The ZBD-09, also known as the Snow Leopard, is a Chinese-made armored fighting vehicle. It is modular and can be fielded in either an IFV or APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) variant. The ZBD-09 equips various weapons, including a 25mm cannon, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles. In Battlefield 4, the ZBD-09 is the IFV for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Armament and Specializations

Main Cannon

The ZBD-09 equips with a 25mm cannon that can fire:

• HE Shells: Default shells, effective against infantry and light vehicles.
• APFSDS-T Shells: More effective against heavy vehicles.
• Canister Shells: Effective against infantry and light vehicles.

Secondary Weapons

The ZBD-09 has a coaxial LMG and equips TOW Missiles or Zuni Rockets for anti-armor purposes.

Optics

The ZBD-09 comes with Zoom Optics by default, which replaces IRNV or Thermal Optics.

Countermeasures

The ZBD-09 equips IR Smoke, Fire Extinguisher, and Smokescreen, similar to the LAV-25 and BTR-90.

Specializations

The gunner can choose from the following specializations:

• Gunner SOFLAM: Laser-paints targets for guided missiles.
• Belt Feeder: Improves the reload time of the MG.
• Proximity Scan: Scans for enemies around the vehicle (useless in Hardcore mode).
• Gunner Incendiary: Deploys an incendiary grenade to damage or kill nearby enemy infantry.

AAV-7A1 AMTRAC The Amphibious Assault Vehicle

The AAV-7A1 AMTRAC, or Amphibious Assault Vehicle, is a tracked armored personnel carrier used by the United States Marine Corps. It is designed to launch from amphibious dock ships and bring assault elements quickly to the shore. The AAV-7A1 equips a Mk 19 grenade launcher and a .50 Cal HMG (Heavy Machine Gun). Despite its large size, it does not have heavy armor to withstand large-caliber weapons.

Armament and Specializations

Main Weapons

The AAV-7A1 is armed with a Mk 19 grenade launcher and a .50 Cal HMG in a turret controlled by the second passenger.

• Mk 19 Grenade Launcher: Does high damage to infantry within a small area of effect but little damage to heavy armor. The grenades travel slowly in a ballistic arc, making it difficult to hit moving targets at range.
• .50 Cal HMG: Statistically identical to the .50 Cal found on other vehicles like the MRAP, it is effective against infantry and light vehicles.

Countermeasures

The driver can deploy IR Smoke to provide visual cover and spoof enemy lock-on weapons.

Specializations

The AAV-7A1 is classified as a transport and does not receive any specializations, but you can equip paint. It can act as a mobile spawn point, allowing team members to spawn inside it even if there are no squad members present.

Transport Capacity

The AAV-7A1 can transport four additional passengers in the rear compartment, but they cannot use their equipment or access vehicle-based weapons.

Strategic Use of IFVs in Battlefield 4

Amphibious Capabilities

All IFVs in Battlefield 4 are amphibious, meaning they can travel through water. This feature is particularly useful for crossing rivers, lakes, and even the ocean, allowing for strategic maneuvers and flanking enemies. However, the AAV-7A1 AMTRAC is especially effective in water, with increased speed comparable to its land speed.

Fire Support

IFVs are designed to provide fire support for infantry. The 25mm cannon on the LAV-25, BTR-90, and ZBD-09 can engage a variety of targets, from infantry to light vehicles and even heavy armor with the right ammunition. Furthermore, the coaxial LMG and secondary weapons like TOW Missiles and Zuni Rockets add to the vehicle’s versatility.

Transport and Mobility

IFVs can transport infantry, making them valuable for objective-based game modes like Rush and Conquest. They can act as mobile spawn points, allowing team members to spawn inside them and quickly get into the action. The AAV-7A1 AMTRAC, in particular, can transport four additional passengers and act as a mobile spawn point, providing a significant advantage in team-based play.

Countermeasures and Protection

IFVs equip various countermeasures to protect them from enemy attacks. IR Smoke, Fire Extinguisher, and Smokescreen can help the vehicle survive in combat, while Active Protection and Reactive Armor provide additional defense against critical hits.

Specializations

The gunner can equip specializations to enhance the vehicle’s capabilities. Gunner SOFLAM is particularly useful for laser-painting targets for guided missiles, while Belt Feeder improves aim in battlefield 4 and the reload time of the MG. Moreover, Proximity Scan and Gunner Incendiary provide additional infantry support.

Conclusion

In Battlefield 4, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) are essential for both Solo and multiplayer modes. They provide fire support, transport infantry, and also offer strategic advantages in amphibious and land combat. The LAV-25, BTR-90, ZBD-09, and AAV-7A1 AMTRAC each have unique features and armaments, making them versatile and also valuable assets on the battlefield. Whether you’re engaging enemy vehicles, supporting infantry, or acting as a mobile spawn point, IFVs are a crucial part of the Battlefield 4 experience.

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