The U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection's April Fool's 2021 post on Facebook
The EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle was an armored personnel carrier prototype developed in the late 1970s.
Built by the General Motors Corporation, the EM-50 was designed to blend in while conducting counterinsurgency, security, and stability operations. It featured a wide array of weapon and defensive systems.
In 1981, the sole EM-50 was sent overseas to Italy for field testing. It ended up causing an international incident when it was inadvertently driven across the border to Czechoslovakia, however full details of the incident are still considered classified by both NATO and former Warsaw Pact nations (mostly out of embarrassment).
After returning back to the United States, the EM-50 was placed into storage at Aberdeen Proving Grounds for some time, though it was occasionally signed out by General Officers during block leave periods for “re-evaluation”, often at various national parks. At the turn of the century, the EM-50 was brought out of retirement to compete against the modified LAV III for the Interim Armored Vehicle Program.
The modified LAV III was selected, becoming the Stryker family of vehicles. However, reports suggest that the EM-50 performed better in testing but was deemed “not cool enough” and “too comfortable” by Infantry branch members of the evaluation committee.
The whereabouts of the EM-50 are currently unknown.
3D plans
For your Cold War wargaming needs, the EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle. Designed to infiltrate urban areas disguised as a simple recreational vehicle, the EM-50 mounts machine guns, a cannon, flame throwers, grenade launchers, and missiles. Able to take a Soviet 100mm round in the face with a laugh. The roomy interior can transport a full platoon of infantry. Great for a romantic rendezvous with your favorite girl in Germany, or crossing the Czech border to rescue your captured comrades. Cup holders and seat warmers optional add ons. Currently only available in brown and tan.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4568420
