M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank
 The M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) is the namesake of the late General Creighton W. Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and commander of the 37th Armored Battalion. It is the backbone of the armored forces of the United States military, and several of US allies as well. The purpose of this vehicle is to provide mobile firepower for armored formations of sufficient capability to successfully close with and destroy any opposing armored fighting vehicle in the world, while providing protection for it's crew in any conceivable combat environment. It is capable of engaging the enemy in any weather, day or night on the multi-dimensional, non-linear battlefield using its firepower, manuever, and shock effect. The Abrams Tank System synchronizes its high tempo, distributed manuever via its digitized situational awareness and the fusion of onboard and remote battlefield sensors. 

The Army made the decision for a new tank series in 1972 and awarded developmental contracts in 1973. The first prototypes of the M1, known as the XM1, reached the testing stage in 1976, and the tank began to arrive in battalions in February 1980. The M1 enjoyed a low silhouette and a very high speed, thanks to an unfortunately voracious gas turbine engine. Chobham spaced armor (ceramic blocks set in resin between layers of conventional armor) resolved the problem of protection versus mobility. A sophisticated fire control system provided main gun stabilization for shooting on the move and a precise laser range finder, thermal-imaging night sights, and a digital ballistic computer solved the gunnery problem, thus maximizing the utility of the 105-mm. main gun. 

The M1 has a very angular appearance, reflecting the modular nature of its armor components, with the turret mounted centrally on the hull. 

The M1 has a crew of four. The driver sits centered in the hull and forward of the turret, while the loader, gunner and tank commander occupy the turret, with the loader situated to the left of the main gun and the gunner and tank commander sitting in tandem on the right side. The driver's hatch has three periscope vision blocks which provide for forward vision. The center vision block may be removed and replaced with an AN/TVS-2 low-light periscope. 

The engine is mounted in the rear of the vehicle with the exhaust coming out from a louvered grill centrally mounted in the rear of the hull. The M1 utilizes a torsion bar suspension with seven pairs of cast aluminum road wheels and two return rollers. The drive sprocket is to the rear, an idler compensation wheel is located forward, and there is a gap between the first and second pair of road wheels. The M1 has armored skirts running the full length of the track. M1 track is made up of vulcanized rubber blocks (M156 variety) or removable rubber pads (M158.) 

The turret is also angular in appearance, with the main gun mounted in an exposed mantlet in the center of the turret face. The M68 rifled cannon is equipped with a metal thermal shroud, a bore gas evacuator located two-thirds of the way down on the barrel, and is equipped with a Muzzle Reference System collimator on the muzzle itself. The M240 coaxial (COAX) machine gun is located to the right of the main gun, with the flash tube extending through the main gun mantlet. The Gunner's Auxiliary Sight (GAS) aperture is located below the COAX flash tube on the right side of the main gun. 

The M1 has two turret access hatches, mounted side by side, in the middle of the turret roof. The loader's hatch, located on the left side, is equipped with a pintle mounted M240 7.62mm machine gun. The hatch itself is equipped with a single vision periscope on a rotating base. When not in use, the drivers AN/TVS-2 sight may be used in the loader's hatch vision block. The tank commander's hatch is ringed by vision periscopes and the Commander's Weapon Station cupola is equipped with an M2 HB caliber .50 machine gun. The M2 may be fired while the commander is "buttoned up" but the commander must be exposed to reload the weapon. The CWS can be reconfigured to fire an M240 as a replacement weapon. 

The Gunner's Primary Sight (GPS) is located forward of the commander's cupola. The GPS is housed in an armored box with hinged doors shielding the optics when not in use. The GPS is divided into two halves; a clear glass window for normal daylight viewing and an IR transparent Germanium coated window for the thermal imaging sight. The Laser Range Finder (LRF) is fired through the daylight window. 

There are individual sponson boxes located on either side of the turret for equipment storage. These boxes are approximately three feet (1m) long and are bracketed by a three-rail cargo rack which runs the length of the turret side. The smoke grenade launchers are located on either side of the turret, forward of the turret sponson boxes. There are mounting points for two radio antennae, one on either side of the turret rear, and the cross wind sensor is mounted upright in the center of the turret rear. A cargo bustle rack is mounted on the rear of the turret and runs the length of the turret rear (in early production M1s this rack was omitted and a fabric cargo net mounted in it's place. An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) may be mounted in the turret bustle rack or on the rear of the hull. 

Assembly plants had manufactured more than 2,300 of the 62-ton M1 tank by January 1985, when the new version, the MlA1, was approved for full production. The MlA1 had improved armor and a 120mm. main gun that had increased range and kill probability. By the summer of 1990 several variations of the M1 had replaced the M60 in the active force and in a number of Army Reserve and National Guard battalions. Tankers had trained with the Abrams long enough to have confidence in it. In fact, many believed it was the first American tank since World War II that was qualitatively superior to Soviet models. 

Production of M1A1 tanks for the US Army is complete. Over 8,800 M1 and M1A1 tanks have been produced for the US Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Production of new M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams tanks is in its final phase for Foreign Military Sales. Egypt has purchased 777 M1A1 tank kits. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia purchased and fielded 315 M1A2 Abrams tanks in the Royal Saudi Land Forces. The Government of Kuwait purchased and fielded 218 M1A2 Abrams tanks in the Kuwaiti Land Forces. All of these nations are considering additional orders or configuration upgrades. 

Three versions of the Abrams tank are currently in service the original M1 model, dating from the early 1980s, and two newer versions, designated M1A1 and M1A2. The M1A1 series, produced from 1985 through 1993, replaced the M1’s 105mm main gun with a 120mm gun and incorporated numerous other enhancements, including an improved suspension, a new turret, increased armor protection, and a nuclear-chemical-biological protection system. The newer M1A2 series includes all of the M1A1 features plus a commander’s independent thermal viewer, an independent commander’s weapon station, position navigation equipment, and a digital data bus and radio interface unit providing a common picture among M1A2s on the battlefield. 

In lieu of new production, the Army is upgrading approximately 1,000 older M1 tanks to the M1A2 configuration. The Army also initiated a modification program for the M1A2 to enhance its digital command and control capabilities and to add the second generation forward looking infrared (FLIR) sights to improve the tank's fightability and lethality during limited visibility. This system enhancement program will be fielded in the 2000 time frame concurrently with the M2A3 Bradley and other advanced digital systems. The initial M1A2 fielding to the First Calvary Division, Ft. Hood, TX, is underway. The Army will continue to field M1A2s to the CONUS contingency corps and other first to fight units. 

  M1/IPM1   M1A1   M1A2 
Length: 32.04 FT   32.25 FT   32.25 FT 
Width: 12.0 FT   12.0 FT   12.0 FT 
Height: 7.79 FT   8.0 FT   8.0 FT 
Top Speed: 45.0 MPH   41.5 MPH   41.5 MPH 
Weight: 60 TONS   67.6 TONS   68.7 TONS 
Armament: 105 MM   120 MM   120 MM 
Crew: 4   4   4 


The M1 series tank is equipped with a 1500 horsepower Lycoming Textron gas turbine engine coupled to an Allison hydrokenetic transmission with four forward and two reverse gears. It's tactical crusing range is approximately 275 miles. Despite it's weight, the M1 can attain a top speed of nearly 45 miles per hour. The main armament is a 120mm smooth bore cannon, which replaced the 105mm gun on the initial M1 version. It has day/night fire on the move capability which is provided by a laser range finder, thermal imaging night sight, optical day sight, and a digital ballistic computer. Both the fuel and ammunition are compartmented to enhance survivability. The hull and turret are protected by advanced armor similar to the Chobam armor developed by the British Ministry of Defense. When required, the Abrams may be fitted with "reactive armor" to thwart armor-defeating munitions. 

The M1 Abrams tank, weathered considerable criticism and, in fact, began from the failure of a preceding tank program. The standard tanks in the Army inventory had been various models of the M48 and M60, both surpassed in some respects by new Soviet equipment. The XM803 was the successor to an abortive joint American-German Main Battle Tank-70 project and was intended to modernize the armored force. Concerned about expense, Congress withdrew funding for the XM803 in December 1971, thereby canceling the program, but agreed to leave the remaining surplus of $20 million in Army hands to continue conceptual studies. 

For a time, designers considered arming tanks with missiles for long-range engagements. This innovation worked only moderately well in the M60A2 main battle tank and the M551 Sheridan armored reconnaissance vehicle, both of which were armed with the MGM51 Shillelagh gun launcher system. In the late 1960s, however, tank guns were rejuvenated by new technical developments that included a fin-stabilized, very high velocity projectile that used long-rod kinetic energy penetrators. Attention centered on 105-mm. and 120-mm. guns as the main armament of any new tank. 

Armored protection was also an issue of tank modernization. The proliferation of antitank missiles that could be launched by dismounted infantry and mounted on helicopters and on all classes of vehicles demonstrated the need for considerable improvement. At the same time, weight was an important consideration because the speed and agility of the tank would be important determinants of its tactical utility. No less important was crew survivability; even if the tank were damaged in battle, it was important that a trained tank crew have a reasonable chance of surviving to man a new vehicle. 

The Army made the decision for a new tank series in 1972 and awarded developmental contracts in 1973. The first prototypes of the M1, known as the XM1, reached the testing stage in 1976, and the tank began to arrive in battalions in February 1980. The M1 enjoyed a low silhouette and a very high speed, thanks to an unfortunately voracious gas turbine engine. Chobham spaced armor (ceramic blocks set in resin between layers of conventional armor) resolved the problem of protection versus mobility. A sophisticated fire control system provided main gun stabilization for shooting on the move and a precise laser range finder, thermal-imaging night sights, and a digital ballistic computer solved the gunnery problem, thus maximizing the utility of the 105-mm. main gun. 

Although fielded in 1980, the Abrams remained untested for over 10 years. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, there were concerns that the Abrams would fall victim to the sand and long months of continuous operation without the luxury of peacetime maintenance facilities. There were also doubts about the combat survivability of the extensive turret electronics. Immediately following President Bush's decision to commit US forces to the Gulf region in defense of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, American armored units began the difficult process of relocating to the threatened area. Due to the shear size and weight of the Abrams, the C-5 Galaxy, the largest cargo aircraft in the US Air Force inventory, was only able to handle one tank at a time. This meant that nearly all of the Abrams tanks deployed in the Gulf War were shipped by cargo ship. Although slow in coming, the arrival of the Abrams was much welcomed by Allied forces, as it is capable of defeating any tank in the Iraqi inventory. 

The Iraqi Army had a considerable array of tanks, mostly purchased from the former Soviet Union. Chief among these were about 500 T-72's. These modern Soviet tanks were armed with an excellent 125mm smoothbore weapon and had many of the same advanced features found on the Abrams. Despite it's advanced design, the T-72 proved to be inferior to the M1A1's deployed during the Gulf War, and compared more closely with the older M60A3 tanks used there by the US Marine Corps. In addition, Iraq had a number of earlier Soviet models: perhaps as many as 1,600 T-62 and about 700 T-54, both of which were developed in the 1960's. These tanks were widely regarded as clearly inferior to the Abrams, but were expected to be highly reliable mechanically. The Gulf War provided military tacticians with an opportunity to evaluate developments in tank design that had not been available since World War II. 

In his book "Desert Victory - The War for Kuwait", author Norman Friedman writes that "The U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia probably had about 1,900 M1A1 tanks. Its ability to fire reliably when moving at speed over rough ground (because of the stabilized gun mount) gave it a capability that proved valuable in the Gulf. The Abrams tank also has… vision devices that proved effective not only at night, but also in the dust and smoke of Kuwaiti daytime. On average, an Abrams outranged an Iraqi tank by about 1,000 meters." The actual numbers of Abrams M1 and M1A1 tanks deployed to the Gulf War (according to official DOD sources) are as follows: A total of 1,848 M1A1 and M1A1 "Heavy Armor" (or HA) tanks were deployed between the US Army and Marine Corp (who fielded 16 M1A1's and 60 M1A1(HA) tanks). 

As the Gulf War shifted pace from Operation Desert Shield to Operation Desert Storm, and the preparatory bombardment lifted, U.S. Abrams tanks spearheaded the attack on Iraqi fortifications and engaged enemy tanks whenever and wherever possible. Just as they had done in the Iran-Iraq War, the Iraqi Army used it's tanks as fixed anti-tank and artillery pieces, digging them into the ground to reduce target signature. However, this also prevented their quick movement and Allied air power smashed nearly 50% of Iraq's tank threat before Allied armor had moved across the border. After that the Abrams tanks quickly destroyed a number of Iraqi tanks that did manage to go mobile. 

The Abrams' thermal sights were unhampered by the clouds of thick black smoke over the battlefield that were the result of burning Kuwaiti oil wells. In fact many Gunners relied on their "night" sights in full daylight. Such was not the case with the sights in the Iraqi tanks, which were being hit from units they could not even see. Concerns about the M1A1's range were eliminated by a massive resupply operation that will be studied for years as a model of tactical efficiency. 

During the Gulf War only 18 Abrams tanks were taken out of service due to battle damage: nine were permanent losses, and another nine suffered repairable damage, mostly from mines. Not a single Abrams crewman was lost in the conflict. There were few reports of mechanical failure. US armor commanders maintained an unprecedented 90% operational readiness for their Abrams Main Battle Tanks. 

M1 / IPM1 Abrams Main Battle Tank

Designed in the 1970's by the Land Systems Division of the General Dynamics Corporation in response to the U.S. Army's MBT-70 program, the first M1 rolled off the assembly line in 1978. After two years of acceptance trials, the first of these vehicles was delivered to the US Army on February 28, 1980. By 1985, evaluations of field service had prompted the first modification requests, and production shifted to the M1A1. The first M1A1's were delivered to units in August of 1985. The Army has converted 368 older M1s to M1A2s. An additional 580 M1s are being upgraded to A2s under a five-year contract awarded in FY1996, with a total of 998 M1 upgrades planned. In 1999 the Army began upgrading M1s to the M1A2 System Enhancement Program (SEP) configuration. The SEP embeds digitization capabilities inside the Abrams’ electronic architecture, eliminating the requirement for electronic appliques. 

The last original model of the M1 tank was retired from duty in the active Army in September 1996. HHC, 2-81 Armor of the 1st Armor Training Brigade at Fort Knox used this early model of the M1 to train National Guard and Reserve units. It was the last active duty unit to carry this model in its inventory. The Fort Knox armor unit’s 10 M1s being retired from active duty were rebuilt as M1A2s. Meanwhile, the unit was to receive M1A2s as replacements. 

The original M1 revolutionized the Army’s combat capabilities and marked a turning point in U.S. tank development. Its most impressive feature was its special armor, a composite “sandwich” of steel and other materials capable of defeating HEAT rounds in addition to kinetic energy penetrators. The M1 was faster and more maneuverable than its predecessors in the M60 series, while offering a lower, smaller silhouette. It was constructed of flat armor sections welded together, rather than armor castings, the method used in earlier U.S tanks. 

The earliest M1s were armed with the M60’s 105mm rifled cannon, a British design first adopted to the final versions of the old M48 series. Subsequent M1s were upgunned with the German Rheinmetall smoothbore cannon of 120mm. Another revolutionary feature of the first M1 tanks were their turbine engines, replacing the diesels that powered the M48 and M60 series tanks. The engine change, despite a penalty in fuel consumption, resulted in much quieter operation, so much so that soldiers encountering the tank in early maneuvers dubbed it “Whispering Death.” 

Fielded in February 1980, the M1 General Abrams main battle tank revolutionized armored warfare. Incorporating an advanced shoot-on-the-move fire control system, a thermal imaging sight, a 1500 horsepower gas turbine engine and an advanced armor design similar to the Chobham armor developed in England, the M1 was the most lethal armored vehicle in the world. Conceived in 1971 as a replacement for the aging M60 tank, which was itself an extension of the 1050s era M 47/48 program, the M1 was going to be of a completely new design, establishing a new family of American main battle tanks. 

Providing the Abrams with a true shoot on the move capability, the fire control system automatically corrects for range, turret slew (motion) rate, crosswind, and tank axial tilt (cant). In addition, the gunner manually enters ammunition or weapon type, air and ammunition temperatures, barometric pressure, and gun tube wear, while range is instantly calculated by a Nd:YAG (Neodymium doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) near infrared laser rangefinder. Lastly, the gunner can compensate for gun tube deformation (caused either by heat generated from firing the cannon or atmospheric changes) through the use of a muzzle reference system, which allows for a rapid realignment of the cannon and the gunner's primary sight. 

The Chobham armor built into the M1 represents a veritable leap in armor technology. Composed of layers of metal, ceramics, and spaces, this new armor is far superior to RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor) in defeating kinetic and chemical energy weapons. To increase crew safety and survivability, all of the M1's ammunition is stored in armored compartments which are designed vent dangerous gasses and fragments away from the crew in the event of an ammunition explosion. The crew and engine compartments are equipped with an automatic fire suppression system, utilizing numerous fire detection sensors and pressurized Halon gas, which can react to and suppress a compartment fire in less than 250 ms. 

To survive on the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) battlefield the M1 is also equipped with both an over pressurization and air sterilization system which will protect the crew from these hazards and allow them to continue combat operations without having to wear protective overgarments and masks while buttoned up inside the vehicle. 

Lastly, the M1 was the first land combat vehicle to utilize a gas turbine multi fuel engine, which offers a higher power to weight ratio than any other contemporary tank power plant and gives the Abrams unparalleled tactical mobility and cross country speed. The M1 retains the M68 105mm rifled cannon used on the M60 series tanks, which was originally based on the British M7 105mm cannon design, and is capable of firing both rifled and fin stabilized ammunition. In addition, the M1 is equipped with two M240 7.62mm machine guns; one mounted coaxially with the main gun and fired by gunner, and the other mounted at the loader's station. The Commanders Weapon Station (CWS) is equipped with an M2 heavy barrel Caliber .50 machine gun. The CWS can be reconfigured to fire the M240 machine gun as a substitute.) The M1 is equipped with a pair of M250 red phosphorus smoke grenade launchers and is capable of generating smoke by injecting diesel fuel into the engine exhaust. 

Originally designated the XM1, the first production model was designated the M1, of which 2,374 were built between 1982 and 1985. In 1984 the M1IP (Improved Product) was introduced, which was outwardly identical to the M1, but which incorporated a number of internal automotive, electronic and armor improvements. Production of the M1IP was halted at 84 tanks in 1986, when the Lima and Detroit tank plants were reconfigured to produce the up-gunned 120mm M1A1. In 1992 a study was conducted evaluating the feasibility of upgrading the Army's fleet of M1s to M1A2 SEP (Standard Equipment Package) standard and low rate production was approved in 1994. Since then the Army had agreed to convert 547 M1s to the M1A2 SEP standard 

M1A1 Abrams
The M1A1 is the first major block improvement to the M1 ABRAMS Tank System and provides a significant improvement to the Army's offensive ground combat power as displayed during Operation Desert Storm. This block upgrade includes the 120mm M256 cannon, improved fire control system, and NBC overpressure system, and improved suspension. These improvements give the M1A1 greater shoot-on-the move capabilities and an increased first round probability against advanced enemy armor. A new configuration is currently under development that will incorporate the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) computer and software and a far target designate capability. The M1A1 is fielded throughout the US Army, the US Marine Corps, and is being coproduced for the Government of Egypt. 

This tank significantly increases the capabilities of the Fleet Marine Forces across the full spectrum of conflict in the near and midterm. The M1A1 Tank, in addition to the improved armor, 120mm smoothbore gun and the NBC overpressure system, has a Deep Water Fording Kit (DWFK), a Position Location Reporting Systems (PLRS), enhanced ship tiedowns, Digital Electronic Control Unit (DECU) (which allows significant fuel savings),and Battlefield Override. 

The main weapon of the M1A1 is the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, designed by the Rheinmetall Corporation of Germany. Engagement ranges approaching 4000 meters were successfully demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm. The primary armor-defeating ammunition of this weapon is the armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot (APDS-FS) round, which features a depleted uranium penetrators. Depleted uranium has density two and a half times greater than steel and provides high penetration characteristics. Several other types of ammunition are available as well. It is reliable, deadly accurate and has a "hit/kill ratio" that equals or surpasses any main battle tank armament in the world. 

As with virtually every tank every fielded by the US, the familiar .50 caliber Browning M2 Heavy Barrel machine gun - the "Ma Duce" - is located in a powered mount at the Commander's station and is equipped with a x3 magnification sight. The Loader is provided with a 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and another M240 is mounted in-line with the main gun of the tank ("coaxially"). It is in a fixed mount and is aimed with the main gun to suppress enemy ground troops. 

The layout of the Abrams follows classic tank design and accommodates a crew of four: Commander, Gunner, Loader and Driver. The Commander and Gunner are seated on the right side of the turret. The Loader is seated on the left side of the turret, and the Driver is seated at the center front of the hull. 

The Commander's station is equipped with six periscopes which provide all round 360 degree view. The Independent Thermal Viewer (ITV) from Texas Instruments provides him with independent, stabilized day and night vision with a 360 degree view, automatic sector scanning, automatic target cueing of the Gunner's sight with no need for verbal communication, and a complete back-up fire control system - the Commander is capable of firing the main gun independent of the Gunner. 

The Gunner's Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS), was developed by the Electro-Optical Systems Division of Hughes Aircraft Company. The night vision Thermal Imaging System (TIS), also from Hughes, creates an image based on the differences of heat radiated by objects in the field of view. The thermal image is displayed in the eyepiece of the Gunner's sight together with the range measurement to within 10 meters of accuracy, from a Hughes laser range finder, which is integrated into all of the fire control systems. The Abrams also has an onboard digital fire control computer. Range data from the laser rangefinder is transferred directly to the fire control computer, which automatically calculates the fire control solution. The data includes 1) the lead angle measurement, 2) the bend of the gun measured by the muzzle reference system of the main armament, 3) wind velocity measurement from a wind sensor on the roof of the turret and 4) the data from a pendulum static cant sensor located at the center of the turret roof. The Gunner or Commander manually inputs the data on the ammunition type and temperature, and the barometric pressure and the weapon is prepared for engagement. 

The Loader's station is located on the left side of the turret and has no special fire control equipment. 

The Driver's station is located at the center front of the hull. The Driver is in a semi-reclined position when his hatch is closed, as it must be whenever the vehicle is in operation. His station is equipped with a standard array of gages and monitors reflecting the condition of vehicle fluid levels, batteries and electrical equipment. The Driver has either three observation periscopes or two periscopes on either side and a central image intensifying ("Starlight") periscope for night vision. The periscopes provide 120 degrees field of view. The Driver's night vision equipment enables the tank to maneuver at normal daytime driving speeds in darkness and in poor visibility conditions such as in the dust and smoke encountered on the battlefield. 

The turret is fitted with two six-barreled M250 smoke grenade launchers, one on each side of the main gun. The standard smoke grenade contains a phosphors compound that masks thermal signature of the vehicle to the enemy. A smoke screen can also be laid by an engine operated system. 

An improvement program will eventually upgrade all M1A1 tanks with steel encased depleted uranium armor, which has a density at least two-and-a-half times greater than steel. The depleted uranium armor will raise the total weight of the Abrams tank to 65 tons, but offers vastly improved protection in the bargain. 

The Abrams has been using Depleted Uranium (DU) armor since 1988. In 1996, a design change to the armor package was made by the Army and cut-in to production by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) via Change Request XMPP-2083 in Oct 96 and effective with Job #1 M1A2 Phase II AUT. The use of DU armor is a primary feature that distinguishes the Abrams tank from numerous other commonly accepted equipment employed by the military and industry. The current use of the depleted uranium (DU) armor package on the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) Heavy Armor System has been re-evaluated to determine whether the environmental impacts of its continued use remain insignificant, taking into consideration the current use of the tank and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) reduction in allowable radiation exposure from 500 mrem/year to 100 mrem/year for tank and maintenance crews (individual members of the public). As in already-fielded weapon system, M1 MBTs have been in production and in the field since the early 1980s. During that time, many technical, environmental and health assessments have been completed. These documents have addressed and minimized environmental impacts. 

The stowage for the main armament ammunition is in armored ammunition boxes behind sliding armor doors. Armor bulkheads separate the crew compartment from the fuel tanks. The tank is equipped with an automatic Halon fire extinguishing system. This system automatically activates within 2 milliseconds of either a flash or a fire within the various compartments of the vehicle. The top panels of the tank are designed to blow outwards in the event of penetration by a HEAT projectile. 

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare protection is provided by an overpressure clean-air conditioning air system, a radiological warning system, and a chemical agent detector. The crew are individually equipped with protective suits and masks. 

The Marine Corps has fielded the M1A1 Common Tank to replace the aging M60A1 Rise/Passive tank. The M60 has reached the end of its service life and lacks the capability to survive and to defeat the threats expected to be encountered on the modern battlefield. During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the Marine Corps borrowed 60 M1A1s (called the M1A1 Heavy Armor) from the US Army. There were also 16 Marine Corps M1A1 Tanks delivered on an accelerated schedule for employment during the operation. This total of 76 M1A1 tanks was employed by 2d Tank Battalion and elements of 4th Tank Battalion. The M1A1 tanks saw immediate action during the I Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF) drive through the burning Kuwaiti oil fields. All loaned tanks were returned to the US Army after Desert Storm. 

Due to unique Marine Corps amphibious requirements, and the need for both supportability and interoperability between the Marine Corps and the US Army, the two services agreed to jointly produce the M1A1 Main Battle Tank. The M1A1 MBT has the capability to conduct operations ashore. It is compatible with all US Navy amphibious ships and craft (to include the LCAC) and Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS). The USMC completed fielding of all tanks, to include active, reserve, MPS, and depot maintenance float (DMF) during FY 96. 

In 1995 the 26th MEU became the first amphibiously deployed unit to carry the M1A1. This added some complication to the logistics of the unit due to the tank's weight. Topping the scales at over 68 tons the vehicle requires special care during amphibious operations. One tank can be carried at a time on an Air Cushioned Landing Craft (LCAC), two on a Landing Craft Utility (LCU), but only during fairly calm seas. For operations with the Marine Corps, tanks have been equipped with special fording systems. These modifications include extended air intake and exhaust tubes that allow the vehicles to cross rivers and shallow waters such as the surf zones that Marines operate in. 

M1A1 Abrams Tank Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP)
The M1A1 Abrams Tank Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP), a Marine Corps Systems Command initiative, is intended to increase the all weather, day and night target acquisition and engagement ranges and provide a far target location capability for the M1A1 Tank. The FEP system will include a scope of work that entails a suite of upgrades for the M1A1 Tank. These upgrades include a second-generation thermal sight and a north finding/target locating capability. The system will increase the tank crew's ability to detect, recognize, identify and accurately locate targets. 

In the Fall of 2004, Marine Corps Systems Command signed the Milestone C Decision for full rate production of the M1A1 Tank Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP). Installed on the M1A1 Tank, the FEP will bring the MAGTF all weather, thermal, day or night, rapid and accurate target engagement capability. Additionally, it will couple extended engagement ranges with a new Far Target Locate (FTL) function. Overall, the FEP greatly increases tank lethality and extends the Marine Corps overmatch of current and expected threat systems beyond 2018. 

The Firepower Enhancement Program is a suite of upgrades for the M1A1 tank that will be installed on all 403 existing platforms. The system includes a second-generation thermal sight, the Far Target Locate capability, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder. The second-generation thermal sight consists of upgrades to the M1A1's infrared optics, an infrared focal plane array, associated analog and digital electronics, display, and brackets and cables. The FTL consists of a North Finding Module (NFM), bracket, cables and inputs from the existing laser rangefinder, and a Precision Lightweight Global Positioning Receiver (PLGR). The FTL formulates a targeting solution using inputs from the laser rangefinder, the PLGR and the NFM. The eye-safe laser rangefinder will replace the current non-eye-safe rangefinder. 

The FTL will initially be unique to the Marine Corps, providing tank crews with accurate target location out to 8,000m with less than 35m Circular Error Probable (CEP). Milestone C ultimately releases $121.5 million in procurement to begin full rate production, followed by install and Initial Operating Capability in FY '06. All 403 systems will be fielded and installed for Fully Operational Capability by end FY '09. 

Abrams Integrated Management (AIM)
The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) program is completely rebuilding every M1A1 Abrams tank in U.S. Army Europe over a three year perios. The AIM program is a part of the Recapitalization Program that was established to extend the life of the Army's aging legacy equipment. AIM will provide long-term sustainment of M1A1 Abrams tanks through fiscal year 2025. Higher-than- normal mileage for the tanks during operations in the Balkans and training in Germany made the overhaul necessary. The Military Traffic Management Command's (MTMC's) 838th Transportation Battalion at Rotterdam, The Netherlands, received the first tanks for shipment to the United States in September 2000. Up to 75 percent of the tanks were not operational. MTMC transported the tanks to Anniston Army Depot, Alabama, where they are be disassembled. The hull, turret, engine, and other parts are sent to the tank production plant in Lima, Ohio, to be reworked. MTMC returns the rebuilt tanks to Europe, where they will be swapped one-for-one with tanks that still need repair. The first shipment of rebuilt tanks arrive in Europe by fall 2001.

M1A1 Abrams tanks
US military aid finances most of Egypt's big-ticket defense procurements - $1.3 billion annually for several years. Large projects underway include the M1A1 Abrams tank manufacturing facility and the M88A2 coproduction program. 

Egypt obtained US approval in 1984 to build a factory to produce new tanks. Under the initial agreement, the Egyptians would assemble 524 M1A1 tanks, and Egyptian officials hoped that this number would eventually rise to 1,500 tanks. Six production cycles were established initially, with each increment increasing the level of technology from General Dynamics Land Systems. Beginning in mid-1992, Egypt started assembling M1A1 tank components imported from the United States. Egypt manufactured about 40% and imported 60% of the components for the 555 tanks produced. The cost was estimated at $3.2 billion. The Egyptians also will produce the 120-mm cannon as well as an increasing number of parts for the tank. Egyptian officials say the goal is to make Cairo self-sufficient in tank production. 

On March 11, 1999, Defense Secretary Cohen announced a $3.2 billion arms sale to Egypt that includes 24 F-16 aircraft, 200 M-1 tanks, and a Patriot missile battery. Under the proposal announced in March 1999, Egypt would assemble another 200 M1 tanks. 

In July 1999 the Government of Egypt requested a co-production program for the possible sale of 100 M1A1 Abrams tanks to include 100 M256 Armament Systems, 100 M2 .50 caliber machine guns, 200 M240 7.62mm machine guns, 12 M16A2 rifles, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, technical assistance and support, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $564 million. This proposed sale will increase the quantity of the Abrams tank co-production program, started in 1988 with a quantity of 530 tanks, to 630 tanks. Egypt, which already co-produced the M1A1 Abrams tanks, will have no difficulty absorbing the additional tanks. The prime contractor will be General Dynamics, Sterling Heights, Mich. There are no offset agreements proposed to be entered into in connection with this potential sale. 

In March 2000 a study on the production of the American tank M1A2 in Egypt was reported to have "entered an important stage" though ongoing negotiations in this respect continued. 

On 27 July 2001, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale of equipment and services to support a possible sale of M1A1 Abrams Tanks to the Government of Egypt. The Government of Egypt (GOE) has requested a coproduction program for the possible sale of 100 M1A1 Abrams tanks kits to include 100 M256 Armament Systems, 100 M2 .50 caliber machine guns, 200 M240 7.62mm machine guns, 12 M16A2 5.56mm rifles, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, technical assistance and support, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $590 million. The GOE is demilitarizing its Soviet fleet. This proposed sale will increase the quantity of the Abrams tank coproduction program, started in 1988, from the current level of 655 tanks, to 755 tanks. The additional M1A1 tanks will modernize Egypt's tank fleet. Egypt, which has already co-produced the M1A1 Abrams tanks, will have no difficulty absorbing the additional tanks. The prime contractor will be General Dynamics of Sterling Heights, Michigan. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 



The M1A1 fleet remains the majority of the Armor Force. The M1A1D is a digitized M1A1 that provides improved situational awareness and far target designate capability. The installation of a digital appliqué command and control package on the M1A1 is necessary to achieve Force XXI required capabilities. Another planned improvement is replacing the analog Turret Network Box (TNB) and Hull Network Box (HNB) with new digital units to eliminate the associated obsolescence problems and to allow the introduction of a built-in-test (BIT) capability to support the Force XXI maintenance structure. Digital TNBs and HNBs also allow future electronic growth by providing unpopulated VME card slots. 

In the survivability area the Army is working to develop and field a contingency armor package that is thin and lightweight, but with a high level of protection. These armor packages can be applied to either the side or front of Abrams tanks to provide additional protection as required by the mission. The Army is also seeking to fundo resource upgrades to the M1A1 fire control system with the same 2nd Gen FLIR package on the M1A2. 

The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) Overhaul Program is an innovative teaming of the prime contractor, GDLS, and Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) to refurbish the tank to a like-new condition. The AIM Overhaul is the Army's under-funded program to sustain the nearly 7,000 Abrams Tanks as part of the total recapitalization plan. AIM is funded at 135 tanks per year which translates into a 12-year rebuild cycle for the active component. As the M1A2 fleet ages, the Army must expand AIM to include about 90 M1A2 SEPs per year beginning in 2012. With a 20-year rebuild cycle for the reserve component, the Army must implement a 90 tank per year program beginning in 2006. 

Exploiting the unique strengths of both the manufacturer and the Army depot, the tank is completely remanufactured resulting in a nearly new tank. AIM Overhaul increases readiness, reduces operations and support costs, standardizes configuration, and minimally sustains the Abrams industrial base. The first M1A1s are now 15-years old and will approach 50-years old by the time the Army ultimately replaces them. With old equipment, sustainment is only part of the challenge; the Army must also maintain combat overmatch. 

AIM alone is a sustainment process and does not insert new technologies nor address obsolescence. However, by exploiting the synergy created by integrating the AIM program with a viable Abrams recapitalization program, the Army has a cost-effective opportunity to apply and field these high-payoff projects. The current high-payoff projects include 2nd Generation FLIR, frontal & side armor upgrades, Vehicle Integrated Defense System (VIDS), digital turret & hull networks boxes with built-in test, and a new engine. 

The hulls and turrets are dismantled at ANAD with only the hulls being overhauled at ANAD. The turrets are stripped, prepared, and shipped to Lima Army Tank Plant (LATP) for final assembly. Once the hulls are completely overhauled they are shipped to LATP where the hulls are merried up with a turret for final assembly. The AIM Overhaul program is the optimum time/location to complete applied improvements. The AIM Overhaul program in its objective state will produce M1A1Ds. Currently the process applies many product improvemnts with some M1A1s receiving the M1A1D configuration retrofitted in the field.

M1A2 Abrams 
The mission of the M1A2 Abrams tank is to close with and destroy enemy forces using firepower, maneuver, and shock effect. The M1A2 is being fielded to armor battalions and cavalry squadrons of the heavy force. In lieu of new production, the Army is upgrading approximately 1,000 older M1 tanks to the M1A2 configuration. Going from the M1A1 to M1A2, the Army did several things that significantly reduced ballistic vulnerability, adding dual, redundant harnesses components, redundant data buses, distributing electrical power systems so all the power controls are not in one place. 

The M1A2 is the second major block improvement to the Abrams Tank System. The current product configurations include the Intervehicular Information System (IVIS), Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV), a Position/Navigation System (POS/NAV), an Improved Commander's Weapon Station (ICWS) and integration of the vehicle electronics system through the use of a dual redundant data (MILSTD 1553D) and utility bus architecture. In August 1999 the production configuration will include the System Enhancement Package improvements. These improvements include the 2nd Generation FLIR; Embedded Battle Command (EBC) command and control software; a Management System (TMS); and an Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU). In addition to a program to upgrade previously procured M1 tanks to the M1A2 configuration, the Army provides management for the M1A2s sold to Saudi Arabian and Kuwait FMS customers. 

During the Army’s current M1A2 procurement program about 1,000 older, less capable M1 series tanks will be upgraded to the M1A2 configuration and fielded to the active forces. There is currently no plan to field the M1A2 to the ARNG. The Army has procured 62 new tanks in the A2 configuration and as of early 1997 completed the conversion of 368 older M1s to M1A2s. The first three years of M1A2 Abrams upgrade tank work, between 1991-1993, delivered 267 tanks. A multi-year procurement of 600 M1A2 upgrade tanks was run at Lima [Ohio] Army tank plant from 1996 to 2001. 

Further M1A2 improvements, called the System Enhancement Program (SEP), are underway to enhance the tank's digital command and control capabilities and to to improve the tank’s fightability and lethality. In FY 1999, the Army began upgrading M1s to the M1A2 System Enhancement Program (SEP) configuration. In 1994, the Army awarded a contract to General Dynamics Land Systems to design system enhancements to the M1A2, and awarded GDLS another contact in 1995 to supply 240 of the enhanced M1A2s, with delivery scheduled to begin in 1999. M1A2 SEP started fielding in 2000. It adds second generation forward looking infrared technology to the gunner’s and commander’s thermal sights. This sensor also will be added to older M1A2s starting in FY 2001. 

A multi-year contract for 307 M1A2 Abrams Systems Enhancement Program (SEP) tanks was awarded in March 2001 with production into 2004. The current Army plan allows for a fleet of 588 M1A2 SEP, 586 M1A2 and 4,393 M1A1 tanks. The potential exits for a retrofit program of 129 M1A2 tanks to the SEP configuration between 2004 and 2005. Initial fielding of the M1A2 to the Army's 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, was complete by August 1998. Fielding to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Ft. Carson, Colorado ended in 2000. Fielding of the M1A2 (SEP) began in spring 2000 with the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, and continues. Rolling over of the 1st Cavalry Division’s M1A2 tanks to new M1A2 (SEP) tank began in 2001 and continues. 

The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package), is the digital battlefield centerpiece for Army XXI. It is the heavy force vehicle that will lead Armor into the next century and transition the close combat mission to the Future Combat System (FCS). The M1A2 SEP is an improved version of the M1A2. It contains numerous improvements in command and control, lethality and reliability. The M1A2 System Enhanced Program is an upgrade to the computer core that is the essence of the M1A2 tank. The SEP upgrade includes improved processors, color and high resolution flat panel displays, increased memory capacity, user friendly Soldier Machine Interface (SMI) and an open operating system that will allow for future growth. Major improvements include the integration of the Second Generation Forward Looking Infared (2nd Gen FLIR) sight, the Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU) and a Thermal Management System (TMS). 

Increased funding for Stryker and Future Combat Systems (FCS) came as a result of Army decisions in 2002 to terminate or restructure some 48 systems in the FY ‘04-’09 Program Objective Memorandum (POM) long-term spending plan. Among the systems terminated were: United Defense’s Crusader self-propelled howitzer and the A3 upgrade for the Bradley Fighting vehicle, GD’s M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program, Lockheed Martin’s Army Tactical Missile System Block II and the associated pre-planned product improvement version of Northrop Grumman’s Brilliant Anti-armor (BAT) munition, Raytheon’s Stinger missile and Improved Target Acquisition System, and Textron’s Wide Area Mine. 

 

The 2nd Generation Forward Looking InfraRed sighting system (2nd Gen FLIR) will replace the existing Thermal Image System (TIS) and the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer. The incorporation of 2nd Gen FLIR into the M1A2 tank will require replacement of all 1st Gen FLIR components. From the warfighter perspective, this is one of the key improvements on the SEP. The 2nd Gen FLIR is a fully integrated engagement-sighting system designed to provide the gunner and tank commander with significantly improved day and night target acquisition and engagement capability. This system allows 70% better acquisition, 45% quicker firing and greater accuracy. In addition, a gain of 30% greater range for target acquisition and identification will increase lethality and lessen fratricide. The Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) provides a hunter killer capability. The 2nd GEN FLIR is a variable power sighting system ranging from 3 or 6 power (wide field of view) for target acquisition and 13, 25 or 50 power (narrow field of view) for engaging targets at appropriate range. 

 

The UAAPU consist of a turbine engine, a generator, and a hydraulic pump. The generator is capable of producing 6 Kilowatts of electrical power at 214 Amps, 28 vdc, and the hydraulic pump is capable of delivering 10 Kilowatts of hydraulic power. The UAAPU can meet the electrical and hydraulic power to operate all electronic and hydraulic components used during mounted surveilance operations and charge the tank's main batteries. The UAAPU will reduce Operational and Support cost by utilizing the same fuel as the tank at a reduced rate of 3-5 gallons per operational hour. The UAAPU is mounted on the left rear sponson fuel cell area and weighs 510 pounds. 

 Another improvement in the M1A2 SEP is the Thermal Management System (TMS) which keeps the temperature within the crew compartment under 95 degrees and the touch temperature of electronic units under 125 degrees during extreme conditions. By reducing the temperature in the crew compartment for the crew and electronic units, this increases the operational capability for both soldiers and the vehicle. The TMS consists of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) and a Vapor Compression System Unit (VCSU) capable of providing 7.5 Kilowatts of cooling capacity for the crew and Line Repairable Units (LRUs). The AHU is mounted in the turret bustle and the VCSU is mounted forward of the Gunner's Primary Sight (GPS). The TMS uses enviromentally friendly R134a refrigerant and propylene glycol/water mixture to maintain the LRU touch temperature at less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The TMS is mounted in the left side of turret bussel and weighs 384 pounds. 

The Army requires that all systems operate in the Army Common Operating Environment (ACOE) to improve combined arms operations. Digitization and information dominance across the entire Army for tactical elements is accomplished using Force XXI Battle Command for Brigade and Below (FBCB2) software. In Abrams, FBCB2 software is hosted on a separate card that enables situational awareness across the entire spectrum of tactical operation. It improves message flow, through 34 joint variable message formats, reports ranging from contact reports to logistic roll ups, as well as automatically providing vehicle location to friendly systems. The SEP allows for digital data dissemination with improved ability to optimize information based operations and maintain a relevant common picture while executing Force XXI full dimensional operation. This enhancement increases capability to control the battlefield tempo while improving lethality and survivability. Finally to ensure crew proficiency is maintained, each Armor Battalion is fielded an improved Advanced Gunnery Training System (AGTS) with state-of-the-art graphics. 

Changes to the M1A2 Abrams Tank contained in the System Enhancement Program (SEP) and "M1A2 Tank FY 2000" configuration are intended to improve lethality, survivability, mobility, sustainability and provide increased situational awareness and command & control enhancements necessary to provide information superiority to the dominant maneuver force. The Abrams Tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle are two central components of the dominant maneuver digital force. 

System Enhancement Program upgrades are intended to: 

improve target detection, recognition and identification with the addition of two 2nd generation FLIRs. 
incorporate an under armor auxiliary power unit to power the tank and sensor suites. 
incorporate a thermal management system to provide crew and electronics cooling. 
increase memory and processor speeds and provide full color map capability. 
provide compatibility with the Army Command and Control Architecture to ensure the ability to share command & control and situational awareness with all components of the combined arms team. 
Additional weight reduction, embedded battle command, survivability enhancement, signature management, safety improvement, and product upgrade modifications to the M1A2 will comprise the "M1A2 Tank FY 2000" configuration fielded to units of the digital division beginning in FY 2000. 

The M1A2 IOT&E was conducted from September-December 1993 at Fort Hood, TX and consisted of a gunnery phase and a maneuver phase. The Director determined that the test was adequate, the M1A2 was operationally effective, but not operationally suitable and unsafe. That assessment was based on poor availability and reliability of the tank, instances of the uncommanded tube and turret movement, inadvertent .50 caliber machine gun firing, and hot surfaces which caused contact burns. 

FOT&E #1 was conducted in September-October 1995 in conjunction with the New Equipment Training for two battalion sized units. Despite assurances from the Army that all corrective actions were applied, numerous instances of uncommanded tube and turret movement, Commander's Independent Display (CID) lockup and contact burns continued during FOT&E #1. The follow-on test was placed on hold and the Army "deadlined" the two battalions of M1A2 tanks at Fort Hood for safety reasons. The PM isolated 30 "root causes" of the safety problems and completed hardware and software upgrades in June 1996 which were assessed in FOT&E #2. 

The M1A2 TEMP was approved during 2QFY98. This TEMP includes a coordinated plan for FOT&E #3 of the M1A2 in conjunction with the IOT&E of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in FY99 at Fort Hood, TX. This combined operational test will consist of 16 force-on-force battles between a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System-A3/M1A2 SEP combined arms team and M1A1/ Bradley-ODS combined arms team. Additionally, it will serve as the operational test for the 2d Generation FLIR. This approach implements the Secretary of Defense theme of combining testing in order to save resources and ensure a more realistic operational environment. 

The Army and DOT&E completed vulnerability assessment efforts and concluded that the "M1A2 Tank FY 2000" is a significant change from the original M1A2 design and will require a system-level survivability evaluation. This evaluation will rely on full-up system level testing of two systems, component and sub-system level testing, modeling and simulation, existing data, and previous testing to assess susceptibility and vulnerability of the "M1A2 Tank FY 2000" and its crew to the expected threat and to assess battle damage repair capabilities. 

The M1A2 Abrams Tank with the corrective actions applied by the Program Manager during FY96 is assessed to be operationally effective and suitable. The availability, reliability, fuel consumption, and safety problems observed in previous testing have been corrected. FOT&E #2 was adequately conducted in accordance with approved test plans and the Abrams TEMP. There were no observed instances of the uncommanded tube and turret movement, inadvertent .50 caliber machine gun firing, and hot surfaces which caused contact burns in previous testing. 

The largest area of technical risk to the program is the development of the Embedded Battle Command software which is intended to provide friendly and enemy situational awareness and shared command & control information throughout the combined arms team. This software is being developed as a Horizontal Technology Insertion program and will be provided to the weapon systems and C2 nodes of the combined arms team in FY00. This development schedule is high risk and could adversely impact the M1A2 schedule. 

In late 2002 the Army experienced a tragic accident involving the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank. While the crew of the M1A2 was operating the vehicle, a failure within the vehicle's Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) main system occurred which resulted in an NBC filter fire. One soldier died and 9 others received injuries. While there are numerous factors involved in this accident, the primary cause of the NBC Filter fire is an air cycle machine seizure, caused by dirt ingestion. 

The M1A2 tank provides various warnings and cautions to crewmembers in the case of an NBC system problem. These warnings and cautions are displayed visually at the Commander's Integrated Display (CID) and at the Driver's Integrated Display (DID); additionally, an Audio tone is transmitted to each crewman via the Vehicular Intercommunication Set (VIS). The audio warning is generated from the tank's Analog Input Module (AIM) by way of the 2W119-5 wiring harness (Y-cable) which is connected to the driver's station, full-function, control box (AN/VIC 3). This Y-cable must be connected to the driver's control box at the J3 connector with the driver's CVC plugged into the P4 end of the Y-cable. Failure to properly hookup the 2W119-5 cable will not interfere with vehicle communications, but it will result in NO NBC warning tone being heard. In addition to the accident vehicle, several other M1A2 tanks at this installation were found to have the same incorrect connection. Commanders should ensure that each M1A2 in their command is inspected to ensure that this system is correctly connected. The NBC system should not be used until the inspection is complete. 

If an NBC warning message is given (visually or audio), crews should immediately press NBC MAIN pushbutton on the CID to turn off the NBC main system. Continued use of the NBC main system will result in an NBC filter fire. 

The NBC system is a critical component of the M1A2; it provides crews with increased protection when operating in a combat environment. This system requires proper servicing and checks as outlined in the technical manual. Ensure that all NBC sponson bolts and hardware are properly mounted and secure at all times. Failure to do so can result in the build up of dirt and dust within the NBC sponson box with the potential of damaging the Air Cycle Machine (ACM) and other components.

M901A3 Improved TOW Vehicle 
The M901A3 Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV) is a weapon system using present TOW components, mounted on a modified M113A3. It incorporates the RISE powerpack and improved driver controls. The TOW components are mounted in a launcher platform that is attached to a modified M27 cupola. 

An elevating mechanism positions the launcher platform into reload and elevated positions. The system is capable of firing two missiles without reloading and carries ten TOW rounds in the missile rack. Maximum protection is provided the crew during reload. 

PM-M113's intention is to block materiel changes (MC) as funding becomes available. Possible changes include: 

Auto Stow 

This MC will enable the operator to stow the weapon station without prepositioning the head prior to initiating the stow procedure. Under combat situations, this procedure subjects the crew and vehicle to enemy fire and increases the time necessary to take evasive action. This MC will enable it to be stowed automatically at the touch of a switch. 

Enhanced Night Sight Collimator 

This MC consists of an installation of remote adjustment knobs. Remote collimation reduces the crew's exposure to hostile fire during boresighting and provides quicker and more accurate boresighting when one operator is able to perform adjustments while he is viewing the scene himself. 

Night Sight Lens Cover 

This MC provides a remotely controlled cover for the night sight. Presently the night sight lens is vulnerable to damage from rocks and other objects. The cover will reduce damage to the lens and reduce set-up time by keeping the lens free of dirt. 

Operator Selectable Filter 

The purpose of this MC is to provide laser protection to the AN/TAS-4 Night Sight to prevent operator eye injury from damaging laser energy. This change provides a switch mounted in the operators station for control of the filter. 

WFOV Laser Protection 

The purpose of this MC is to provide laser protection for the Wide Field of View optical devices (M26) to prevent operator eye injury from damaging laser light. 

Additional M113 FOV MCs which could be applied to the M901A3 include: Armor enhancements; BCIS; Contact Spall Liner, Driver's Night Viewer; EPLRS; Improved Cold Start; M17 Laser Protection; PLGR Brackets; Swim Mod; VIS; and Water/Ration Heater.

Stryker Armored Vehicle 
 Formerly known as the Interim Armored Vehicle, the Stryker Light Armored Vehicle III [LAV III] is at the center of the Army’s Interim Brigade Combat Teams. The IBCTs are lighter and more mobile, yet offer firepower no enemy can hope to match. Strykers are being deployed to units at Fort Lewis, WA. In all, six brigades will receive the vehicles. Each brigade will have more than 300 Strykers apiece. 

In February 2002 the Army named its new interim armored vehicle after two soldiers who received the Medal of Honor. The Stryker is named in honor of Spc. 4 Robert F. Stryker, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War, and Pfc. Stuart S. Stryker, who received the award for his actions during World War II. Both men were killed in action. They were not related. This is only the second Army vehicle named after enlisted personnel. In the early 1980s, the service named the Division Air Defense gun for World War I hero Sgt. Alvin York. The system was plagued with problems before then- Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger cancelled it. 

The Army’s LAV is being produced in two major variants: the Infantry Carrier Vehicle and the Mobile Gun System. The Mobile Gun System will have a 105mm cannon, the same gun tube as the one on the original M-1 Abrams tank. This is not a tank replacement, but it gives a direct fire capability to support the infantry elements. Before the Mobile Gun System is fielded, units will get the Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle which will have a TOW system capable of blasting through reinforced concrete bunkers. 

All of the LAVs will be deployable by C-130 and larger aircraft. As of September 2002 the Army was flying Stryker in C-130s under a temporary waiver issued by the Air Force. The waiver was necessary because the vehicle is too wide to accommodate the 14-inch safety aisle around all sides that is required by the Air Force for the loadmaster. Additionally, only a portion of its crew may fly in the same aircraft. Yet, the Army disputes claims that Stryker -- the centerpiece of its new Brigade Combat Teams -- is not transportable via C-130. During the Millennium Challenge exercise the Infantry Carrier Vehicle variant required multiple alterations to fit into a C-130: The crew removed two smoke grenade launchers, all antennas, a left rear bracket that blocked egress over the top of the vehicle, the Remote Weapons System and the third-row wheel's bump-stop. Reassembly upon landing took as long as 17 minutes. 

One of the Army’s transformation goals is to be able to deploy brigade combat teams anywhere in the world within 96 hours, a division in 120 hours and five divisions within 30 days, according to Army Chief of Staff GEN Eric K. Shinseki. The LAV III is considered an “interim armored vehicle” because it is not the final vehicle that will equip the transformation “objective force” of the future. This is not an experimental force, rather it represents a force capable of meeting the needs of regional commanders in chief, while concurrently assisting the Army in developing doctrine to meet 21st-century threats. 

Program
In November 2000 the Army took another step into its Transformation Initiative when it announced that GM GDLS Defense Group had been awarded the contract to supply the Army with the Interim Armored Vehicle. GM GDLS in a joint venture between General Motors, Electro-Motive Divison, and General Dynamics Land Systems Division and is based in Sterling Heights, Mich. The majority of the work on the project is done in the United States and Canada. 

Army officials signed a $4 billion contract to produce 2,131 LAVs over six years. The contract's first iteration calls for enough LAVs to equip the first IBCT at Fort Lewis. Each brigade will have more than 300 LAVs, and the six option years of the contract should produce enough LAVs for the first six Brigade Combat Teams. 

A number of subcontractors are used to produce the different LAV configurations and equipment. The prime contractor - GM General Dynamics Land Systems Defense Group LLC -- conducts work in four primary locations. Structure, fabrication and final assembly of the LAVs takes place in both Anniston, Ala., and London, Ontario in Canada. Engineering takes place in Sterling Heights, Mich., and upper hull structures are produced at a plant in Lima, Ohio. 

The contract provides the Interim Brigade Combat Team with two vehicle variants that are deployable anywhere in the world in combat-ready configurations. The two variations of the LAV III that are produced for the Interim Armored Vehicle program are the Infantry Carrier Vehicle and the Mobile Gun System. The Stryker has eight configurations besides the basic infantry carrier model — mortar carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, anti-tank guided missile vehicle, fire-support vehicle, engineer support vehicle, command-and-control vehicle, medical-evacuation vehicle and the NBC reconnaissance vehicle. The Strykers are not a replacement for the M1 Abrams tank or the M3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The Strykers are used in places, such as urban areas, where the heavy armored vehicles are not suitable for the mission. 

Design
They have a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour and a range of 300 miles on a tank of fuel. The vehicle are swift, easily maintainable and include features designed for the safety of soldiers. The LAV’s tires can be inflated or deflated from inside the vehicle to adapt to surfaces ranging from deep mud to hardtop, and it has run-flat tires, a built-in fire-suppression system and self-recovery winch. The vehicles run quieter than the current armored personnel carriers, increasing their "stealth." They will also give the new brigades a reduced logistics footprint, and make the units cheaper to operate than today's heavy brigades. The Interim Brigade Combat Team should be about 25 percent cheaper to operate than today's heavy brigades. 

The LAV engine is a Caterpillar engine, which is common to the Army's family of medium tactical vehicles. That means some of the same repair parts can be used. Commonality of equipment reduces the brigade's logistical footprint and support costs and makes the entire vehicle fleet easier to maintain. This will allow the use of the same support structure for all of a unit’s vehicles, including mechanics and parts. 

Reducing its weight is a modification the Stryker underwent before the vehicles arrive in May at 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, both located at Fort Lewis, Wash. The Stryker was reported to be 4,000 pounds more than the 38,000-pound requirement. However, officials expect that the vehicles will meet weight limits, which will allow them to be loaded and transported on a C-130 cargo plane. 

For vehicles weighing 10-20 tons, tracked vehicles have better cross-country mobility in sand, mud and snow than wheeled vehicles, while wheeled vehicles have much better speed and ride quality over primary and secondary roads than tracked vehicles. 

Survivability
Three block improvements are planned for the Stryker. A crew-installable add-on armor kit that provides 360-degree RPG-7 protection, an internal recoil-mounted 120mm mortar system, and embedded training that will be provided beginning with the third SBCT. Block improvements will be retrofitted to SBCTs 1 and 2 in subsequent years. 

The Army says the Stryker family of vehicles are considered less vulnerable to small arms and weapons fire than the M113 family of vehicles. The crew and engine compartments of the Strykers are fully protected up to 14.5mm armor piercing (AP) rounds while the crew and engine compartments of the M113s are protected only up to 7.62mm AP rounds. Although a 14.5mm armor design was developed for the M113s, the armor was never produced and fielded. 

The LAV’s armor protection will stop 50-caliber bullets and protect against 152 mm airburst shells. The basic package on every vehicle is the basic steel hull, which protects against 7.62 mm bullets, and then a ceramic applique, which is added on give protection against 14.5mm machine guns. This is similar to the Bradley add-on armor that is appliqued on top. And just like Bradley armor, the Bradley's don't drive around with that. If there is a situation that requires it, the unit deploys with it, and applies it. The Strykers are protected by armor sufficient to withstand 14.5mm heavy machine gun fire and 152mm overhead artillery fire. A strengthened undercarriage protects the personnel inside from mines. 

Beginning in October 2001 the Stryker underwent coupon testing, which is taking small squares of armor and firing at it with various caliber weapons and munitions at varying distances. After the tests, officials discovered that the initial armor proposed by the contractor was not suitable and changes in the armor were ordered in early 2002. When modifications are made to the armor, the vehicle will be able to stop 7.62mm and 14.5mm armor piercing ammunitions. 

GM Defense delivered a new, denser ceramic-skin armor for Stryker in May 2002. In the summer of 2003 the first Stryker vehicles had problems with the armor not adequately protecting the crew from 14.5mm fire. This was fixed by backing the ceramic armor on the Strykers with a 3mm steel plate. Depending on the model, up to 126 tiles could be installed. When the LAV-III add-on armor is mounted, the LAV-III weighs 43,000 pounds, which precludes C-130 transport altogether. 

The Army was concerned about the Rocket Propelled Grenade threat, the enemy’s weapon of choice. So two new types of armor have been installed on the vehicles. The most obvious add-on to the discerning eye is called slat armor. It resembles a “bird cage” that will add three feet to the Stryker’s width. The slat armor installed on the Strykers resembles a big catcher’s mask that wraps around the vehicle. The armor is basically a grill of wire mesh that will cause the RPG to detonate away from the vehicle. Plans are in the works to add another type of armor package to the inventory. That add-on armor is called “reactive armor.” Essentially that armor explodes when an RPG or other anti-tank round hits it. It’s already on M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles. 

United Defense Industries, Arlington, Va., received a $7.9 million contract from GM Defense 04 November 2002 to develop and test add-on applique armor that will stop RPG-7 rounds. The contract requires United Defense to develop and test the applique armor by February 2004. If it passes, the company could build 1,600 add-on armor kits by 2006. 

Production Qualification Testing of the rocket-propelled grenade-level add-on armor began in May 2003 and found that the armor performance did not meet Army requirements. As a result, the Stryker program experienced delays in all add-on armor related testing to allow the contractor to refine its armor solution to meet Army requirements. Re-qualification of the new add-on armor solution resumed in September 2003 and will continue through February 2004. 

Add-on armor for the Stryker adds approximately 7,000 lbs to the vehicle weight and approximately 12-14 inches to each side. To accommodate the increased weight, the tires were inflated to 90 psi and the Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) was disengaged. As the vehicles moved from a hard surface to a softer one (in a grove of trees) the vehicle's tires sank into the soft ground. The winch on the Stryker is not sufficient to recover a Stryker with add-on armor mounted; therefore, some other vehicle recovery asset must be used. 

Another challenge was the problem moving the vehicles down narrow two-lane roads while they had the add-on armor on the Strykers. The vehicles were unable to pass side by side. One driver had to pull off the road to make room for the other vehicle to pass. When he did this, the vehicle would sink into the dirt and require another vehicle to recover it. This made it important for the battalion staff and company-level leaders to ensure that they did detailed mission planning and route selection to reduce the possibility of two vehicles passing. While this does not appear to limit maneuver, it could cause temporary loss of momentum. 

Testing
In September 2002 the Army Test and Evaluation Command started the 16-day field-testing portion of a formal comparison between the new Stryker Armored Vehicle and the M113A3 Armored Personnel Carrier at Fort Lewis, Wash. Formally dubbed the Medium Armored Vehicle Comparison Evaluation, the test was required by the 2001 National Defense Authorization Act. The comparison started with a 50-mile road march, and the first two mission vignettes are schedule to begin Sept. 13. A wide variety of data was be collected from a platoon of four M113A3s rebuilt by Anniston Army Depot, Ala., and a platoon of four new Strykers delivered to Fort Lewis. 

The Army's first Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted its operational evaluation exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Lousiana. The exercise, named Arrowhead Lightning II, was set to assess the SBCT's ability to conduct early entry and combat operations in a mid- to low- intensity environment against an unconventional enemy. The exercise was set to take place from May 15-27, 2003. Following a month-long training event at Fort Irwin, CA, that ended in mid-April, the brigade transported 1,500 vehicles -- including 293 Stryker vehicles -- by air, land and sea to ports close to Fort Polk. Upon completion of the operational evaluation exercise, the Army was to prepare a report to the Secretary of Defense, who would in turn then have certify to Congress whether the results of the evaluation indicate the design of the SBCT is operationally effective and fully trained before it can be deployed on missions worldwide. 

The 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry, of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, (SBCT 2) is deployed their equipment and personnel to Fort Knox, KY, to participate in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) from June-September 2003. 

The battalion also discovered that while the Stryker vehicle can easily ford streams and shallow rivers, Soldiers must take care not to exceed certain speeds. They found that if they entered the water at fast speeds, then water would splash up over the front of the vehicle, filling the engine compartment, causing the vehicle to stall. When the vehicle slowed down, the water would not splash over the hull, and allowed the vehicle to move through the water without stalling. 

The Stryker test and evaluation program is challenging because of the requirement to test and evaluate ten different variants. The Army’s OE Report concludes, “current design and training performance of the first SBCT meets the requirements of the Organizational and Operational Concept.” Based on the Army’s assessment, DOT&E does not believe there are any unit design issues. However, the OE was not sufficient to completely address the operational effectiveness and suitability of an SBCT, nor did it address the operational effectiveness, suitability, or survivability of the Stryker vehicles themselves. Stryker vehicle effectiveness, suitability, and survivability will be assessed in the BLRIP report. 

The Army has completed the Stryker IOT&E. DOT&E’s independent evaluation is ongoing. This evaluation will determine the operational effectiveness and suitability of eight of ten Stryker vehicles types that were available for testing. 

Deployment
The first interim brigade combat team contains three substitute vehicles, because the mobile gun system and support systems for the nuclear, biological and chemical reconnaissance vehicle, and the fire support vehicle, would not be ready by May 2003. The Army will not field an interim brigade combat team supported by all configurations of the Stryker until 2005. 

For the first time since World War I, the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division deployed overseas. The brigade’s Stryker vehicles and other equipment arrived 12 November 2003 in the port of Kuwait on board the USNS Shughart and USNS Sisler after a three-week voyage from Fort Lewis, Wash., via the Port of Tacoma. The deployment marks the second time that Stryker vehicles have landed on foreign soil though. In August 2003 a platoon from the Army’s first Stryker Brigade Combat team conducted a capabilities demonstration in South Korea. 

The Army is betting much of its future on the success of this 19-ton wheeled combat vehicle wrapped in a steel-grilled hoop skirt. In Iraq, the vehicle's combat debut is unfolding with the Army's first Stryker Brigade combat team. This much-debated $10 billion experiment aims to field as many as half a dozen 3,600-soldier units equipped with these high-tech, lightly armored vehicles that can speed infantry to a fight. Unlike an Abrams tank or a Bradley fighting vehicle, the Stryker is a medium-weight, eight-wheel vehicle that can carry 11 soldiers and weapons at speeds of more than 60 miles an hour. With its giant rubber tires instead of noisy tracks, it is fast and quiet and draws on the brigade's reconnaissance drones, eavesdropping equipment and the Army's most advanced communications gear to outflank an enemy rather than outslug it. 


M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle 
The ICV provides protected transport for an infantry squad and direct fire support during the dismounted assault. The ICV carries a 9-man squad and retains the capability to provide effective supporting fire to the squad while it is dismounted. 

The primary design of the IAV has two variants: The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) and the Mobile Gun System (MGS). The ICV troop transport vehicle is capable of carrying 9 infantry soldiers and their equipment. It requires a crew of two; a driver and a vehicle commander. There are eight other configurations of the ICV that have combat service and combat support roles. Those configurations include a Commander’s Vehicle (CV), Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV), Fire Support Vehicle (FSV), Mortar Carrier (MC), Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle (ATGM), Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV), Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV), and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBC RV). 

The infantry rifle platoon is equipped with four ICVs that provide rapid, protected tactical and operational mobility of infantry squads to critical locations on the battlefield. The ICV is a fully mobile system capable of operating in conjunction with infantry and other elements of the combined-arms team. Each ICV has a crew of two (VC and driver) that operates the vehicle. These mounted crews provide critical support to the platoon by operating and maintaining the ICVs and properly employing them on the battlefield to ensure protected delivery of the infantry squads to their dismount point. Once the infantry squads have dismounted the ICVs, the vehicle crew may employ local defensive armament to defeat "thin-skinned" enemy vehicles (trucks or lightly armored vehicles) or dismounted infantry. 

The ICV's local defensive armament is capable of defeating "thin-skinned" enemy vehicles (trucks or lightly armored vehicles) and dismounted infantry. ICV crews may employ these weapons to augment the base of fire provided by the platoon's weapons squad. These augmenting direct fires can ensure the infantry squad's freedom of maneuver to close with and destroy the enemy. These fires can also provide accurate suppressive fires on enemy personnel, bunkers, or emplacements and destroy enemy infantry in daylight, at night, or during conditions of limited visibility (smoke, haze, and fog). 

The platoon's ICVs and infantry soldiers provide mutual protection for each other while performing their assigned missions. Infantry soldiers provide security for the vehicles while halted, and the ICVs provide rapid, protected battlefield mobility and an augmenting base of fire capability for the dismounted infantry assault. 

While the platoon remains mounted, the platoon leader controls the movement of the platoon's ICVs. When the platoon leader dismounts to conduct the assault or other dismounted infantry operations with the infantry squads, the platoon sergeant normally assumes control of the mounted element of the platoon. He maneuvers them in support of the infantry squads and as directed by the platoon leader. For example, if the direct fires of the ICVs are needed to facilitate the maneuver of the squads, the platoon leader may decide to have the platoon sergeant direct the fires of the mounted element to facilitate the platoon's maneuver. The platoon sergeant also can dismount with the rest of the platoon, if required. 

The platoon fights as a team. It must be prepared to maneuver in restricted terrain supported by the weapons squad and, when possible, the ICVs and MGS. When the platoon conducts dismounted operations, it has three 9-man rifle squads and a 7-man weapons squad. The key advantage here is that, with the added support of the weapons squad, the infantry no longer has to stay within range of ICV direct fire support. In this case, the ICVs could overwatch, block another avenue of approach, isolate the objective, or conduct other missions. 

The different configurations of the Infantry Carrier Vehicle will include: 

Mortar Carrier 
Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle 
Reconnaissance Vehicle 
Fire Support Vehicle 
Engineer Support Vehicle 
Commander's Vehicle 
Medical Evacuation Vehicle 
NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle
The NBC Recon and Fire Support vehicles are still in the development stages, and so is the Mobile Gun System. But before the Mobile Gun System is fielded, units will get the Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle which will have a TOW system capable of blasting through reinforced concrete bunkers. 



Specifications 
MISSION CAPABILITY  Carries 9-man infantry squad and crew of 2 
Kongsberg remote weapon station with M2 .50 cal MG or MK19 40mm 
Javelin missiles 
 
SURVIVABILITY  High hard steel structure 
MEXAS ceramic layer 
Spall liner 
IBD passive RPG add-on 
GFE/ASIOE 
 
ICV MISSION ROLE REQUIREMENTS Exceptional tactical mobility for full spectrum operations 
Air transportable in combat ready configuration 
High baseline vehicle commonality with other variants 
14.5 mm integral armor protection (optional RPG-7 armor protection) 
Battlefield survivability to carry out combat missions 
Supportability and affordability 
 
SIZE/WEIGHT (INCLUDING BASE ARMOR)  
Length 275 inches 
Width 107 inches 
Height 104 inches 
Combat Weight GVW 38,000 lbs.  
PERFORMANCE @ GVW  
Maximum speed 60 mph 
Maximum range (40mph) 330 miles 
Slope performance: Frontal:  60% 
Slope performance: Side : 30% 
Vertical climb 23 inches 
Gap 78 inches 
 
POWER TRAIN & SUSPENSION Engine 350 hp
Transmission 6 speeds forward 1 Reverse
Transfer case 2 speed
Differentials 4 automotive
Suspension 8 wheel hydropneumatic independent with Height Management System
Driven wheels 4wd full time 8wd selectable
Tires Central Tire Inflation
System with runflats
Brakes Power brakes with ABS on rear three axles  
AIR TRANSPORTABILITY C-130 
C-5A 
C-17 
 
FIRE SUPPRESSION 1 shot FM200 for troop compartment
2 shot FE25 for engine compartment
Automatically activated  
PERSONNEL 11 total
1 driver
1 vehicle commander
9 troops  
ARMAMENT Remote weapon station (RWS) with a universal soft mount cradle capable of mounting: 
MK19 40mm grenade launcher 
M2 .50 cal machine gun 
MK240 7.62mm machine gun (with adapter)
Ancillary 
(4) M6 Smoke grenade launchers

Stowed Ammunition 
(32) 66mm smoke grenades 
(3200) 7.62mm rounds 
(2000) .50 cal rounds OR 
(430) MK19 rounds

For Troops: 
(2240) 5.56mm ball 
(1120) 5.56mm linked 
 
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (2) roof vent fans
(1) crew/engine heater
• (1) driver heat exchanger
• (2) crew heat exchangers
(1) blowers (A/C ready)  
VISION Driver 
(3) M-17 periscopes
(1) Driver’s Vision Enhancer

Vehicle Commander
(7) M45 periscopes

RWS mounted vision devices
Thermal imager
Video camera
 
EQUIPMENT Hydraulic self recovery winch 
NBC detectors and ventilated face mask system 
GPS PLGR 
SINCGARS radios 
EPLRS 
Squad leaders video display terminal 
FBCB2 Computer (Commander) 
 



M1127 Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle 
The RV provides an effective platform for RSTA Squadrons and battalion scouts to perform reconnaissance and surveillance operations. The RV is the key enabler for both sensor and HUMINT focused surveillance and intelligence operations. The RV accommodates a squad of six and an additional augmentee, for a total vehicle capacity of seven personnel. 

The scout platoon for the battalion developed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) that allowed them to use the vehicle while still performing the traditional dismounted scout platoon mission. The scout squad moved to a location in the vicinity of their operational area. Then they backed their Stryker vehicles, again equipped with the add-on armor, near stands of trees, brush or other types of concealment. The scout squads dismounted and moved to their observation points, named areas of interest (NAI), or other locations. After the completion of their missions, the squad returned to the vehicles, sent any necessary reports via FBCB2 and FM, and then moved to their next location. Using existing TTPs, by carefully selecting the Stryker vehicle hide positions (to ensure they would support the additional weight of the vehicle with the add-on armor), they were prepared to depart quickly after the return of the squad with minimum preparation or challenge. 


M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System 
The two variations of the LAV III that will be produced for the Interim Armored Vehicle program are the Infantry Carrier Vehicle and the Mobile Gun System. The Stryker Mobile Gun System carries a 105mm cannon, the same gun tube as the one on the original M-1 Abrams tank. This is not a tank replacement, but it gives a direct fire capability to support the infantry elements. The principal function of the Mobile Gun System (MGS) is to provide rapid and lethal direct fires to support assaulting infantry. The MGS is a key weapons overmatch platform to ensure mission success and survivability of the Combined Arms Company. 

With a successful LRIP decision, Stryker brigade first unit equipped date for the MGS is scheduled for April 2005. 

Successful decisive combat operations are characterized by the application of overwhelming precision firepower in a killing zone while countering the enemy’s ability to effectively return fire. The IBCT’s Combined Arms Company operations are conducted in a collective synchronization of overmatching firepower to ensure success. The MGS is essential in setting and maintaining the tactical conditions for this collective overmatch by providing the capability to rapidly and in succession engage and destroy a diversity of stationary and mobile threat personnel, infrastructure, and materiel targets. It will have the capability to apply a broad spectrum of munitions with lethal effects under all weather and visibility conditions. 

In applying lethal effects as part of the Combined Arms Company, the MGS will survive on the battlefield by taking advantage of the high levels of threat and situational understanding resident in the Brigade formation. It will engage enemy positions and targets as part of the Combined Arms Company from ranges and locations outside the enemy’s kill zone capability. It will avoid high risk terrain profiles. Its inherent mobility and agility will enable it to deliver precision fires from alternate and successive positions outside the enemy’s acquisition and fire delivery reaction time. 

The Mobile Gun System configuration carries a General Dynamics 105mm tank cannon in a low-profile, fully stabilized, “shoot on the move” turret. Its armor protects the three-soldier crew from machine gun bullets, mortar and artillery fragments on the battlefield. The Stryker Mobile Gun System can fire 18 rounds of 105-mm main gun ammunition; 400 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition; and 3,400 rounds of 7.62-mm ammunition. It operates with the latest C4ISR equipment as well as detectors for nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. 

The Stryker Mobile Gun System [MGS] will employ four types of 105mm tactical ammunition. High explosive/high explosive plastic (HE/HEP) ammunition will destroy hardened enemy bunkers, machinegun and sniper positions, and create openings in walls through which infantry can pass. Kinetic energy (KE) ammunition will be employed to destroy a variety of Level II armored vehicles. High explosive, anti-tank (HEAT) ammunition is well suited to defeat a variety ofthin-skinned vehicles and provide fragmentation effects. Finally, anti-personnel (canister) ammunition will defeat attacking dismounted infantry in the open. HE/HEP, KE and HEAT each have or will have complementary training ammunition. 

In January 2002 the US Army awarded GM GDLS Defense Group, a joint venture between General Motors and General Dynamics Land Systems, a delivery order worth $48 million for 10 Mobile Gun System vehicles to equip its new Brigade Combat Teams. These mobile gun systems were to be delivered monthly from July 2002 to January 2003 at General Dynamics Anniston (Ala.) facility. General Dynamics delivered the first of eight pre-production Stryker Mobile Gun Systems to the US Army on 26 July 2002. The pre-production Stryker Mobile Gun Systems are being assembled in the General Dynamics Muskegon technology center through December, using $62 million in research and development funds of the $4 billion contact. Production of an additional 72 mobile gun variants begins in 2003 at General Dynamics Anniston, Alabama, facility. 

The Stryker vehicles are designed not to exceed a 38,000-pound weight limit, to enable them to fly on a C-130. As of early 2002 the mobile gun exceeded the maximum by 3,000 pounds. The mobile gun system had weighed 45,000 pounds until an aggressive weight reduction program began in January 2002. 

The effects of this problem are apparent in the composition of the MGS Platoon (Mobile Gun System.) FM 7-22 lays out the MGS PLT as an organic element of each IBCT Infantry Company within the IBCT BN. Each Company Commander has at his disposal within the MGS PLT 3 MGS Strykers, with the mission of supporting the dismounted Infantry with direct, supporting fires IOT destroy hardened enemy bunkers, machine guns, and sniper positions. The MGS Stryker is armed with a 105mm Low Profile Turret capable of a 6 second cycle rate and 18 ready rounds. Apparently, the MGS is a popular system and will be a tremendous asset to the IBCT Company Commander. Similar to an AT Platoon attached to an Airborne Infantry Company; the MGS PLT will provide the lighter armed Strykers and dismounts with outstanding firepower. 

The armor protection creates a contradiction for the MGS Stryker. Currently, the MGS is fielded with armor protection capable of .50 cal munitions. The add-on scaleable armor in development promises protection against 14.5mm and hand-held HEAT up to and including RPG-7 penetration. The obvious rationale for the developmental armor is the precise evaluation of MG and ATGM threat during support to infantry assault operations. Emerging technology finds itself between a rock and a hard place when faced with the MGS platform. Armor already in use on tanks can stop ATGM, but is too heavy for the air-mobile MGS. Developmental reactive armor must meet the cost, weight, size, and soldier-proof requirements established for the MGS Stryker. Caught in-between the weight restrictions and the desire to protect against ATGM threats on the future battlefield, the MGS is suffering an identity crisis. The stryker makes no attempt to perform in ways it is not capable of; it embraces it's light-skinned composition, and uses it's reduced weight and speed to fight as a faster, more agile force on the battlefield. The MGS, with it's tank-like 105mm top, wants the best of both worlds with the speed of the Stryker, and armor resistance of a Bradley. As seen in large cashes seized in Afghanistan, the RPG is a cheap and heavily saturated weapon system available to every possible IBCT opponent in the world. 

The platoon includes three MGS vehicles, each with a crew of three: VC, gunner, and driver. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant are the VCs for two of the MGS vehicles. 



Specifications 
MISSION CAPABILITY  Low profile turret 
M68A1 105mm cannon w/autoloader 
Coax 7.62mm, Secondary CDR’s MG 
Full solution fire control, 2 axis stabilization 
 
MOBILITY  60 mph top speed 
9 sec 50m dash 
78 in gap crossing 
23 in vertical climb 
330 mile cruising range 
53 gal fuel capacity 
 
SURVIVABILITY  High hard steel structure 
MEXAS ceramic layer 
Kevlar spall liner 
IBD passive RPG add-on 
GFE/ASIOE 
M68A1 
ELRF 
 



M1129 Stryker Mortar Carrier 
The MC provides accurate and lethal high angle fire to support operations in complex terrain and urban environments. The MC accommodates a 120mm mortar system that fires a full family of mortar ammunition (HE, illumination, IR illumination, smoke, precision guided, and Dual Purpose Improve Conventional Munitions (DPICM)) while mounted. 

The mortar section is the rifle company's primary indirect fire support element. The section consists of ten soldiers organized in two mortar crews; each crew is equipped with a 120-mm mortar mounted on a specially equipped mortar carrier (MC). The MC allows for rapid and flexible delivery of indirect fires and increased responsiveness through rapid maneuver in support of company operations. Each crew is also equipped with a 60-mm mortar, which enables the section to provide a more lightweight dismounted mortar system to meet the requirements of a traditional light infantry mission (such as infiltration). With the exception of having two mortar systems rather than four, the mortar section provides the company commander with the same indirect fire capabilities that the battalion mortar platoon provides to the battalion commander. The man-portable nature of the mortar systems gives the company commander a flexible and robust indirect fire capability. Due to crew limitations, only one system (60-mm or 120-mm) can be employed at a given time. 


M1130 Stryker Commander's Vehicle 
MEDICS are driving a bigger, faster vehicle. Engineers are able to shoot mine-clearing line charges to detonate mine fields. And the infantry can fit 11 soldiers into a vehicle that travels 60 mph. So it's no wonder the command vehicle for the SBCT provides capabilities never before available in the Army. 

The Commander's Vehicle is a nice asset. It bridges the gap between heavy mech-anized forces and the light infantry. The commander's vehicle can track just about anything on the battlefield with its video display terminal. Red icons appear on the screen when the enemy is nearby, and an automated voice also alerts the commander of danger. Blue icons depict friendly forces, which the operations officer can see. The commander can identify the units by clicking on their icons with a hand-held pointer. The command variant of the Stryker allows the commander to control events away from the tactical operations center. 

While the CV can carry 36,133 pounds of equipment, it's not reduced to a snail's pace during battle. In tests, it traveled 150 feet in 9 seconds, and can reach speeds up to 60 mph. It's quick, agile and quiet. It operates even better on urban terrain and can go places a tank can't. Compared to older vehicles, this vehicle can cross mountainous terrain very easily. In addition, a .50-caliber machine gun is mounted on the CV's top, and a grenade launcher can be added as well. 


M1131 Stryker FSV - Fire Support Vehicle 
The Fire Support Vehicle [FSV] provides enhanced surveillance, target acquisition, target identification, target designation, and communications supporting the BCT with ”first round“ fire-for-effect capability. It integrates the current M707 Striker Mission Equipment Package. The FSV provides the Fire Support Teams (FIST) with the capability to automate command and control functions, to perform fire support planning, directing, controlling and cross-functional area coordination, and execution. 

The fire support team (FIST) consists of the fire support officer (FSO), the fire support (FS) NCO, and one fire support specialist. It is equipped with the fire support vehicle (FSV) and has the Striker to provide a combat laser designation capability for delivery of precision artillery or aerial-delivered munitions. The FIST assists the company commander in planning, integrating, coordinating, and executing all types of available supporting fires during tactical operations. The FIST is the commander's primary fire support coordinator and provides the commander a direct link to battalion indirect fire support systems. 


M1132 Stryker Engineer Support Vehicle [ESV] 
The Engineer Support Vehicle [ESV], one of eight proposed Stryker variants, has the same power as the Stryker infantry carrier vehicle, making it easier for engineers to negotiate rough terrain. The unit's older vehicle made keeping up with the infantry a challenge. That hindered the mission. They couldn't see through the dust. But now, they can negotiate the same terrain. Aside from power, the ESV shares other similarities with its Stryker brethren. Like other Strykers, it's equipped with two Javelin missiles and a .50-caliber remote weapon station that allows the gunner to fire from inside the vehicle. It also comes equipped with a video camera, allowing the driver to see what's going on outside the vehicle. Additionally, the squad leader has a touch-screen display that allows him to see what both the gunner and driver see. 

The ESV provides the Engineer Squad with highly mobile, protected transport to decisive locations on the battlefield to provide the required mobility and limited counter mobility support to the BCT. Integrated into the ESV are current obstacle neutralization and lane marking systems and mine detection devices. 


M1134 Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) 
The family of Strykers will be the primary weapons systems for the BCT, and will consist of two variants-an infantry carrier vehicle and the mobile gun system. There will be eight additional configurations of the infantry carrier vehicle: a mortar carrier; reconnaissance vehicle; antitank guided missile (ATGM) vehicle; fire support vehicle; engineer squad vehicle; command vehicle; medical evacuation vehicle; and an NBC reconnaissance vehicle. 

The STRYKER will employ existing non-developmental items with common subsystems and components to enhance rapid development and fielding. Integration of existing Government Furnished Material (GFE) subsystems, such as Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS) is expected as appropriate. C-130 deployable and combat capable upon arrival in a contingency area, the STRYKER provides integral protection levels against up to 14.5-mm armor-piercing (AP) rounds. It is optimized for close, complex, or urbanized terrain, and is highly agile and maneuverable. The STRYKER is self-deployable, requiring no equipment transporters once on the ground, and is capable of like-vehicle recovery, obviating the need for recovery vehicles. The contract for STRYKER production was awarded in January 2001. 

Until the MGS fielding, however, tactical missions will be met with Stryker anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) vehicles. The ATGM mission is to provide a tank- (or equivalent vehicle) killing capability. The in-lieu-of ATGMs, used by the first and second brigade combat teams until the fielding of the MGS, will fire a TOW bunker-buster missile to meet the MGS capability. The current TOW missiles do not provide that capability. 

The General Dynamics Land Systems remote Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system for tracked and wheeled infantry fighting vehicles evolved from the Elevated TOW system (ETS). The ATGM weapon system gives TOW missile capability to today's infantry fighting vehicles. The ATGM weapon system has a 2-tube launcher and elevated mast extending 0.5 meters above the chassis. The crew of three is under armor at all times. The ATGM provides maximum crew protection when operated stealthily using terrain and other structures to provide masking and protection. The ATGM weapon system, through the employment of current sighting technologies, enables the use of the family of all TOW missile types. The ATGM weapon system is employed in the US Army Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) ATGM vehicle. 


M1135 Stryker NBC RV - NBC Recon Vehicle 
The NBC RV provides NBC situational awareness to increase the combat power of the BCT. The core of the NBC RV is its on-board integrated NBC sensor suite and integrated meteorological system. An NBC positive overpressure system that minimizes cross-contamination of samples and detection instruments, provides crew protection, and allows extended operations at MOPP 0. 


High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) 
The High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) is the replacement vehicle for the M151 series jeeps. The HMMWV's mission is to provide a light tactical vehicle for command and control, special purpose shelter carriers, and special purpose weapons platforms throughout all areas of the modern battlefield. It is supported using the current logistics and maintenance structure established for Army wheeled vehicles. The HMMWV is equipped with a high performance diesel engine, automatic transmission and four wheel drive that is air transportable and droppable from a variety of aircraft. The HMMWV can be equipped with a self-recovery winch capable of up to 6000 pound 1:1 ratio line pull capacity and can support payloads from 2,500 - 4,400 pounds depending on the model. The HMMWV is produced in several configurations to support weapons systems; command and control systems; field ambulances; and ammunition, troop and general cargo transport. 

The HMMWV replaced selected M151 Jeeps (1/4-ton), the M274 Mule (1/2-ton), the M561 Gamma Goat (1 1/4-ton), the M718A1 ambulance, and the M792 ambulance. 

The High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle is a light, highly mobile, diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive vehicle that uses a common 4,400 lb payload chassis. Using common components and kits, the HMMWV can be configured to become a troop carrier, armament carrier, S250 shelter carrier, ambulance, TOW missile carrier, and a Scout vehicle. The 4,400 lb variant was developed as the prime mover for the light howitzer, towed VULCAN system, and heavier shelter carriers. It is a tri-service program that also provides vehicles to satisfy Marine Corps and Air Force requirements. 

The HMMWV is the world standard in light military trucks. It is lightweight, high performance, four wheel drive, air transportable & droppable, land mobility system. The family includes utility/cargo, shelter carrier, armament carrier, ambulance, TOW missile carrier and scout-reconnaissance configuration. Payload varies by body style ranging from 1920 lbs on the 4 litter ambulance to 5300 lbs on limited availability Expanded Capacity variant, but is generally in the 5/4T range. A basic armor package is standard on the Armament and TOW missile carrier models. A more heavily armored, or Up-Armor HMMWV, is now being produced in limited quantities, primarily for the Scout Platoon application. 

The M998 is the baseline vehicle for the M998 series of 1 1/4-ton trucks, which are known as the HMMWV vehicles. The HMMWV provides a variety of wheeled vehicle platforms. These are cargo/troop carrier, armament carrier, TOW missile system carrier, shelter carrier and two ambulance variants (2- and 4-litter). The HMMWV will also be the prime mover for the AN/TRC-170 Radio Digital Terminal and the Pedestal Mounted Stinger System. 

Since its inception, the HMMWV has undergone numerous design and configuration updates and changes. These changes have included technological, environmental, operational, and safety improvements, such as higher payload capability, radial tires, 1994 Environmental Protection Agency emissions update, commercial bucket seats, three-point seat belts, four-speed transmissions, and, in some cases, turbo-charged engines and air conditioning. 

In 1995, the PM introduced the A2 configuration and the expanded capacity vehicle (ECV) HMMWV. The A2 incorporates the four-speed, electronic transmission; the 6.5 liter diesel engine; and improvements in transportability. The A2 serves as a platform for other Army systems such as the ground-based common sensor. The ECV vehicle also went into production in 1995. The payload of this vehicle is 5,100 lb, including the crew. One of its missions is to serve as a chassis for the M1114 up-armored HMMWV that is used by the Scouts and MPs. The ECV also serves as a platform for mission payloads and for systems that exceed 4,400 lb. 

Over half the current HMMWV fleet was built in the first six years of the program. The HMMWV was originally built with an expected service life of 15 years. In FY00 the first three trucks produced went over age and this was only the beginning. These first trucks, along with those built in FY85, are the bow wave of a significant aging trend across the HMMWV fleet. The fleet average age is also increasing. At the end of FY01 the fleet average age was approximately 10.8 years old. Continuing current funding levels to only procure new vehicles, the HMMWV fleet average age could grow to almost 17 years old by FY10. 

PM-LTV recognized the need to address the rapidly rising operation and support (O&S) costs associated with these over age vehicles and began to develop an OPA-funded program to rebuild and upgrade the fleet of over 100,000 vehicles. The program's objective was to return HMMWVs to a near zero hours/miles condition to extend their life for an additional 21 years while enhancing performance and minimizing O&S costs. As initially conceived, the program would have included a new engine and drive train, new corrosion-resistant frame rails and 50 other mandatory modernization parts. The cost of this modernization program was projected to approach $40K per vehicle. 

The scope of this program expanded in 2000 with the advent of the Army Recapitalization Policy. The goal of this initiative was to enhance readiness and slow the growth of O&S costs by maintaining the average fleet age at or below half the system's expected service life. In support of this effort PM-LTV developed a mathematical model to predict the average fleet age and numbers of vehicles within service life or over age based on projected annual new production and recapitalization quantities. Using this model it was determined that over 8,000 vehicles had to be recapitalized annually for the first several years in order meet the half-life standard by the target date of 2010. The high cost of this and other recapitalization programs caused the Army to further refine the recapitalization standard. 

In September 2001, the Army leadership determined that it was not cost effective to fully recapitalize the HMMWV fleet to a zero hour/zero mile standard. The program was redirected towards an OMA-funded, focused recapitalization effort of only the older vehicles in the counter attack corps. The reduced scope of work consisted of an engine and drive train rebuild and a focused component inspect, repair and replace process. This program was approved by the VCSA on 19 October, 2001 and funding was programmed for the recapitalization of 4,372 total vehicles starting in FY04. The result of this focused recapitalization effort will be a vehicle with a ten year extended service life that is like new in appearance and performance. 

The Hybrid Electric HMMWV is derived when the traditional mechanical drive train (engine, transmission and transfer case) is removed from a conventional HMMWV and replaced with a hybrid electric drive train. The hybrid electric drive train consists of a motor-generator set, two drive motors, and a battery pack. The Hybrid drive train is in a series configuration, where the motor-generator set does not have a direct mechanical linkage to the wheels. Army interest in the HE HMMWV is predominantly in the areas of fuel consumption and logistical footprint reduction. Other areas of interest are the decreased thermal and acoustic signatures as well as the availability of silent watch and silent mobility. The target for the HE program is to achieve the standard HMMWV mobility and payload (5,100 pounds) while also providing silent watch, silent mobility and the ability to produce a minimum of 33 kilowatts of continuous power. Four technology demonstrator vehicles are currently under contract, to be delivered in May 2002 for Government testing. Results of this testing will be used to build documentation for a competitive source selection in 2003. The HE HMMWV will be cut into production in FY05.

Up-Armored HMMWV
The Army started adding armor to its High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or “HMMWV,” years before Operation Iraqi Freedom, but attacks from small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and “improvised explosive devices,” or IEDs in military parlance, prompted the Army to place an urgent priority on shortening production schedules and beefing up protection for vehicles already in the field. 

The land-mine hazards in Bosnia led the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to contract with O’gara-Hess & Eisenhardt, a component of the Armor Holdings Company’s Mobile Security Division in Fairfield, Ohio, to produce armor for the “up-armored” M1114 HMMWV variant. The firm also developed armor for the M1116 and M1145 Air Force variants of the HMMWV, as well as armor kits for other vehicles and an armor kit that can be installed on the M998 A2 HMMWV. 

The up-armored M1114 weighs about 2,000 pounds more than the standard HMMWV and includes 200-pound steel-plated doors, steel plating under the cab and several layers of bonded, ballistic-resistant glass to replace zip-up plastic windows. 

Results of survivability subtests conducted on the HMMWV showed the following survivability features: the ballistic grill deflected several fragments and protected the radiator; the position of the radiator in the vehicle presents less of a target to detonation from the front (but not from aerial bursts); and the windshield was not penetrated. The ballistic fiberglass in the body appeared to offer little protection, while the windshield offered better protection. Tires remain the most vulnerable part of the vehicle. The standard tires on the vehicle are a run-flat type having a magnesium inner liner. There is no spare tire on the vehicle. Flats have been driven up to 20 km before failure. Up-armor kits have been developed for the HMMWV to improve ballistic protection and resistance to mine blast. 

M1114/XM1114 HMMWV Up-Armored Armament Carrier
The M1109 and M1114 HMMWVs are an Up-Armored Armament Carrier configuration of the HMMWV family. The vehicles are equipped with additional armor both on the sides and underneath to protect the crew from small arms ammunition and mines. 

The M1114 is the successor version to the XM1109 HMMWV Up-Armored Armament Carrier. The M1114 is an Up-Armored HMMWV that provides ballistic, artillery, and mine blast protection to the vehicle occupants. The principal modifications to the ECV HMMWV include an armor package, high capacity brakes, upgraded suspension and lift points, a reinforced frame, and a large capacity air conditioning unit. The weapon mount, located on the roof of the vehicle, is adaptable to mount either the M60, 7.62mm machine gun; M2 .50 caliber machine gun; or the MK 19 Grenade Launcher. The weapons platform can be traversed 360 degrees. This confirguration of the HMMWV is equipped with the self-recovery winch. 

The Up-Armored program (M1114) was developed as a result of peacekeeping efforts throughout various parts of the world. A need was identified for an armored, mobile vehicle that provided a high level of ballistic protection against sniper fire and mine blasts. One of the great pieces of equipment that was used down in Bosnia was this M1114, Up-Armored HMMWV. It is basically a standard HMMWV that is built on a heavy-duty HMMWV chassis so -- and it has some extra ballistic protection. It is far superior to a normal HMMWV in terms of its ability to withstand a blast from a mine. 

The Up-Armored HMMWV is designed to conduct reconnaissance and security operations as its primary function. Up-Armored HMMWVs are organic to the scout platoons of the armored, infantry, and mechanized infantry battalions. Up-Armored HMMWV-mounted scouts enhance the capability of scout platoons to provide accurate and timely information about the enemy and the area of operations. 

During reconnaissance operations, the scouts provide the commander with a mobile reconnaissance platform to perform detailed route, zone, and area reconnaissance; prevent surprise by enemy forces; and help retain the freedom to maneuver. The speed, mobility, and stealth of the Up-Armored HMMWV also allows the scout to extend the depth of his reconnaissance, providing increased security and additional time and maneuver space for the commander. Due to its small signature relative to the Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (M3), the Up-Armored HMMWV provides the stealth necessary to conduct detailed reconnaissance in areas where contact with the enemy is possible. This information is rapidly reported to higher headquarters through secure radio means or by physical delivery (particularly during periods of reduced electronic communications). 

Security operations are also significantly enhanced by Up-Armored HMMWV-mounted scouts. In screen missions, scouts operating independently, or in conjunction with other reconnaissance elements, will be used to establish observation posts to the front or flank of the maneuver force, patrol between observation posts, and cover gaps between forces. In rear areas, Up-Armored HMMWV-mounted scouts enhance security by patrolling primary lines of communication, providing threat early warning to rear area units, and reconnoitering potential threat landing and drop zones. 

M1046 HMMWV TOW Missile Carrier Up-Armored With Winch
The M1046 and M1046A1 HMMWVs are TOW Missile Carrier configurations of the HMMWV family. 

The vehicles are equipped with supplemental armor and TOW launcher mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The vehicles are used to transport and launch TOW missiles to defeat armored vehicles. The M1046, and M1046A1 provide added ballistic protection for TOW system components, crew, and ammunition. 

The weapons platform can be traversed 360 degrees. Weapon station azimuth is limited to 300° left and right of vehicle centerline when Vehicle Power Conditioner (VPC) cables are connected. With launcher installed, elevation is limited to 20° and depression is limited to 10°. 

Fully-loaded M1045, M1045A1, M1045A2, M1046, and M1046A1 TOW carriers w/supplemental armor will climb road grades as steep as 60% (3-1°) and traverse a side slope of up to 40% (220). The vehicles ford hard bottom water crossings up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) without a deepwater fording kit and 60 inches (152 centimeters) with the kit. 

The M1046 is equipped with the self-recovery winch which can also be used to recover like systems. The M1045A1 and M046A1 models have the latest modifications applied to the vehicles. The difference between the M1045, M1045A1, and M1045A2 TOW carriers w/supplemental armor and the M1046 and M1046A1 TOW carriers w/supplemental armor is that the M1045, M1045A1, and M1045A2 do not have winches and the M1046 and M1046A1 do. The M1046 and M1046A1 are equipped with winches. This feature permits recovery operations of similar vehicles. 

Avenger (Pedestal Mounted Stinger)
The Avenger Pedestal Mounted Stinger system is a lightweight, mobile and transportable surface-to-air missile and gun weapon system, mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The Avenger weapon system is fielded on both the light M998 HMMWV and M1097 heavy HMMWV. Avenger is designed to counter hostile cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and low-flying, high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters attacking or transiting friendly airspace. The Avenger, manufactured by Boeing in Huntsville, is a shoot-on-the-move, totally automated, day-and-night capable short-range air defense system. A key element of the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense System, Avenger was deployed during Operation Desert Storm and is currently deployed in the Balkans. 

Avenger fills the Line of Sight-Rear (LOS-R) portion of the Forward Area Air Defense System (FAADS). It has a two man crew and can operate in day or night, clear or adverse weather conditions. The system incorporates an operator's position with displays, fire control electronics, and the Standard Vehicle Mounted Launcher (SVML). The SVML supports and launches multiple Stinger missiles (Basic Stinger, Stinger-POST (Passive Optical Seeker Technique), or Stinger-RMP (Reprogrammable MicroProcessor). Additionally, the SVML incorporates a .50 caliber machine gun and necessary fire control sensors for both weapons. The contribution this highly mobile, short range air defense system makes to the Army's full-dimensional protection enhances the ground components prospects for dominant maneuver by preserving key elements of the force. 

The Avenger weapon system includes a 360°, rotating turret mounted on a heavy HMMWV chassis with an upgraded suspension and 200 amp alternator. The baseline configuration consists of a gunner’s turret with missile pods mounted on each side. Each missile pod, called the standard vehicle-mounted launcher, can hold four missiles that can be removed and fired in the MANPAD employment configuration. The rotation of the turret and the elevation of the standard vehicle-mounted launcher is accomplished by electric motors powered by batteries carried in the base of the weapons system. The vehicle’s power system is in parallel with the Avenger battery set. The .50 caliber machine gun affords a measure of self-protection by providing additional coverage of the Stinger missile’s inner launch boundary. 

The Avenger weapons system has an unobstructed, 360° field of fire and can engage at elevations between -10 and +70°. The modular design of Avenger allows complementary missiles and/or rockets to be installed on the launch arms in addition to (or in place of) Stinger missiles. The gunner has sufficient visibility out of the turret for visual target acquisition, tracking, and engagement. A combination glass sight is used through which the gunner looks to aim the missiles and on which a driven reticle display is projected. The driven reticle indicates the aiming point of the missile seeker to confirm to the gunner that the missile seeker is locked onto the desired target. 

Avenger’s sensor package includes a forward-looking, infrared (FLIR), carbon dioxide, eye-safe laser range finder and a video autotracker. These sensors provide Avenger with a target acquisition capability in battlefield obscuration at night and in adverse weather. Range data from the laser range finder is processed by the Avenger fire control system to provide a fire permit for missile and gun use. A driven reticle and other data are displayed on the forward-looking infrared display in the same manner as the optical sight. 

The turret drive is gyro-stabilized to automatically maintain the missile pod aiming direction regardless of the vehicle motion. The turret drive control is operated by the gunner with a hand controller on which the missile and gun controls are placed. The gunner can transfer tracking control to an automatic turret drive control system that uses signals for the uncaged missile seeker of the FLIR video autotracker to track the target until the gunner is ready to fire. The firing sequence is entirely automated, including superelevation and lead, so that the gunner need merely push the fire button to initiate the fire sequence and immediately select and prepare the next missile for firing. These systems enable Avenger to accurately and rapidly launch missiles. 

Avenger is equipped with two VHF-FM frequency-hopping radios (i.e., SINCGARS) and an integrated remote terminal unit. When this capability is tied into the Marine air command and control system, Avenger can be configured to automatically slew to a target that appears on the radar display. This capability is known as “slew to cue.” Targets pointed out by ground-based air defense units, tactical air operations center operators, or the LAAD section leader can be accepted or rejected by the gunner. Until the gunner responds to the cue, the gunner maintains complete control of the Avenger turret. If the gunner accepts a pointer, the turret automatically slews to the azimuth of the target. The gunner then resumes control of the turret and completes the engagement process by acquiring, tracking, and engaging the target. “Slew to cue” is a capability inherent to any radar picture. 

Avenger completed a two phase IOT&E in 1989. Phase I consisted of acquisition and tracking trials at Fort Hunter-Liggett. Phase II consisted of Stinger missile firings at White Sands Missile Range. The Avenger system was found to be operationally effective by DOT&E in the B-LRIP to Congress dated February 28, 1990. Avenger was found to be operationally suitable with some limiting factors. These limiting factors were: back blast damage to the cab at some firing azimuths and elevations; excessive hydrogen chloride gas levels in the cab; need for a improved voltage regulator; and the need for an environmental control unit/ primary power unit (ECU/PPU) for the gunner's cupola. 

The Army reports that they have corrected the limiting factors. Prior to fielding, Boeing reinforced the vehicle doors to prevent back blast damage. Also, cab openings and doors received new seals or gaskets to reduce the HCL gas levels. A retrofit was performed to address the voltage regulator problem. A redesigned regulator and a larger alternator were installed on all fielded vehicles, while the new items were cut into production. 

An ECU/PPU design was tested and found to address the heat build-up in the cupola. During testing, the ECU/PPU was found to create an EMI problem with the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and the Radar Control Unit Video. Before fixes could be incorporated, the SBA contracted firm producing the ECU went bankrupt. An alternate source was identified when another firm purchased the defaulter. Fixes have been explored as part of the contract restart. A follow-on test was completed by Redstone Technical Test Center to verify ECU/PPU performance and compatibility. First production units have been accepted. 

The new ECU/PPU underwent environmental testing at RTTC, Huntsville. Since the testing used a fixture, not the system, the testing did not provide sufficient operational data needed by OPTEC and DOT&E to provide an adequate evaluation of this issue. 

OPTEC (OEC) is working with the PM to plan an ECU/PPU environmental test which satisfies the data requirements for the operational evaluators. The test and evaluation of the Avenger in accordance with the DOT&E approved TEMP dated 20 June 1987 will conclude once the ECU/PPU limiting factors outlined in the B-LRIP dated 28 February 1990 have been adequately addressed. Army testing of alternate source ECUs will examine the following questions: (1) Does the ECU cool the gunner's turret in extreme temperatures? (2) Is the ECU reliable? (3) Are there any safety problems with the ECU? (4) Does the ECU degrade the operational capabilities of the Avenger, for example, the range of the SINCGARS radios? Technical testing to date has addressed these questions, however the Army has yet to test a "production representative" item. When Army technical testing is complete, data will be provided to OPTEC and DOT&E for review and assessment. When the B-LRIP limiting factors have been completely addressed, Avenger will be dropped from DOT&E oversight. 

The AVENGER is operated by a two-man crew. The gunner operates from inside the turret, and the driver operates from the driver's compartment. The health hazard assessment identified heat stress as a potential health hazard. Testing indicated that both the gunner and driver became uncomfortably hot following 60 minutes of firing when the outside temperatures near 85¡F. When the gunner and driver operated in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP), significantly higher heat loads were observed. Actual firing missions for the AVENGER may last up to 12 hours, and the associated heat loads on the gunner and driver may be well in excess of acceptable levels. The health hazard assessment report recommended installation of a cooling system at all crew positions. 

In early 1999 the Army exercised a $14.6 million option on future production of an upgrade kit for Avenger air defense units that will greatly increased their effectiveness beginning 1st Qtr FY00. The Slew-To-Cue (STC) subsystem, a major upgrade enhancement to the Avenger, is expected to improve Avenger’s target acquisition, tracking and engagement range by about 50 percent while increasing the number of engagements and kills by more than 50 percent. The system will also significantly improve Avenger’s battlespace performance. Using STC, the Avenger will be able to accept digital early warning data and automatically slew the turret in both azimuth and elevation, centering the target in the gunner's field of view. Targeting data is provided by Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I). The FAAD C3I equipment provides early warning/alerting, a complete air picture, slew-to-cue and target IFF information. This improvement not only improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the Avenger, but also allows it to kill the broadening spectrum of 21st century threats, including CMs and UAVs. The $14.6 million contract is for low-rate initial production, full production, contractor logistic support for approximately 100 Avenger fire units.

M1042 S-250 Shelter Carrier HMMWV With Winch
The M1037 and M1042 HMMWVs are Shelter Carrier configurations of the HMMWV family. The vehicles are equipped with basic armor and provide the capability to secure and transport the S250 electrical equipment shelter with a total payload (including crew) of 3,600 pounds (1,634 kilograms). 

Fully-loaded M1042 shelter carriers will climb road grades as steep as 60% (31°) and traverse a side slope of up to 40% (22°). The vehicles ford hard bottom water crossings up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) without a deepwater fording kit and 60 inches (152 centimeters) with the kit. 

The only difference between the M1037 shelter carrier and the M1042 shelter carrier is that the M1037 does not have a winch and the M1042 does. The M1042 is equipped with a winch. This feature permits recovery operations of similar vehicles. 

M966 HMMWV TOW Missile Carrier Armored
The M966, M996A1, M1121, and M1036 HMMWVs are TOW Missile Carrier configurations of the HMMWV family. 

The vehicles are equipped with basic armor and TOW launcher mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The vehicles are used to transport and launch TOW missiles to defeat armored vehicles. 

The weapons platform can be traversed 360 degrees. Weapon station azimuth is limited to 300° left and right of vehicle centerline when Vehicle Power Conditioner (VPC) cables are connected. With launcher installed, elevation is limited to 20° and depression is limited to 10°. 

The vehicles can climb 60% slopes and traverse a side slope of up to 40% fully loaded. The vehicles can ford hard bottom water crossing up to 30 inches without a deep water fording kit and up to 60 inches with the kit. 

The only difference between the M966, M966A1, and M1121 TOW carrier armored vehicles and the M1036 TOW carrier armored vehicle is that the M966, M966A1, and M1121 do not have winches and the M1036 does. The M1036's self-recovery winch can also be used to recover like systems. 

The M996A1 model has the latest modifications applied to the vehicle. 

M1026 HMMWV Armament Carrier Armored With Winch
The M1026 and M1026A1 HMMWVs are Armament Carrier configurations of the HMMWV family. 

The vehicles are equipped with basic armor and the weapon mount, located on the roof of the vehicle. The MM1026 and M1026A1 armament carriers provide mounting and firing of the MK19 automatic grenade launcher; M2, caliber .50 machine gun; and M60, 7.62 mm machine gun; ring-mounted with 360° arc of fire, with armor protection for crew, weapon components, and ammunition. 

The difference between the M1025, M1025A1, and M1025A2 armament carriers and the M1026 and M1026A1 armament carriers is that the M1025 and M1025A1 do not have winches and the M1026 and M1026A1 do. The M1026 and M1026A1 are equipped with winches. This feature permits recovery operations of similar vehicles. c. Performance. 

Fully-loaded M1026 and M1026A1 armament carriers will climb road grades as steep as 60% (31°) and traverse a side slope of up to 40% (22°). The vehicles ford hard bottom water crossings up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) without a deep water fording kit and 60 inches (152 centimeters) with the kit. 

The M1026A1 models have the latest modifications applied to the vehicles. 




M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) ASV-150 
The Armored Security Vehicle-150 (ASV-150) is an armored wheeled vehicle equipped with a turret and armament system designed to meet the security mission requirements of the Military Police Corps. The ASV-150 is a 4 wheel drive vehicle equipped with a 260 horsepower diesel engine, 6 speed automatic transmision and all wheel independent suspension that offers a quality ride while providing superior mobility, agility and handling. The ASV-150 turret is equipped with an improved 40mm MK 19 grenade launcher and 12.7mm machine gun and can be traversed 360 degrees and the weapons elevated between -10 to +60 degrees. The vehicle features roll-on/roll-off C130 tranportability in the fully operational configuration. 

The ASV is a lightly armored, all wheel drive vehicle that provides ballistic protection for the Military Police crew members against various threats. These threats include: 7.62mm Ball for the entire vehicle; 12.7mm AP to the crew compartment, weapons station and ammunition storage area; overhead protection from 60mm mortar fragments at 10 meters radius of burst, as a minimum, and 155m artillery air-burst @ 15m. Protection is also required against anti-personnel mines and anti-tank mines up to an equivalent of 12 lbs. of TNT. 

The ASV-150 is designed to provided maximum survivability with IBD Modular Expandable Armor System (MEXIS) utilizing ceramic composite applique on exterior and a spall liner on interior surfaces. Simula has received an order from Textron Systems to produce lightweight ceramic/composite applique armor kits. The external armor panels provide ballistic protection against various small-arms and fragment threats with a minimum weight penalty. 

The ASV employs, as organic weapons, the MK-19 grenade machine-gun (MK-19 GMG) (turret mounted); M2 .50 caliber machine-gun (turret mounted); and the M249 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). The ASV has a payload of 3,360 lbs. The ASV operates on standard JP8 diesel fuels, is capable of being towed, performs self-recovery, can recover equivalent vehicles and mounts a tow pintle rated at 500 lb. The system accepts current and programmed tactical radio systems with appropriate encryption equipment. The vehicle operates with specified loads under an on-road/off-road mission profile of 50% primary roads, 30% secondary roads, and 20% cross-country conditions. 

The ASV is transportable (roll-on/roll-off) by C-130 and larger aircraft, rail, highway and marine transport modes. The ASV is employed by MP three-man teams designed to perform missions across the entire operational continuum. The MP units programmed to receive the ASV perform their four battlefield missions (area security, battlefield circulation control, enemy prisoner of war operations and law and order operations) regardless of the level of combat intensity on the operational continuum. ASV-equipped units will conduct Air-Land Battle/Air-Land Operations (ALO) (at one end of the level of combat intensity continuum) or they will perform force protection and stabilization operations occurring in a low intensity conflict (LIC)/operations short of war contingency environment (at the opposite end of the continuum). 

The ASV payload requirement is established at 3,360 lbs. The payload includes three man crew and one additional soldier, all their combat gear, internal stowage per occupant, cargo, ammunition, ancillary equipment, related hardware, basic issue items with at least 27 cubic feet (0.76 cubic meters) of interior volume per individual. 

The ASV is capable of towing and being towed from the front by a like vehicle at its GVW for a distance of at least 100 miles (161 km) at a minimum speed of 35 mph (56.4 km/hr). The ASV is also capable of towing the M1025/M1026, and Up-Armored HMMWV models without damage to either vehicle. The ASV is capable of ascending and descending a 40% slope with no degradation to requirements when towing a two-wheeled M1102 trailer with a GVW of 4,200 lbs., the M1101 trailer with a GVW of 3,400 lbs. or the 3/4 ton M101 series cargo trailer. 

The ASV includes an organic winch capable of producing a minimum rated pull capacity of 15,000 lbs. (6,795 kg) to permit self-recovery and/or recovery of other systems as required. 

The ASV will be organized in a heavy squad design of a Combat Support (CS) MP company (TOE 19477L). This will equate to three ASVs in each of the four platoons and three ASVs in the reaction force of the company headquarters (a total of 15 ASVs per CS MP company is required, however, initial fielding to each company will be with 12). The 15 ASVs will directly replace 15 M1025/26 High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV). The HMMWVs left in the company will remain to complement the ASV, providing flexibility for the MP commander to employ his/her forces in a high/low mix organizational concept. Under this concept, commanders beginning at the company level may task organize as required. The ASV will be utilized specifically for team or squad missions such as convoy escort; area and route reconnaissance and surveillance; counter-incursion reaction force roles; and security of critical assets, key personnel and lines of communication. 

The ASV production contract for 94 vehicles was awarded on 30 March 1999. Textron Marine and Land Systems, Division of Textron Inc., New Orleans, La., was awarded $14,021,338 as part of a $149,560,243 firm-fixed-price multi-year contract for 94 Armored Security Vehicles (XM1117), engineering services and logistics support, and an option to buy 156 additional vehicles. Work is performed in New Orleans, La., and was expected to be completed by March 30, 2004. This is a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 1, 1998. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity 

First Unit Equipped was achieved in February 1998. The new Armored Security Vehicle is used by military police in V Corps' 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade. Fewer than 50 ASVs had been produced by early 2002. By March 2003 a total of 53 were in the inventory. 

Where the Soldiers in the first rotation in Iraq were perhaps unprepared for dealing with deadly roadside bombs and ambushes by plainclothes civilians, the Soldiers who took over were able to prepare with the benefit of lessons learned by their comrades in Iraq. Readying for its yearlong tour in Iraq, in early 2004 the 984th Military Police Company spent more time than usual familiarizing itself with its weapons, vehicles and tactics. Armed with the latest addition to the MP’s arsenal of vehicles, the M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle, each team in the 984th carries more firepower than an entire infantry squad. The 984th was the first MP company on Fort Carson to get the new ASVs, each armed with an MK-19 grenade launcher, a .50-caliber machine gun and a squad automatic weapon. The Guardian is designed to be able to take a direct hit from an RPG and keep its crew alive. Whether the vehicle will make it through the hit is another story. In Iraq, one was hit from behind by an RPG and it pretty much took out the entire engine casing, but there were no deaths, no injuries. With better preparation than their predecessors and a dozen new ASVs, the 984th was better outfitted to take over the task of keeping the peace in Iraq than their compatriot MPs who were already there. 

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)
Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle
 

The Marine Corps plans to replace the amphibious assault vehicle with 1,013 advanced amphibious assault vehicles for $6.7 billion, including a $456-million increase due to a 2-year procurement delay. With a water speed of 23 to 29 miles per hour, the new vehicle could be launched from amphibious ships 25 miles or more offshore and reach shore far more quickly than the current vehicle. This improved mobility would reduce the risk to Navy ships from missiles, aircraft, boats, and mines. Until the new vehicle is fielded, beginning in 2008, the Marine Corps anticipates spending more to maintain the current vehicle. 

The Marine Corps is developing the AAAV to replace the AAV as its primary combat vehicle for transporting troops on land and from ship to shore. The AAAV must satisfy many operational requirements, which will provide increased capabilities compared to the AAV and improve the ship-to-shore movement, thus allowing the Marine Corps and the Navy to more effectively implement OMFTS. 

The AAAV will be capable of transporting 18 Marines and a crew of three over water at speeds of 29 miles an hour; the design uses a planing hull propelled by two water jets. On land, AAAV will achieve speeds of 45 miles an hour, with cross-country mobility equal to an M1 Abrams tank. 

In addition to its high land speed, the EFV has sufficient ballistic protection to defeat rounds up to 14.5mm or fragments from 155mm artillery shells. It also has improved mine-blast protection and a nuclear, chemical and biological defense system. This combination of features alone will provide enhanced survivability. 

A smooth transition from water to cross-country movement has always been a difficult and dangerous task for amphibious vehicles. The General Dynamics AAAV design solves this problem by the automatic transfer of power from the high-speed water jets to the vehicle tracks. 

Using the same vehicle design, General Dynamics will also deliver a command and control AAAV variant to the Marines. This mobile command post will provide access to information from satellite and computer-based intelligence sources, as well as from ships, aircraft and other vehicles, while controlling operations at sea or on land. 

 The AAAV is the U.S. Marine Corps only acquisition category (ACAT) I acquisition program. The Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) represents the signature mission of the USMC. A truly amphibious vehicle that will replace the USMC's aging current system and provide the capability to maneuver, combat loaded with a Marine rifle squad, at 20-25 knots in the water and maneuver cross country with agility and mobility equal or greater than that of the M1 Main Battle Tank (MBT). The AAAV will virtually revolutionize every facet of USMC combat operations. It is one of the most capable all-around weapon systems in the world. The technology to meet these requirements has been demonstrated, and the plan to procure this system represents the most operationally effective solution for meeting USMC requirements. 

In 1997, nearly the entire Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) team, over one hundred and fifty members, including the prime contractor staff and critical subcontractor personnel, Government and contractor secretaries, engineers, logisticians, computer programmers, and financial managers were given an unprecedented fleet and field exposure to the amphibious operational environment for the sole purpose of improving system design for support, readiness, and durability. Everyone was taken by bus to Norfolk, Virginia and taken on a two day amphibious exercise specifically designed to expose him or her to the systems' operating environment. Everyone rode and most drove amphibious vehicles on land and in the water side-by-side with the Marines of Delta Company, 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion. The entire group of Government and private industry team members were housed aboard the Amphibious Assault Ships USS Tortuga and USS Oak Hill in troop living spaces for the exercise. The experience resulted in a significant improvement of the team's understanding of operational suitability, support and readiness that is now reflected in improvements in the AAAV design. 

The AAAV will allow the Navy and Marine Corps to seamlessly link maneuver in ships and maneuver ashore enabling Operational Maneuver From The Sea (OMFTS). The AAAV will be the principal means of armored protected land and water mobility and direct fire support for Marine infantry during combat operations. Based on this unique mission profile, the AAAV must leverage state of the art advances in water propulsion, land mobility, lethality and survivability. Lightweight components and structures that are cost and operationally effective and supportable together with a significantly more powerful engine are the primary technical challenges for the AAAV. There are currently 1,322 USMC Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV7A1 ) which will be replaced by 1,013 AAAVs beginning late in the first decade of the next century. 

The Marine Corps has a requirement to procure 1,013 AAAVs. Prior to December 1994, the cost to develop and procure AAAVs was estimated at $7.2 billion (then-year dollars). Due to budget constraints, DOD reduced AAAV funding in the FYDP by $189 million in December 1994. As a result, the Marine Corps extended the demonstration and validation phase 22 months and delayed procurement by 2 years, which increased the program's cost by $456 million, to $7.6 billion. As a result, low-rate initial production has been delayed from fiscal year 2003 to 2005; initial operational capability from fiscal year 2006 to 2008; and full operational capability--fielding all required AAAVs to the active assault amphibian battalions and the maritime prepositioning squadrons--from fiscal year 2012 to 2014. 

In July 2001 the US Marine Corps awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, a $712 million contract for the Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) program. Under the cost-reimbursable contract General Dynamics will provide all required material, services, personnel and facilities to complete the design and development of the AAAV, manufacture and test nine new prototypes, refurbish three early development prototypes, support the Marine Corps initial operational test and evaluation, and prepare for the production phase of the program. 

The contract begins the next phase in the development of the world’s most advanced amphibious assault vehicle, which started with award of a $200 million-plus demonstration/validation contract to General Dynamics Land Systems in June 1996. More than 500 General Dynamics employees and contractors, Marines and naval personnel in Woodbridge, Virginia, will do engineering and assembly of the nine new prototype vehicles. 

The Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) was officially renamed the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) sometime in late 2003. 

Two platform variants are under development: the personnel variant (EFV(P)), which will be armed with a 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machinegun and is intended to transport 17 combat-equipped Marines and a three-man crew; and a command and control variant (EFV(C)) which will transport a commander and staff. 

Testing is ongoing, and according to the DOT&E there have been concerns with regards to system reliability.

M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
The M113A1 is a lightly armoured full tracked air transportable personnel carrier designed to carry personnel and certain types of cargo. The M113-family was developed the from M59 and M75 which were designed by FMC (Food Machinery Corp.) in the late 1950´s. The vehicle is capable of: amphibious operations in streams and lakes; extended cross country travel over rough terrain; and high speed operation on improved roads and highways. 

The M113 Family includes approximately 12 variants of light armored tracked vehicles used in a variety of combat and combat support roles. Total density exceeds 28,000. Today's M113 Family of Vehicles is composed of a mix of derivative systems consisting of the A1, A2, and A3 configurations. The current fleet includes: M113A2; M113A3; M106A2; M1064; M1064A3; M548A1; M548A3; M577A2; M577A3; M730A2; M901A1; M981; M1068; M1068A3; M1059; and M1059A3. Over the next 10-15 years, the majority of these systems will be converted to the A3 configuration. 

Following the shock of the North Korean tanks in the summer of 1950, intensive efforts were devoted to developing tanks. In a remarkably short period, the Army produced the M41, M47, and M48 tanks, and it soon produced the M59 armored personnel carrier and began developing the APC M113. Such vehicles and units were considered ideal for operating on the atomic battlefield and for conducting a rapid and violent strike against a numerically superior enemy. 

A program to produce ground and air vehicles with the necessary battlefield mobility led to the development of armored personnel carriers, such as the M113 with aluminum armor, that could move troops rapidly to the scene of operations while providing greater protection for the individual Soldier. Since highways and bridges might be damaged or destroyed, dual-capability amphibious vehicles that could travel on rough terrain and swim across rivers and swamps freed the fighting units from total dependence upon roads. 

One of the major changes under the ROAD concept was the creation of mechanized infantry units of division, brigade and battalion size. Under this concept, mechanized units mounted their fighting elements and supporting weapons in fully tracked, lightly armored vehicles (the M113 armored personnel carrier). The vehicles provided a high degree of cross-country mobility, protection from small-arms and fragmentation, and substantial protection from the effects of nuclear weapons. 

Since their initial introduction in 1960, M113-based systems have entered service in more than 50 countries. The systems have been modified into more than 40 identified specific variants, with many times that number of minor field modifications. Many of these modifications have been developed by foreign governments to meet their specific national requirements. While some older M113 derivatives are being retired and removed from selected inventories, other FOV members are being upgraded, reconfigured, and introduced as entirely new systems. 

More than 80,000 M113 Family of Vehicle (FOV) systems have been produced. New M113 FOV systems are being built while existing chassis are being upgraded to modern configurations. 

The M113 APC was the first modern "battle taxi"; developed to transport infantry forces on the mechanized battlefield. It is fitted with a 2 stroke six cylinder Detroit diesel providing power through a 3 speed automatic gearbox and steering differential. The main armament is a single .50 Cal heavy barrel machine gun, and the secondary armament is a single .30 Cal machine gun. The M113 is built of aircraft quality aluminum which allows it to possess some of the same strengths as steel at a much lighter weight. This distinct weight advantage allows the M113 to utilize a relatively small engine to power the vehicle, as well as carry a large payload cross-country. The vehicle is capable of "swimming" bodies of water. 

The vehicle is not mission capable if any one track shoe is damaged. If the M113 loses a track, breaks a track shoe or the vehicle throws a track, extreme caution must be exercised in maintaining control. The driver must immediately release the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a stop. Applying braking action, i.e. brake pedal, laterals, pivot or any type of steering controls causes the vehicle to pull to the active or good track and could result in a roll-over. If it is absolutely necessary, the driver may apply braking action only, and only if the vehicle is approaching a ravine, a cliff, or if other catastrophic outcome, probably resulting in fatalities. When roll-over is imminent; it is safer to stay in the vehicle than to try to get out while the vehicle is still moving. Crew members may receive slight injuries from being thrown against metal parts, but if they try to leave the vehicle, it may roll over and crush them. Once the vehicle stops moving, the crew should get out as fast as possible because spilled fuel and oil may catch on fire. The first thing the driver should do in such an emergency is shut off the engine and turn off the master switch to minimize the fire hazard. 

Initially nick-named "The Green Dragon" by the enemy, the M113 served in all areas of Vietnam throughout the war and was to become one of the most successful armored vehicles of all time. Unlike many other Army vehicles, the M133 does not appear to have acquired an official name or even a widely used nickname. Some advocates have indicated that the M113 is also nicknamed the "Gavin", after an Army general who was influential in the development of the M113 in the 1950s. This is not however, an official designation, and there is some question about the extent to which actual users of the system use this name. A similar point arises with respect to the M8 AGS, which some unofficially call the Buford, despite this also being an unofficial naming. One observer wrote that "In more than 30 years working in the defense industry, I have never, never heard anybody use the name “Gavin” for the M-113. Not in the US nor in any of the many countries that use the vehicle. Not in the military forces, not in the companies that build and equip it, not in the groups that retrofit and repair it. This usage appears not only to be “unofficial”, it is entirely fictional and I believe that you may have been the victim of a hoax or deliberate disinformation." 

The M113 was eventually supplanted by the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, which had been in the development process since 1964. The Army awarded the Food Machinery Corporation of San Jose, California, a 29.2-million-dollar development contract in the fall of 1972, but production delays and other deficiencies caused considerable criticism of the new vehicle within DOD. The Army believed that the Bradley, initially known as the MICV, was essential so the Army could adopt an armor doctrine that was similar to German doctrine and appropriate to a mechanized battlefield characterized by highly lethal modern weapons and numerical superiority of the enemy. On such a battlefield, the Army would require its infantry to support tank-led combat teams by: long-range suppression of enemy anti-tank weapons, or suppression of the same enemy capability while the MICV is moving cross-country with tanks, or delivery of a high volume of close-in overwatching suppressive fire in support of dismounting infantry, and be able to defeat the Soviet BMP beyond the range of its 73mm gun, and be able to fire an ATGM from the deck, and protect against automatic weapons fire. The Army's current armored personnel carrier, the M113, could not do these things. 

Future Concepts
Tomorrow's track combat vehicles will need to transit battlefields quicker, carry heavier loads, provide crew and equipment with increased protection and meet the digitization requirements of Force XXI and the Army After Next. Government and industry planners are looking at a number of initiatives to help insure these future capabilities in the M113A3 family of vehicles systems. The force structure for 21st century armored forces will keep much of the existing track combat vehicle fleet that are in the Army today. The challenge for tomorrow's Army will involve making the best use of future funding to improve capabilities and reduce limitations of the current vehicle inventory. 

Due to its durability, low cost, and light weight, the M113 design is an ideal starting point for development of future light weight vehicles. Concepts ranging from rear drive M113 vehicles, to composite hulled turreted vehicles, to low observable alternatives are all possible given the baseline M113 chassis and components. Recent M113 concepts for the future include: the XM1108 Universal Carrier, the M113A3 High Mobility System, and the M577A3 "Stretch". These concepts, as well as other ongoing upgrade initiatives, provide the foundation for future modernization and the continued viability and utility of M113-based systems. 

Regardless of the need and the timeframe involved, these concepts provide an effective, viable alternative to a new start production program for the chassis. This allows program funding to concentrate on maturing the target acquisition, survivability, low observable, and communications technologies needed. 

In late 2001, as part of the FY ‘03-’07 Five Year Defense Program's Program Objective Memorandum [POM], the Army cancelled a total of 19 programs, including the Raytheon Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wireless Fire and Forget missile, the BAE Systems Advanced Tactical Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM), the General Dynamics Hydra rocket, the United Defense, L.P. M113 armored personnel carrier recapitalization, and the Tank Extended-Range Munition (TERM). 


M113 ACAV (Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle) 
The Vietnam-era M113 ACAV (Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle) version is a very important chapter in the long and proud history of the M113. Following lessons learned, in particular the loss of 14 ARVN .50 cal gunners at the Battle of Ap Bac in January 1963, the standard M113 was upgraded both in armament and armour protection to the M-113. 

Two M60 GPMG's were mounted, one either side of the rear hatch, and fitted with protective gun shields. An FMC-designed armoured gun shield/turret combination was also added to the commanders cupola to afford him protection when manning the .50 cal machine gun. This vehicle was designated the M-113 Armored Cavalry vehicle (ACAV). 

As a result of lessons learned, when the 11th ACR shipped to RVN their M-113's were fitted with the ew FMC gun shields and had additional M-60's mounted either side of the rear top hatch. The 11th ACR coined the term ACAV which soon became the 'official' designation of this modified M-113.

M113 Armored Personnel Carrier 
The original M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) helped to revolutionize mobile military operations. The vehicles were able to carry 11 soldiers plus a driver and track commander under armor protection across hostile battlefield environments. More importantly, the new vehicles were air transportable, air-droppable, and swimmable, allowing planners to incorporate APCs in a much wider range of combat situations, including many "rapid deployment" scenarios. The M113s were so successful that they were quickly identified as the foundation for a family of vehicles. Early derivatives included both command post (M577) and mortar carrier (M106) configurations. 

Originally, the M113 APC was intended merely as a troop carrier-a means of transport. Doctrine stated that the infantry were to dismount and engage the enemy. It soon became apparent that the firepower of the .50-caliber machine gun, coupled with the vehicle's armor protection and mobility, produced a shock effect on the enemy. Some advisers and commanders realized that since the Viet Cong had no effective weapons to fight armor the M113 could be used as a mounted armored fighting vehicle. 

Perhaps the best way to judge the success of the M113 is to examine the enemy reaction to it. The Viet Cong were not prepared for M113's when the South Vietnamese first used them in mid-1962. The Viet Cong doctrine stressed occupation of dug-in positions in the face of APC assaults, and enemy soldiers were soon learning crude methods of destroying the M113. Holes the size of an APC, nicknamed tiger traps by advisers, were soon found in delta roads. Observing the difficulties that APC units had in crossing canals, the Viet Cong used canals as obstacles in their positions, and frequently they mined possible crossing sites. 

In 1965 the Viet Cong published a comprehensive and fairly accurate training document entitled Attack on M113 APC. This document listed characteristics of the APC; organization, equipment, and strength of mechanized units; tactics used by APC units; methods of attacking an APC; and some training techniques. Included were instructions for using the new antitank weapons. In the spring of 1963 the Viet Cong had begun to use recoilless rifles with 57-mm. high explosive, antitank rounds, and the number of hits on M113's had increased dramatically by the fall of 1963. Although the rounds often penetrated, they did not usually destroy the M113. Late in that year, armor-piercing .30-caliber ammunition along with a large number of automatic weapons was found in a Viet Cong cache in the delta. The extent of the Viet Cong antiarmor equipment became apparent when, in August 1963, an armor-piercing grenade was discovered. The first 75-mm. recoilless rifle was captured in September, and in December the first M113 was damaged by a 75-mm. round. This arms buildup continued into 1964, when a variety of mines, both pressure and electrically detonated, accounted for the majority of damaged and destroyed vehicles. 

By 1965 the Viet Cong was using armor-defeating weapons as low as company level among regular and provincial units. Newly organized weapons platoons, companies, and battalions armed with 57-mm. and 75-mm. recoilless rifles and .50-caliber machine guns were issued the rocket propelled antitank grenade, RPG2. For several years this weapon with its B40 warhead was the principal enemy weapon against armor. Eventually, the RPG2 was replaced by the RPG7, an improved antitank grenade with a more lethal warhead, greater range, and a better sight.

M113A1 Armored Personnel Carrier 
The first major upgrade came in 1964 with the introduction of the M113A1 package which replaced the original gasoline engine with a 212 horsepower diesel package. One of the most welcome improvements made during this period in U.S. units was the conversion of the M113 to the diesel-powered M113A1. A main drawback of the M113, the danger of fire, was now reduced. Other free world units were scheduled for conversion later. 

The new power train was soon incorporated into the existing vehicle family as the M113A1, M577A1, and M106A1, as well as several new derivative systems. Some of these new derivatives were based on the armored M113 chassis (the M125A1 mortar carrier and M741 "Vulcan" air defense vehicle) while others were based on an unarmored version of the chassis (including the M548 cargo carrier, M667 "Lance" missile carrier, and M730 "Chaparral" missile carrier).

M113A2 Armored Personnel Carrier 
Continuing modernization efforts led to the introduction of the A2 package of suspension and cooling enhancements in 1979. As with previous enhancements, these upgrades resulted in further proliferation of the FOV.

M113A2 Armored Personnel Carrier 
Most of the M113 family that saw service during Desert Storm were underpowered A2 level vehicles. M113A3 that were in the conflict kept pace with the Abrams equipped maneuver forces. Since 1987 the PM office has been modernizing the M113 fleet to the A3. This block modification should be completed for FP1 by 2001 with current funding. 

Today's M113 fleet includes about four thousand M113A3 vehicles equipped with the most recent recent A3 RISE (Reliability Improvements for Selected Equipment) package. The standard RISE package includes an upgraded propulsion system (turbocharged engine and new transmission), greatly improved driver controls (new power brakes and conventional steering controls), external fuel tanks, and 200 AMP alternator with 4 batteries. Additional A3 improvements, include incorporation of spall liners and provisions for mounting external armor. 

The M113A3, a full-tracked armored personnel carrier provides protected transportation and cross country mobility for personnel and cargo. A light armored vehicle weighing 27,200 pounds, it carries 11 infantry personnel in addition to the vehicle driver and track commander. It is capable of sustained speeds of 41 mph on level roads and accelerates from 0 to 35 mph in 27 seconds (this compares to 69 seconds for the M113A2). 

The M113A3 is a product improved version of the M113A2 with improved transmission and engine. The U.S. Army first identified the need to up-power the M113A2 carrier in the mid-1970s. This need was driven by increases in vehicle weight and a requirement to increase the mobility and survivability of the system. As a result, the "RISE" powertrain was developed and tested at Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. However, application of the new powertrain was deferred due to a lack of funds. 

In 1984 a decision was made to incorporate the RISE package, improved driver controls, spall liners, external fuel tanks and provisions for installation of an external armor kit on an M113 chassis. Additionally, a bolt-on armor kit providing 14.5 mm ballistic protection was developed and tested. Except for the mounting provisions the external armor appliquÈ was not incorporated for production. 

The new X200-4/4A hydrostatic steer transmission permits use of a more powerful engine, the 275 HP turbocharged Detroit Diesel 6V53T, and eliminates the transfer case and controlled differential. The RISE powerpack increases fuel economy, acceleration, hill climbing speed and braking capabilities and allows the vehicle to maintain speed through corners by accelerating the outer track rather than braking the inner track as on the A2. The increase in horsepower also allows installation of an external armor kit (which increases the gross vehicle weight to 31,000 pounds) and provides mobility comparable to currently fielded vehicles such as the M1 tank and M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. 

Steering is improved with an automotive-type steering yoke and foot brake arrangement which improves driver control, lessens fatigue and simplifies driver training from that of the A1/A2 steering/braking laterals. Due to load matching ability and increased steering capability, cross country performance is also improved. 

Crew survivability is increased by the addition of spall suppression liners and locating the fuel tanks externally, on the rear of the vehicle. The inside of the vehicle (sides, roof and rear) are covered with spall suppression liners which limit troop injuries from the effect of overmatching weapons by restricting the spread of spall when a round penetrates the hull. External fuel tanks free up 16 cubic feet of usable space inside the vehicle and reduce the fire hazard inside the crew compartment. Two tanks and independent valving provide redundancy in the fuel system allowing continued operation when one tank is damaged. 

External differences between M113A2 and M113A3 include external fuel tanks and provisions for the installation of an add-on-armor kit. 

The M113A3 was type classified Standard. All new APC vehicles produced since 1987 and all converted vehicles since 1989 are the A3 variant. Vehicles have been fielded both in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The M113A3 was initially fielded in 1987 and U.S. production of new M113A3s was completed in 1992. M113A3s are currently being produced for Thailand as a direct sale. Conversion of M113A2 vehicles to M113A3 vehicles has been underway at United Defense, L.P. since 1994. Previously, conversions of M113A2 vehicles to M113A3 vehicles were completed at Red River and Mainz Army Depots, as well as in Korea. 

The future M113A3 fleet will include a number of vehicles that will have high speed digitial networks and data transfer systems. The M113A3 digitization program supports the Army's Modernization Plan by applying applique hardware, software, and installation kits and hosting them in the M113A3 FOV. Current plans call for these systems to be integrated into the M113A3 FOV by the year 2006. 

M113A3+/M113A4 Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light (MTVL) 
The M113A4 [also known as the M113A3+] mobile tactical vehicle light (MTVL) uses an M113 hull that is lengthened 34 inches and equipped with an additional road wheel (six on each side). The vehicle was developed as a "production-tooled demonstrator" with private-industry funding from United Defense. A total of 183 Canadian M113s are to be converted to MTVL standard. The 'extra' roadwheels will quickly identify MTVL variants but, as APCs, they will also carry the compact Cadillac-Gage turret. Fitting a turret to the M113A3 limited that vehicle's seating space but MTVL's extended hull provides space, once again, for a full complement of infantry. 

While the M113A3 is simply an update of the original APC design, the MTVL (Mobile Tactical Vehicle, Light) attempts to realize more fully the potential of the upgrade's components. The most noticeable change is the extended hull requiring an additional roadwheel - 8 per side compared with 6 per side for the 'unextended' M113 vehicles. 

Although essentially a recycled product, MTVL's performance will little resemble that of its former M113 self. The increased power and improved suspension can be taken advantage of more fully. The lengthened track improves footing while ensuring reasonable ground pressure despite a 4,000kg weight gain over M113s. Weight will increase even more if optional bolt-on steel armour is employed. However, an APC is of dubious value if the soldiers it transports can't be protected. An irony of APC design is that while these vehicles protect troops from shell splinters and bullets, the APC also presents a tempting target for large-calibre tank fire - which no light armoured vehicle can withstand. 

Equipped with a Cadillac Gage one-man power assisted 12.7 mm (.50 cal) turret, the MTVL provides under-armour firing capability to its vehicle commander for both the M2 12.7 mm (.50 cal) heavy machine-gun (HMG) and the C6 7.62 mm light machine-gun (LMG). Two banks of four electrically fired 76 mm multi-purpose grenade launchers can fire a variety of munitions including smoke, white phosphorus and fragmentation. 

Those MTVL variants not fitted with the Cadillac-Gage turret will carry the Protected Weapon System [PWS], a remotely- controlled machinegun station. A 7.62mm C6 is fired from the safety of the hull using video sights and a joystick controller. In an emergency, the C6 gun can still be aimed and fired manually from the hull roof. Both the PWS and the Cadillac-Gage turret are major advances over those early M113s' pintle-mounted .50 cal M2HB machineguns. 

The MTVL carries a basic crew of two, driver and vehicle commander. It can accommodate a section of eight soldiers with winter gear and rucksack. A night observation device for the driver and light intensification sight for the vehicle commander enhance the vehicle's night and all weather capabilities.

M113A3+/M113A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Light (IFVL) 
the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Light (IFVL) is a light infantry fighting vehicle based on the proven MTVL chassis and featuring a one-man stabilized turret is convertible from existing assets or available as new production. It offers the exceptional automotive performance of the MTVL chassis combined with the substantial firepower of the stabilized 25mm chaingun and 7.62mm machinegun. The vehicle is powered by a 400hp 6V53TIA electronically controlled engine driving through the latest X200-4B cross drive transmission. The IFVL uses many common M113/MTVL components that help insure high reliability, availability, and maintainability, plus a proven design, common maintenance techniques and an established logistics infrastructure. Applique armor provides the flexibility to alter the armor package as the threat level changes or technology advances. The vehicle carries a crew of two or three and up to 10 dismount soldiers. As with all M113 variants,it is roll-on/roll-off transportable on a C130.
M113A3+/M113A4 Engineering Squad Vehicle (ESV) 
The M113A3+ ESV is the only affordable solution that meets the Combat Engineer Squad requirements to transport an eight man engineer squad and all of their equipment while providing mobility and survivability equal to the maneuver force. The M113A3+ ESV supports the Engineer Squad in the performance of both offensive and defensive obstacle/counter-obstacle operations in support of the maneuver force. The vehicle can be adapted to fulfill other engineer mission objectives including: carrying the Volcano mine dispenser, the pathfinder marking system, and towing the MICLC trailer.  

Convertible for excess M113 assets, its basic configuration provides: 

Ballistic survivability equal to the M2A2 IFV 
30% more volume under armor than the M113A3 
30% more payload capacity 
50% greater cross country mobility (equal to M1/M2) 
The approved System Acquisition Strategy (SAS) calls for fielding 332 units to fill out Force Package I Engineer units. Depending on funding availability, First Unit Equipped (FUE) is projected for FY00.

M106 Self-propelled 107mm Mortar 
M125 Self-propelled 81mm Mortar 
M1064A3 Self-propelled 120mm Mortar
The M106 is a light weight, low-silhouette Armored Personnel Carrier designed to transport a 4.2 inch mortar and crew. The vehicle is capable of amphibious operation on inland lakes and streams, extended cross country travel over rough terrain, and high speed operation on improved roads and highways. Movement of the tracks propels and steers the vehicle on both land and water. It's low weight allows it to be air transportable. Built in the early 1960's by Food Machinery Corporation of San Jose, CA, it is one of a large variety of vehicles using this same chassis and power train. This vehicle has seen extensive combat experience in Vietnam and in all theaters of war all over the world. It was one of the U.S. Army's first diesel powered vehicles, utilizing the diesel's fuel efficiency and lower flammability. It is used by almost every free country, with over 120,000 being built, it is the most popular tracked vehicle ever built. It is built of aluminum, weighs 21,000 tbs., and is operated by a crew of four men. The Detroit Diesel engine provides top speeds of 40 mph. 

The M1064A3 is a member of the M113A3 Vehicle Family developed and produced by FMC Corporation. Power is supplied by a 275hp Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine driving through an Allison X200-4 (cross-drive) transmission. 

The M1064A3 incorporates all of the mobility, reliability improvements of the M113A3, including powertrain, engine diagnostics, driver's station, and electrical system. Survivability is enhanced through the use of external fuel tanks. 

The M1064A3 has the same silhouette as the M113A3 Personnel Carrier and features a welded-in cross beam, additional floor support structures to withstand mortar reaction forces, and an enlarged three-piece top firing hatch. The 120mm weapon has a 90 traverse for firing over the rear of the vehicle. 

The M106 107mm Mortar Carrier has a 4.2 inch (107mm) M30 mortar mounted on turntable in the rear which fires through a large hatch in the roof. The baseplate for the mortar is mounted externally on the left side of the vehicle for use when firing the mortar dismounted. The M125 is of similar design, carrying a 81mm mortar. Kits to convert M106 and M125 vehicles to the M1064A3 configuration are available. 




M114 Command and Reconnaissance Carrier
The M114 is a lightweight, low-silhouette vehicle, designed for command and reconnaissance missions. The vehicle is capable of operation with a fully rated load over unimproved roads, trails, hilly country, loose snow. soft marsh, rock strewn areas, and inland waterways under all seasonal conditions in arctic, temperate and tropical zones. Movement of the tracks propels and steers the vehicle on both land and water. 

The low net weight of the vehicle enables it to be transported by cargo aircraft and dropped by parachute. The commander's hatch rotates 360 degrees with it's .50 caliber machine gun and mount. It is constructed of aluminum, weigs 13,100 lbs., uses a gasoline Chevrolet V-8 engine and transmission, and was manufactured by the Cadillac Division of General Motors in the early 1960's. It had a three man crew, and a top speed of 35 mph. 

Introduced in the early 1960s, the M114 Command and Reconnaissance Carrier saw extensive service with armored cavalry units during the war in Vietnam. 

The M114 series carriers were developed to provide an armored, amphibious vehicle to perform command and reconnaissance missions. Produced in 1962, the original vehicles were armed with a 7.62mm machine gun and a .50 cal machine gun. In 1963, the vehicle was upgraded to allow the .50 cal machine gun to be fired from inside the vehicle. The M114A1 displayed poor cross-country mobility compared with other tracked vehicles and was gradually phased out of service. Its armored reconnissance role today is filled by the M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. 

M163 VADS Vulcan Air Defense System 
M163A2 PIVADS Product Improvement Vulcan Air Defense System
The M163 is a self propelled variant of the General Dynamics 20mm M61 rotary cannon mounted in most US aircraft since the 1960s used for air defense. Long the standard mobile light anti-aircraft gun of the US Army, the Vulcan's only limitation was that it could not cannot be used for night time operation. 

From 1984 many M163 were upgraded under the M163 PIVADS Product Improved Vulcan Air Defence System program. Modification include new linked digital fire-control computer with range-only radar, and adding the new APDS round which increases range to 2,600m. The ill-fated M247 SGT. YORK DIVAD (Division Air Defence gun) was born of the U.S. ARMY'S need for a state-of-the-art mobile Anti-Aircraft gun system to replace the ageing M163 20mm Vulcan A/A gun and M48 Chaparral missile systems. 

With the Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters of the Soviet Army being fitted with the longer range AT-6 SPIRAL Anti-tank missiles and twin barrelled 23mm cannon, and with the newer Mi-28 Havoc nearing deployment, it was obvious by the early 1980s that the M163 and M48 systems would be totally out-classed in any future conflict. The U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch has retired its M163 Vulcan tracked and towed 20mm Gatling gun systems, replacing them with Avenger HMMWVs with Stinger SAMs. 

M577A3 Command Post Carrier
The M577A3 Tracked Command Post Carriers are full-tracked lightweight vehicles used as an operational staff office and command post. The M577A3 incorporates the RISE powerpack and improved driver controls. 

The M577 is nicknamed the "high-top shoe" for its tall, ungainly silhouette. The vehicle is C130 air transportable, however it is not air droppable. 

Additional materiel changes, outside of the A3 RISE Block Modifications, could also be applied to the M577. PM-M113's intention is to block the materiel changes as funding becomes available. 

5 KW APU Fuel Lines This M577 change allows replacement of the 4.2 KW gasoline powered auxiliary power unit (APU) on the M577A2 with the 5 KW diesel powered APU. 

Other M577 changes could include: 

Armor Enhancements 
BCIS 
Contact Spall Liner 
Driver's Night Viewer 
EPLRS 
Improved Cold Start 
M17 Laser Protection 
PLGR Brackets 
Quick Erect Antenna Mast 
Swim Mod 
VIS 
Water/Ration Heater 
The XM577A4 Stretch has an interior volume of 502 cubic feet (an increase of 108 cubic feet) and a payload capacity of over 5000 pounds, making it equivalent in capacity to the S-280 tactical shelter. The XM577A4 Stretch Armored Tactical Command and Control System is a prototype Stretch version of the M577A3 Armored Command Post. By using the RISE power package, the vehicle incorporates a sixth road wheel and longer hull to provide more interior space and increased payload capacity.The XM577A4 Stretch is capable of carrying bolt-on armor as well as crew compartment spall liners for additional side and top attack protection. The XM577A4 stretch was developed by United Defense, L.P. as an Independent Research and Development program. This vehicle is currently being considered as a platform for Hazardous Material Operational Roles. 

M730A2 Guided Missile Equipment Carrier (Chaparral) 
 This lightweight carrier is a product improved version of the M730A1 that is used to transport the Improved (and heavier) M54A2 Chaparral Aerial Intercept Guided Missile pallet. The vehicle incorporates the Reliability Improvement Selected Equipment (RISE) power package and a Nuclear/Biological/Chemical (NBC) collective protection system. The M730A2 was the first M113 FOV derivative to use the RISE package. 

Approximately 500 M730A1 systems were converted to M730A2 RISE during the period of FY88 through FY93 at three depot locations. Fieldings were completed in the third quarter of FY93. Residual conversion kits are being used to support M548A1 to M548A3 conversions. 

M981 Fire Support Team Vehicle (FISTV) 
The M981A3 FIST-V is a variant of the M113 FOV that is used as an artillery forward observer vehicle in accordance with the fire support team concept. It's primary mission is to enhance combined arms efficiency by providing the FIST HQ with an operating base for targeting, self-locating and designating equipment which will provide improvements in first round accuracy and by providing mobility and survivability comparable with the maneuver units being supported. 

The M981 FISTV greatly enhances the ability of the Field Artillery FIST to provide support to maneuver units. It enables the FIST headquarters to acquire and lase targets for terminally guided munitions and to coordinate fire support for the maneuver unit within a protective armored environment. The vehicle has a M113 chassis, with a laser target designator mounted on the top of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle there are 6 AN/GRC-160 radio sets as well as a AN/VRC-46 radio set. Two digital message devices are also integrated into the vehicle in order to review, edit, and forward calls for fire from the FO to the appropriate fire support asset. 

The M981 transports a G/VLLD. The turret is designed to resemble that of the M901, making the vehicle less conspicuous to enemy gunners. The FIST-V has secure voice and digital communication capability. 

TACOM intention is to block materiel changes (MC) as funding becomes available. Possible changes include: 

Battery Backup-NSG 

This MC adds an emergency battery power supply to provide an automatic backup of the power supply and a transition sensing unit on the M981 and M981A3 vehicles to warn crew members of a low voltage condition and increase mission readiness. 

Auto Stow 

This MC provides an automatic stow capability which will enable the operator to stow the sighting station without prepositioning the head prior to initiating the stow procedure. Under combat conditions, this time consuming procedure subjects the crew and vehicle to enemy fire and increases the time necessary to take evasive action. Modification to the sighting station will enable it to be stowed automatically at the touch of a switch. 

Enhanced Night Site Collimator 

This MC is an installation of remote adjustment knobs inside the vehicle. Presently, one crew member must install the collimator and remain outside the vehicle while the crew member inside adjusts for elevation and azimuth at his direction. Remote collimator reduces the crew's exposure to hostile fire during boresighting and provides more accurate and quicker boresighting when one operator is able to perform adjustments while he is viewing the scene himself. 

Night Sight Lens Cover 

This MC is an installation of a remotely controlled cover for the night sight. Presently, the night sight lens is vulnerable to damage from rocks and other objects. The cover will reduce damage to the lens and reduce set-up time by keeping the lens free of dirt. 

Operator Selectable Filter 

The purpose of this MC is to provide laser protection to the AN/TAS-4 Night Sight to prevent operator eye injury from damaging laser energy. This change provides a switch mounted in the operators station in the vehicle for control of the filter. The kit includes the switch, electrical cable, and various mounting hardware and fasteners. 

WFOV Laser Protection 

The purpose of this MC is to provide laser protection to the Wide Field of View optical path to prevent operator eye injury from damaging laser energy. 

Additional M113 FOV MCs which could be applied to the M981A3 FIST-V include: Armor Enhancements; BCIS; Contact Spall Liner; Drivers Night Viewer; EPLRS; Improved cold Start; M17 Laser Protection; PLGR Brackets; Swim Mod; VIS; and Water/Ration Heater. 

M1068A3 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier
The M1068A3 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier is the RISE powered version of the M1068. A variant of the M577A3, it was modified for the next generation of automated command and control through the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS). 

About two thirds of the U.S. M577A2 fleet will be converted to either M1068A3 or M1068 (Basic) configurations. 

The M1068A3 has a crew of 4: commander; driver; and two command post operators. In addition to mounting provisions for the ATCCS hardware, vehicle modifications include an improved 5 KW Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a power/data distribution system, and a ten meter antenna mast. 

The M1068 SICPS Carriers (Basic) are fielded with the M113A2 power train. Future planning and funding decisions will determine a possible retrofit schedule to convert selected M1068 (Basic) SICPS Carriers to M1068A3 configuration (See M1068, M577A3)

M551A1 Armored Reconnaissance Airborne Assault Vehicle Specifications (Sheridan)
The M551 Sheridan tank was designed in the early 1960's, as a need arose for U.S. forces needing a light tank. Constructed of aluminum armor, it is extremely fast, using a 300 hp Detroit Diesel engine and cross drive transmission. It mounts a steel turret and an aluminum hull. It was air transportable and fully amphibious with the screen around the sides raised. The main gun fired a 152mm standard projectile or a missile. It packed a lot of punch for a small tank. A similar gun was also used on the M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle. It is equipped with nuclear, biological, and chemical protection for the crew of four men. This enables it to fight in almost any climate or situation. The vehicle has seen combat use in Vietnam, Panama and Desert Storm, and it is used today for training in the California desert by the Armored Force Opposing Forces training center. Weight is 34,900 lbs. Top speed is 43 mph. It was built by the Allison Division of General Motors. 

The M551 Sheridan was developed to provide the US Army with a light armored reconnaissance vehicle with heavy firepower. The main armament consists of an 152mm M81 gun/missile launcher capable of firing conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh antitank missile (20 conventional rounds and 8 missiles). Due to problems with the gun-tube-launched antitank missile, the Sheridan was not fielded widely throughout the Army. The gun would foul with caseless ammuniton, gun firing would interfere with missle electronics, and the entire vehicle recoiled with unusual vigor when the gun was fired, since the 152mm gun was too big for the light-weight chassis. The Shillelagh missles were evidently never used in anger. In addition to the main gun/missile launcher, the M551 is armed with a 7.62mm M240 machine gun and a 12.7mm M2 HB antiaircraft machine gun. A Detroit Diesel 6V-53T 300hp turbo-charged V-6 diesel engine and an Allison TG-250-2A poweshift transmission provide the Sheridan's power. Protection for the four-man crew is provided by an aluminum hull and steel turret. Although light enough to be airdrop-capable, the alumninum armour was thin enough to be pierced by heavy machine-gun rounds, and the vehicle was particularly vulnerable to mines. 

Initially produced in 1966, the M551 was fielded in 1968. 1,562 M551s were built between 1966 and 1970. The Sheridan saw limited action in Vietnam, where many deficiencies were revealed. The missle system was useless against an enemy that employed tanks, though the Sheridan saw a lot of use towards the end of the war because of its mobility. Sheridan-equiped units participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), and was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. As projectile technology advanced, the Sheridan's potential declined and it was phased out of the US inventory beginning in 1978. The M551 was last used by the 82nd Airborne Division. Some 330 "visually-modified" Sheridans represent threat tanks and armored vehicles at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. 


Stingray light tank
The Stingray light tank was developed to fill requirements for a light tank with increased strategic and tactical mobility and main battle tank firepower. Stingray fires all NATO 105-mm ammunition, as well as British and U.S. armor-piercing, fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) ordnance. It travels at speeds of 44 mph (71 km/hr), climbs 60-percent gradients, and traverses 2.7-foot (82 cm) vertical obstacles and water depths to 3.5 feet (107 cm). The Stingray is the only light tank mounting the NATO 105-mm cannon in production. Textron Marine & Land Systems has now completed an advanced version of the Stingray, known as Stingray II. The Stingray II, which has increased ballistic protection and improved fire control, is expected to have wide appeal to many international customers. 

This system, produced by Textron Marine and Land Systems Division [formerly Cadillac Gage], is not used by the US military, although it is available for Foreign Military Sales. 

M109 155mm SP Howitzer
The 155-mm M109 series, Self-propelled medium howitzers are highly mobile combat support weapons. They are air transportable in phase III of airborne operation. They have a cruising range of 220 miles at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Combat loaded, The M109 series weighs 27.5 tons. The 155-mm projectile weights 98 pounds. 

The M109 series howitzer is a vehicle that provides armored combat support, is air transportable, internally loaded, and has excellent ground mobility. It allows firing in a 360 degree circle through its primary armament, the 155mm cannon assembly, and its secondary armament, the M2 heavy barrel caliber 50 machine gun. The system is capable of both direct (line of sight) and indirect (out of the line of sight) firing. 

The M109 has a crew of six, consisting of commander, gunner, three ammunition members and the driver. The hull is made of all-welded aluminium armour. The driver is at the front of the hull on the left, the engine is to his right and the turret is at the rear. The driver has a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the left, with three M45 periscopes in front that can be covered by small metal flaps to prevent damage. The commander is seated on the right side of the turret and has a cupola that can be traversed through 360°, a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the rear and an M27 periscope. Pintle mounted on the forward part of the commander's cupola is a 12.7 mm (0.50) M2 HB - also local defence machine gun. The gunner is seated on the left side of the turret and has a square single-piece hatch cover that opens to the right. 

The all-welded aluminium armour turret at the rear of the hull has a square hatch in each side that opens to the rear, and twin doors in the turret rear. Twin doors are provided at the rear of the turret for ammunition resupply. Mounted at the rear of the hull, each side of the hull door, is a large spade which is lowered manually to the ground before firing. 

The Detroit Diesel engine is coupled to an Allison Transmission XTG-411-4A cross-drive transmission which is at the front of the hull. The torsion bar suspension consists of seven dual rubber-tyred roadwheels with the drive sprocket at the front and the idler at the rear. There are no track-return rollers. The tracks are of the single-pin, centre guide type with replaceable rubber pads. 

The M109 is fitted with night vision equipment but did not have an NBC system prior to the introduction of the M109A4. The basic vehicle can ford to a depth of 1.828 m without preparation. It can be fitted with an amphibious kit consisting of nine air bags, four each side of the hull and one at the front. The bags, which are not carried on the vehicle as part of its normal equipment, are inflated from the vehicle and it can then propel itself across rivers by its tracks at 6.43 km/h. 

In the American army, the M-109 is deployed at 54 units per armoured division and mechanized division (3 battalions of 18 vehicles equipping 3 batteries of 6 M-109). 

The M109 was the first model, with a very short barrel, double baffle muzzle brake, large fume extractor, and a maximum range of 14,600m. The M109A2/A3/A4 howitzers uses M185 cannon and achieves a range of 23,500 meters. The replacement of the 23 caliber long barrel with the M284 cannon 39-caliber barrel on the M109A5/A6 increased the range capability to 30,00 meters. The M109 Family of howitzer continues to improve at considerable cost savings for the customer. 

The M109A2-A5 series of howitzers gives the customer the maximum flexibility to tailor modifications to meet desired missions requirements and can accommodate future technology. The M109A2-A5 series is economical to purchase, operate, and maintain. It continues to be backed by the extensive life-cycle sustainment support of the weapon's proponent, The U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command - Armament and Chemical, Acquisition and Logistics Activity (ACALA). Modifications of the Howitzers may vary to accommodate customer-desired capabilities. Each conversion is packaged in a kit for ease of shipment and delivery. 

Life cycle sustainment support for the M109 FOV is currently provided by multiple government and commercial organizations using many different processes to deliver both services and materials. Duplicative infrastructure and processes are common. Engineering/technical support is performed by multiple contractors and Army commands. Maintenance, overhaul, and repair is achieved through a complicated structure of organic shops that depend on the commercial sector for parts and other government agencies for technical guidance and funding. The production contractor and government supply system acquire and provide parts for initial provisioning, production, modification, repair (field and depot), overhaul, and war reserves. The current support infrastructure limits opportunity for a coordinated effort to achieve cost-reduction, implement best-business practices, improve weapon system performance, and modernize equipment. Accountability is widely dispersed. 

The US Army TACOM-ARDEC Acquisition Center and the Product Manager for Paladin/FAASV sought a single contractor for a Fleet Managemer for the M109 Family of Vehicles (FOV). The Fleet Manager (FM) was to be the single world class focal point for the M109 FOV life-cycle sustainment support, to include supply, engineering and limited life cycle support functions by having one point of contact and focal point for all M109 FOV life-cycle program management and weapon system support. The Pilot Program critical objective was to validate 20-30% sustainment savings. 

The M109 Family of Vehicles Fleet Management Pilot Program started as a bold experiment, but was gradually reduced in scope until leadership decided it was no longer worth doing. Fleet Management identified many obstacles that future experiments must address and resolve early in the development phase. Fleet Management brought to light some inefficiencies that responsible organizations could “fix” on their own (i.e. reduce inventory, establish long term contracts and co-locate inventory with users). 


M109 155mm SP Howitzer
In January 1952, a conference in Washington DC on the subject of self-propelled artillery indicated an urgent need for improved self-propelled artillery. Preliminary concept studies began for a self-propelled howitzer to replace the existing 155mm M44. The first designs in August 1952 for the new vehicle, designated the Howitzer 156mm Self-Propelled T196, were rejected, as were additional studies presented in September 1953. At a conference in May 1954, a concept was finally approved. 

In June 1954, a review of the military characteristics of the entire self-propelled program decided that future concepts of the T196 would be prepared along the design proposed for the Howitzer 110mm Self-Propelled T195, which was already in production. In June 1956, it was decided to use the basic hull and turret of the T195 but the original 156 mm howitzer was replaced by a 155 mm howitzer after NATO had standardized this caliber in 1956. 

In October 1956, the mockup of the T196 was reviewed and verbal authority was given to proceed with development of the first prototype. The main differences from the T195 were power elevating and turret traverse mechanisms, different ammunition racks and two spades at the rear of the hull. The first prototype of the T196 was completed in 1959, about six months later than the 105 mm T195. During preliminary User Evaluation at Fort Knox a number of failures occurred in the suspension. The prototype differed from later vehicles in that it had a different shaped hull and turret, the seventh roadwheel acted as the idler and it was powered by a Continental petrol engine. 

In 1959 a policy was established that diesel rather than petrol engines would be used for future combat vehicles and the prototype of the T196 was then fitted with a diesel engine and redesignated the T196E1. In February 1961, an order was placed for two T196E1 preproduction vehicles which were delivered within six months. After further trials the T196E1 was classified as a Limited Production Type in December 1961. 

In October 1961, a letter order was given to the Cadillac Motor Car Division for one year's production of the T196E1 at the Cleveland Army Tank Plant. The first production vehicles were completed in October 1962. In January 1963, an extension was authorised to continue the classification of Limited Production. 

In July 1963 the T196E1 was classified as standard A and designated the Howitzer, Medium, Self-Propelled: 155 mm, M109. Early in 1963, a contract was awarded to Cadillac for the second year of production. The contract for the third year of production, awarded in December 1963, went to the Chrysler Corporation, although production remained at the Cleveland Army Tank Plant. The first M109s were issued to the US Army in June 1963.

M109A1 155mm SP Howitzer
The M109A1 featured a new longer barrel, and various other improvements, with a maximum range of 18,100m. The M109 was the first model, with a very short barrel, double baffle muzzle brake, large fume extractor, and a maximum range of 14,600m.

M109A2 155mm SP Howitzer
The M109A2 is a new production weapon which incorporated 27 mid-life improvements to the M109A1. The improvements provide for increased Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) and safety characteristics as well as enhanced operational capabilities. 

Major changes from the M109A1 include a redesigned rammer and improved recoil mechanism, engine operation warning devices, a redesigned hatch and door latches, an improved hydraulic system and a bustle designed to carry an additional 22 rounds of ammunition. 

The M109A2 has the long tube M185 cannon installed in the M178 gun mount. The cab has a rear bustle rack which provides an increased ammunition stowage capacity. It has an all weather ballistic shield mounted over the panoramic telescope; counterbalanced travel lock and provisions for mounting the M140 alignment device. 

The M109A2 entered production at BMY Combat Systems in 1978, with first deliveries made early in 1979. The first production quantity of 103 vehicles was with FY77 funding. M109A2 pro 36 M109A2s were produced for the National Guard using FY82 funds.

M109A3 155mm SP Howitzer
The M109A3 is a depot converted M109A1 incorporating the 27 mid-life improvements. The operational characteristics of the M109A3 are virtually identical to the M109A2. Some M109A3s have three contact arm assemblies: all M109A2 have five contact arm assemblies.

M109A4 155mm SP Howitzer
The M109A4 is a M109A2/A3 improvements include the addition of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical/ Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (NBC/RAM) product improvement kits. The driver and cannoneer no. 2 have an air purifier and two heaters mounted in the hull. An air purifier and four heaters are mounted in the cab for the rest of the crew. NBC Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear is stored in the new cannoneer seats and stowage boxes. 

The traversing mechanism is operates with a hydraulic clutch in the M109A4 instead of operating with an electric clutch as in the traversing mechanism in the M109A2/A3 howitzers. A clutch valve with an override valve provides for power traversing in the event of an electrical failure to the clutch valve solenoid. The M109A4 has two hydraulic filters mounted outside of the power pack. The M109A2/A3s have one internal hydraulic power pack filter. 

The M109A4 has a combat override switch to allow for emergency starting. The slave start receptacle has been moved from the battery compartment to the driver's compartment. The M109A2/A3 100 amp alternator has been replaced by a 180 amp alternator. Crew compartment subfloor drains have been added to provide for the drainage of DS2 used in the NBC decontamination process and provide for the drainage of excess water.

M109A5 155mm SP Howitzer
The M109A5 is a modified M109A4 it consists of two major improvements: a new M284 cannon and a new M182 gun mount. These improvements provide the M109A5 with greater range and allow for sustained fire for prolonged periods of time. 

Over 950 existing M109s have been rebuilt as the M109A6 Paladin. The Paladin configuration is achieved through extensive modifications to existing M109A2/A3 vehicle hulls and the subsequent introduction of an entirely new turret structure. The remaining M109 howitzer fleet has received the M109A5 upgrade, which included some of the same automotive and crew NBC protection improvements as well as the Paladin's M284 cannon and M182 gun mount.

K55 (155mm Self Propelled Howitzer)
Samsung Aerospace Industries (SSA) was the prime contractor for local production of 155mm M109A2 self-propelled howitzer of which 1,040 were built under the co-production license with United Defense LP. Licence production of the M109A2, also designated the KM109A2, was completed in 1997. 

Artillery support is critical in modern warfare and strategically located firing units are a vital complement to advancing infantry. The initial artillery barrage on the defined target zone is essential to a mission's success. The K-55, a derivative of the American M109, provides full tracked, armored protection for the crew and ammunition. It features excellent all-terrain mobility and speed, with an aluminum armored hull and 360-degree turret. 

Enemy weapons on the modern battlefield possess an ever increasing threat, to the survivability of today's armored vehicles. In the face of certain attack by enemy counter fire, artillery must survive and deliver continuous fire support. The K55 SPH is a modern weapon system with the armored protection and mobility to survive on the modern battlefield and protect the crew and ammunition from counter fire and severe weather. 

Since the battle scene constantly changes, the unit itself must be able to disengage and relocate upon command and resume its attack. These requirements demand a reliable system, one capable of delivering maximum fire power in a configuration that is both mobile and efficient. The fire power available from the K55, guarded by its armor aluminum shield, more than meets that battlefield challenge. It provides high hit accuracy and high rate of fire, ammunition versatility, and advanced mobility and survivability. 

Artillery units should possess excellent mobility in order to overcome all possible topographies eg. rough terrain, rivers, and to rapidly disengage and relocate upon command. K55 is powered by the Detroit Diesel 8V-71T and eight cylinder, turbo-charged engine. It can reach speeds of up to 56 km/hr and is highly maneuverable in a wide variety of terrain allowing frequent firing battery displacement with "shoot and move" tactics. 

The Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle [FAASV] provides enhanced firing ability and survivability of its crew and ammunition against direct and indirect fire. Survivability is further enhanced through its complete automatic fire suppression system. A 100-rounds payload capacity, an armored protected fusing and round preparation area, a powered conveyor system, and an auxiliary power unit establish the FAASV as the perfect complement to modern artillery. The K55 related drive train affords exceptional mobility for battlefield responsiveness and also functions to tow artillery. Ammunition support includes automated transfer arm and conveyer moving ammunition, providing a maximum rate of 6 rounds, with close support to the 155mm K55 Self-Propelled Howitzer 

Artillery fire direction and overall battlefield management centers need the mobility and armored protection of the forces they control. For firing battery and troop maneuvering to be effective, timely control and coordination are vital. The Fire Direction Center Vehicle [FDCV] provides such control and coordination through its unique combination of mobility, armored protection, and its on-board Battalion Tactical Computer System (BTCS). 

M109A6 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer 
The M109A6 Paladin is the latest advancement in 155mm self-propelled artillery. The system enhances previous versions of the M109 by implementing onboard navigational and automatic fire control systems. Paladin has both a Kevlar-lined chassis and a pressurized crew compartment to guard against ballistic, nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. 

The Paladin M109A6 howitzer is the fourth product improvement to the original M109 self-propelled (SP) howitzer. It features improvements in the areas of survivability; reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM); responsiveness; and terminal effects. The M109A6 is an armored, full tracked howitzer carrying 37 complete conventional rounds and two Copperhead projectiles. It is operated by a crew of four. It is designed with a new turret structure that facilitates integration of the various turret improvements and vulnerability reduction measures. It improves overall crew compartment layout and space. The howitzer can travel at a maximum speed of 38 miles per hour and has a maximum cruising range of 186 miles. 

The M109A6 is the most technologically advanced cannon in the Army inventory. This weapon has a 4 man crew, and weights approximately 62,000 lbs/32 tons, and has a cruising range of 186 miles, Max speed is 35 MPH, It has a fuel capacity of 133 gals. The Paladin can operate independently, from on the move, it can receive a fire mission, compute firing data, select and take up its firing position, automatically unlock and point its cannon, fire and move out - all with no external technical assistance. Firing the first round from the move in under 60 seconds, a "shoot and scoot" capability protects the crew from counterbattery fire. The M109A6 Paladin is capable of firing up to four rounds per minute to ranges of 30 kilometers. The Paladin features increased survivability characteristics such as day/night operability, NBC protection with climate control and secure voice and digital communications. The crew remains in the vehicle throughout the mission. 

The Paladin is designed to accept new technologies increasing firing range, rate of fire, and accuracy. TACOM-ARDEC, in order to maintain the state-of-the-art in artillery technologies, is continuing to develop enhancements adaptable to Paladin, such as a 52 caliber gun, Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS), and a laser ignition system. 

The Paladin is an example of equipment bridging the gap between current systems and those planned for the future. It dramatically increases the responsiveness, survivability and flexibility of self-propelled cannon artillery. Adding advanced technology to a 1950s chassis, the Paladin begins a revolution in the way the field artillery fights. Using computers, the Paladin can determine its own position on the ground and compute its own firing data. Single-channel ground-air radios permit voice and digital communication with the platoon's operation center and with other howitzers in the platoon. 

The most significant operational differences between the M109A6 howitzer and prior M109 series howitzers are the Paladin's ability to operate over a widely dispersed area and to move and emplace using the Paladin technology. The Paladin can move and position within an assigned position area, process technical firing data, and fire a mission without relying on aiming circles and wire lines. Target acquisition and engagement parameters (tactical fire control) are provided by the Paladin platoon's battle command facility, the platoon operations center (POC). The automatic fire control system (AFCS) and single-channel ground and airborne radio system (SINCGARS) frequency modulation (FM) radios change the current requirements for surveyed firing points, aiming circles, and land lines. 

In the past, communications wire had to be manually strung between the vehicles and the fire-control center. Without the need for wire communications, the Paladin can change position more frequently, an advantage against enemy fire. Such advancements give new meaning to the artillery's ability to move, shoot and communicate. The Paladin's technology reduces the time soldiers are vulnerable to enemy fire. Every time you fire a round, the enemy can zero in on your position and fire back. If you take too long to get out of there, you're probably going to get killed. 

In the past, it would take about 20 minutes to prepare a firing position and another 15 to 20 to displace. It was very manpower-intensive to emplace the battery before. A five-man crew served each of the six howitzers in the battery. Surveyers calculated the battery's location, and crew members ran communicaitons wire by hand. The gun sections each had a guy who would run the wire to the fire-direction center, and when it was time to displace, he would have to go down to the fire-direction center, unhook the wire and roll it up. It didn't take soldiers long to figure out that that's not a good way to do business if you want to stay alive. 

New technology allows cutting that wire link from the fire direction center, which limited how far one could disperse the howitzers on the battlefield. 

Technology also increases speed. The Paladin's top speed of 38 mph makes it slightly faster than the M-109A3. The Army beefed up the engine and transmission, and installed some new technologies -- an on-board fire control system, on-board position-navigation system, radios. There is also improved ballistic protection on the howitzer and on-board prognostics and diagnostics to help diagnose when there is a problem. 

The Paladin/FAASV program entails a major product improvement and re-engineering effort - begun in 1979 - to upgrade the U.S. Army's primary self-propelled long-range howitzer, designated the M109 series. Range, lethality, reliability, speed and mobility were all limitations of this 1950's design, as was the lack of onboard navigation/location and nuclear, biological and chemical protection for the crew. The new Paladin closes the technology gap in response to the requirements of the U.S. Army Soldier. These "shoot and scoot" requirements, were translated into engineering requirements and specifications that updated or replaced every subsystem of the vehicle. 

The first 164 Army Paladin systems were manufactured under a September 1991 LRIP contract, resulting in FUE status in April 1993. The subsequent full-scale production (FSP), multiyear contract covered 630 howitzers. Additional options for 83 systems and a follow-on order for 73 Paladins brought the total number of units produced under FSP to 786. Production of 950 Paladin vehicles and 927 FAASV vehicles has been completed.June 25th, 1999 marked the end of Paladin's Full Rate Production. By the end of 2001, the Army provided 950 (164 LRIP + 786 FSP = 950 M109A6s) defect-free Paladins and 927 defect-free FAASVs. The Army received a FY 2000 congressional plus-up for an additional 7 Paladin vehicles for continued Army National Guard modernization, with deliveries scheduled for January 2002. It is believed that Army National Guard planners may seek funding for additional M109A6 upgrades in the coming fiscal years. 

The Paladin was delivered into the capable hands of US Army and National Guard Field Artillery units in accordance with a detailed schedule that included advance Materiel Fielding Team customer familiarization, new equipment training for both officers and enlisted personnel, and all of the associated logistics, spares, manuals, trainers and testing devices for the weapons system. 

In the beginning, there was a typical weapon system procurement program for the development and low rate production of the M109A6 howitzer. It was known as the Howitzer Improvement Program (HIP). There were the usual schedule slips, cost overruns, and high levels of animosity and friction among stakeholders with litigation eminent as the ultimate Sword of Damocles. In the end, there was the Paladin Production Enterprise, an enterprise that delivered every howitzer ahead of schedule, under budgeted cost, and without any meaningful discrepancies for quality or material shortage. 

The Program's development phase endured downward budget adjustments and cost and schedule concerns that mandated a competitive strategy be implemented for subsequent production activity. A series of competition and acquisition strategy analyses were conducted to determine the best way to accomplish a competitive production program. Several factors caused Paladin production to be perceived as unattractive to potential competitive bidders. The incumbent development contractor enjoyed an obvious, significant advantage in terms of program experience and technical understanding of the system. Additionally, evolutionary downsizing of the program from an initial production quantity of 1700 to 824 units decreased the potential return on investment. The production strategy that emerged from these negotiations placed the low-rate initial production contract with the developer, while concurrently examining all viable competitive options for full-scale production (FSP). 

Army leaders contributed to the development of a competition strategy to "level-the-field" among potential bidders. This strategy was dubbed "Producibility Evaluation Task" (PET). A market survey, in the form of an Industry Day, was held to familiarize industry with the Paladin program and provide information on the PET effort. It was explained that the PET acquisition was being issued to enhance competition for FSP. With PET, potential contractors could be paid to learn first-hand about the Paladin system, study the Technical Data Package (TDP), and prepare a manufacturing plan and proposal for the full scale protection (FSP) acquisition. The PEO Field Artillery Systems, procurement officials, and legal advisors supported the Product Manager's position to encourage potential competitors to consider an innovative, streamlined approach in their FSP proposals. Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) officials further encouraged innovative approaches by describing how their organic production capability related to the self-propelled howitzers might be combined with industry's capability. 

The PET effort resulted in competitive FSP proposals from three sources: the incumbent, BMY Combat Systems; FMC, Ground Systems Division; and General Dynamics, Land Systems Division. During PET, all sources discussed the use of Government facilities with LEAD. These discussions, obviously competition sensitive, were carefully managed and scrupulously documented by LEAD officials. LEAD's intent was to be completely responsive and cooperative, while remaining passive to any suggestion of strategy or partnering concepts. Similar protective measures were implemented at the Product Managers Office (PMO); the number of personnel involved was minimized and each was briefed on the sensitivity of discussions and documentation provided by the contractors. Some contractor requests to LEAD were declined due to the illegality of binding fixed price agreements and selling production services directly to the contractors. 

Best value selection procedures and criteria were implemented through the FSP solicitation's instructions and Source Selection Plan. The FMC Ground Systems Division proposal was judged best value, and FMC was awarded the $334 million, multi-year, FSP contract. FMC's approach included creating the Paladin Production Division (PPD) as an independent business unit— a collocated production facility at LEAD. (Shortly afterward FMC and BMY formed a partnership to be known as United Defense). PPD proposed to use existing LEAD capability for chassis overhaul and conversion, armament testing, completed vehicle break-in, and performance testing. This strategy evolved from PPD's analysis of the business risks associated with the Paladin Production Program. They accurately perceived the value of a low cost business environment and the benefit of avoiding duplication of the existing production infrastructure at LEAD. PPD planned to procure the new turret and then perform all system integration activity at LEAD facilities on a "nominal fee" basis. Additionally, FMC planned to renovate and upgrade Building #56 (at their expense) and procure facilities' support services from LEAD (utilities, snow removal, rail service, etc.). In the end, $46 million in savings was attributable to the competitive multi-year acquisition strategy adopted by the PEO/PMO Officials. 

The Letterkenny Army Depot is a key partner with the Defense Depot Letterkenny, PA (DDLP) in ensuring availability of the 1900 necessary parts to the production line. Letterkenny Army Depot's partnership role is to deprocess old howitzers, salvage reusable chassis and components and integrate all chassis/automotive upgrades into the refurbished Paladin chassis. United Defense Limited Partnership Paladin Production Division, also collocated at Letterkenny Army Depot forms part of the production line, applying its skills in systems and turret integration after receiving the Paladin chassis from Letterkenny. The Defense Contract Management (DCM) partner is the designated Department of Defense in-plant organization to ensure both product quality and fiscal integrity of the defense contractor, United Defense Limited Partnership. Major suppliers include Honeywell (navigation/positioning systems), Detroit Diesel (new low heat rejection engines), United Defense - Ground Systems Division (turret manufacturer), Watervliet Arsenal (cannons and ballistic shielding) and Alliant Tech Systems (Automatic Fire Control System). 


M992 FAASV Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle
The M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) is basically the chassis of a standard M109 155mm self-propelled howitzer with the turret replaced by a fully enclosed superstructure. Inside this superstructure, which has the same protection as the rest of the vehicle, can be stacked 93 155 mm projectiles, 99 propellant charges and 104 fuzes. 

The ammunition can be loaded into the superstructure by a front-mounted crane and is fed from the vehicle along a conveyor to the recipient self-propelled howitzer; this crane was not fitted to US Army M992 vehicles but is offered for export. All ammunition handling within the M992 is mechanical. In use, the M992 backs up to the user M109 and the conveyor delivers the 155 mm ammunition at the rate of up to 8 rounds/minute to the M109 bustle or lower hatches. 

The M992 can have a crew of two plus six passengers and the weight fully loaded is 25,900 kg. Intended primarily for use with M109 field units, the M992 can also be used by units with 175 mm, 203 mm, 120 mm and 105 mm self-propelled weapons. With 203mm units the M992 can carry 48 203 mm projectiles, 53 charges and 56 fuzes. 

The basic M992A0 FAASV emerged from private venture research and development project by Bowen-McLaughlin-York to provide self-propelled field artillery units with a ballistically protected vehicle capable of performing critical resupply and support functions. It was based on an M109 howitzer chassis that provided the resupply asset with mobility and survivability characteristics commensurate with the supported cannon element. The XM992 was type-classified as the M992 FAASV system was type classified and entered production in 1983. Some of the Army's 664 basic M992A0 systems saw combat service in support of early M109 howitzers during Operation Desert Storm. 

It has been suggested that the M992 could form the basis for a family of battlefield vehicles including a Fire Direction Centre Vehicle, Command Post Vehicle (CPV), Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV), Maintenance Assistance Vehicle (MAV) and Armored Forward Area Rearm Vehicle (AFARV). 

M992A1 FAASV Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle
Following Desert Storm, the program followed two development paths during the mid-1990s: new manufacture of 125 M992A1s and upgrade of all M992A0s to M992A2 configuration. 

The US Army has improved the basic M992 through a series of upgrades to M992A1 and M992A2 configurations. US Army testing and decisions relating to the M109A6 Paladin reaffirmed the need for an FAASV in direct, organic support of each self-propelled gun. The US Army type-classified the M992A1, which contains a series of improvements based on lessons learned during the extensive operational testing of the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The M992A1 design, incorporated Paladin's low-heat rejection engine, modification to propellant storage configuration, and rear door/conveyor improvements to facilitate operations with the M109A6. 

All 125 M992A1s were also subsequently converted to the M992A2 configuration. Both paths facilitated FAASV interoperability with the Paladin. 

M992A2 FAASV Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle
The The M992A2 series Carrier, Ammunition Tracked Vehicle (CATV) / Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) accompanies the M109A6 and completes the howitzer section. The CATV has a crew of five. The M992A2 is a full-tracked, aluminum armored, ammunition resupply vehicle with a hydraulic powered conveyor for single-round transfer of ammunition. The M992A2 is comparable to the M109A6 in terms of speed, mobility, and survivability. In addition to ammunition handling equipment, the CATV features projectile rack assemblies and storage compartments; a diesel powered auxiliary power unit used to drive the hydraulic system and recharge vehicle batteries; and an automatic fire extinguisher system (AFES). 

The M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) is the firing-position partner for the M109A6 Paladin and other M109 series self-propelled howitzers. It provides timely, efficient, armor-protected ammunition delivery to cannon artillery systems during both firing and non-firing conditions. 

Able to carry a 12,000-pound (5,454 kg) ammunition payload, the FAASV can be configured for various ammunition needs and specifications. A 50-caliber machine gun is part of the FAASV's defense. Artillery cargo and crew are protected from fire threats by separate Automatic Fire Suppression in both crew and engine compartments. 

An 11.5-horsepower auxiliary power unit provides power support to the FAASV in the field, enabling it to move any type of towed howitzer at a maximum forward speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) and a reverse speed of 7 mph (11.3 km/h). The same Low Heat Rejection engine used in the M109A6 Paladin provides cold start capability and high horsepower for the vehicle, enabling the FAASV to keep pace with artillery forces. 

The M109A6 basic load is 37 complete conventional rounds and two Copperhead rounds. The CATV basic load is 96 conventional rounds and four Copperhead rounds. The CATV may average one to five rearming moves per day in addition to tactical and survivability moves. A section, consisting of a howitzer and a CATV, normally operates as one of three sections in a platoon but may operate alone in a fire area. 

Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle is a field artillery weapons (M109A2 self-propelled class) in terms of speed, mobility, and survivability. This full-tracked, self-propelled, diesel-powered vehicle is a highly mobile and maneuverable. It is capable of long-range, high-speed operation on improved roads. It is also well-suited to rough terrain, muddy or marshy ground, sand, snow, and ice. The M992 can also for can also ford waterways where maximum depth is 42 inches. 

The traditional approach is to permanently assign one CATV per howitzer section. The assigned CATV resupplies ammunition to the howitzer section. Using the CATVs in Support of a Platoon, CATVs are controlled by the PLT SGT. Two CATVs will resupply the howitzers, while the third is conducting rearm or performs overwatch. When two CATVs have depleted their ammunition supply, they are dispatched to the battery or platoon rearm point and the third takes over resupply of the howitzers. This method ensures availability of ammunition. However, it complicates ammunition accountability. The chief will not be able to input all of the "on-site" ammunition into the AFCS. When the expenditure rate is extremely high, "CATVs in support of a platoon" better facilitates class V resupply. During periods of minimal ground threat, "one CATV – one howitzer" enhances the task of ammunition accountability. 

The M992A2 upgrade was accomplished through a materiel change program. It includes all of the enhancements found in the A1 package and such features as an improved radiator; reinforced side-door sponson; final-drive quick disconnect; relocation of the personnel heater and hydraulic reservoir; and improvements to auxiliary power unit (APU) reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) criteria. 

The final A1-to-A2 conversions were completed in March 1999, and final A0-to-A2 conversions were completed in April 1999. In addition to these conversion efforts, United Defense LP received follow-on contracts for 96 "new build" M992A2 systems in July 1996, with 36 additional conversion systems placed on contract in November 1998. These 36 conversion systems are unique in that they are being remanufactured into new M992A2s from excess M109A2/A3 howitzer hulls. Program savings from this process allowed for an additional 6 M992A2 vehicle conversions (42 in total). Deliveries of these additional conversion vehicles were completed in December 2001. The resulting inventories, however, reflected a shortfall between M109A6 Paladins (957 units) and the supporting FAASVs (664 + 125 + 96 + 42 = 927). Program planners indicated that the Army was likely to seek funding to close this 30 vehicle gap. 

M270 MLRS Self-Propelled Loader/Launcher (SPLL) 

 The MLRS M270 Launcher, a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), is the standard U.S. Army platform for firing surface to surface artillery rockets and missiles. The Armored Vehicle Mounted Rocket Launcher (M270) is a full-tracked, self-propelled launcher/loader designed to launch 12 tactical rockets and re-deploy before enemy determination of launch position (shoot and scoot). The launch platform is also used to launch the Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) and is capable of launching all M270 Family of Munitions (MFOM) tactical rocket/missile variants. The launcher consists of six rockets, each of which are mounted and controlled in both azimuth and elevation. It has an automated control system for aiming that automatically corrects for launcher cant and ambient temperature, a directional reference system to obtain azimuth elevation and cant angles, and a FCS which is operated from a man-rated vehicle cab. The launcher platform structure provides a "self-loading" capability. 

The M270 launcher has a maximum speed of 64 Km/hour, with a maximum range of 435 Km. It is capable of climbing a 60 degree slope and a one meter wall. Ordnance options include the MFOM (all variants of the MLRS rocket and Army TACMS missile). The M270 can load, arm, and fire a 12 rocket ripple within ripple within five minutes. M270 launchers are deployed three per battery and 29 per battalion. The M270 launcher can be configured for transport by Air Force C-141 aircraft on a limited basis. The M270 launcher is also transportable by Air Force C-5 and C-17 aircraft. 

MLRS consists of a self-loading launcher with an onboard fire control system (FCS). The launcher is mounted on a mobile track vehicle that carries 12 rockets or 2 Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) missiles, which can be fired individually or simultaneously. Rockets have a range beyond 30 kilometers, and the Army TACMS Block IA missile can reach to 300 kilometers. 

The M270 MLRS, or SPLL (Self-Propelled, Loader/Launcher), is made up of two major units and an electronic fire control system (FCS). The SPLL is a mobile, self-propelled, self- loading, multiple launch rocket firing unit. It provides mobile long range artillery rocket support for ground forces. The M993 Carrier Vehicle and the M269 LLM are the two major units that make up the MLRS. The FCS is a computer control system, with a built-in computer and memory system. The SPLL has a cruising range of 300 miles at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The total MLRS weights approximately 52,990 pounds. 

The second multiyear procurement contract for FY89-93 was awarded in July 1989 for MLRS. The US initial operational capability for MLRS was achieved in 1983. Starting in FY89, MLRS has been coproduced by the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. As of September 1995, a total of 857 launchers have been delivered, 772 to the active Army and 185 to the National Guard. 


M270A1 Upgrade
The Multiple Launcher Rocket System has come along way since the initial fielding of the system at Fort Riley, Kansas in the early 80’s. Battle tested in the Persian Gulf, deployed to the Balkans, the Multiple Launcher Rocket System has gone through doctrinal changes and numerous software updates. The improvements that are provided by the M270A1 are both needed and crucial for the battlefield of the future. The M270A1 launcher is an upgrade to the MLRS M270 launcher designed to provide the launcher with 10-15 years of additional life. The M270A1 will be fielded to the Heavy Divisions of the Counter Attack Corps to support the Army Vision. 

The MLRS M270 launcher is being upgraded to accommodate a new MLRS family of munitions (MFOM), including the Army Tactical Missile System. The improvements provided by the M270A1 will enhance the field artillery's support to armor and infantry units to reinforce the dominant maneuver force by improving the corps commander's precision engagement capabilities for shaping the battlespace at extended ranges. The MLRS M270A1 program was fielded in September 2000. The state-of-the-art enhancements will eventually be incorporated into the entire US inventory of launchers, which exceeds 900. 


1QFY98 IFCS Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Decision 
2QFY99 Combined IFCS/ILMS operational test 
3QFY00 First unit equipped M270A1 
2QFY98 - First Extended Range Rocket MLRS rocket delivery 
The M270A1 program includes two major upgrades to the current M270 launcher. Current plans for improvement to the system include the Improved Fire Control System (IFCS), the Improved Mechanical Launch System (ILMS), and the extended range rocket (ER-MLRS). An MLRS initiative to examine potential obsolescence revealed that by the year 2003, 92 percent of the microcircuits used in the system would no longer be available. To combat the growing obsolescence, the Army initiated the IFCS program with a Milestone II in 4QFY92. The IFCS will mitigate electronic obsolescence currently existing in the fire control system and will accommodate the needs of the MFOM weapon systems under development and provide growth for future weapon systems. Additionally, analysis following Operation Desert Storm identified a requirement for faster prosecution of highly mobile, short dwell targets by the M270 Launcher. In 4QFY95, the Program Manager, MLRS received approval to proceed with the ILMS program. The ILMS will provide rapid responses to time critical targets by reducing time to aim by 70% and by reducing reload times by 50%. The ER-MLRS will extend the current range of the basic rocket from 31.8 KM to a new range of approximately 45+ KM. The IFCS, the ILMS, and the ER-MLRS are in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase.  

The Improved Fire Control System (IFCS) replaces obsolete, maintenance-intensive hardware and software, providing growth potential for future munitions and the potential for reduced launcher operation and support costs. A Global Positioning System-aided navigation system for the launcher is being developed as part of IFCS to supplement the existing inertial position-navigation system. The IFCS modification will upgrade the electronic and navigation equipment, revise the software architecture, and add the capability of sensing local meteorological conditions at 100 meters above ground level. This latter capability is intended to improve rocket accuracy by providing current, low-level wind measurements to the launcher just before launch. 

The Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS) is designed to decrease the time required to aim and load the launcher. This is achieved by providing a faster launcher drive system that moves simultaneously in azimuth and elevation. ILMS is expected to reduce the traverse time from the stowed position to worst case aimpoint by approximately 80 percent. It will also decrease the mechanical system contribution to reload time by about 40 percent. The reduction in time spent at the launch and reload points is intended to increase survivability. 

In addition to the IFCS and ILMS modifications, the M270A1 program includes the remanufacture of selected components and the application of selected Engineering Change Proposals to the basic M270 launcher to bring all launchers to the same configuration. 

An M270A1 System Integration Update briefing was presented to COL (P) Holly, the Program Executive Officer (PEO), Tactical Missiles on 26 April 1999. This briefing addressed the status of Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS) qualification testing, and system level testing to date. The M270A1 Acquisition Strategy is a three-phase strategy with Phases I & II completed and is on track to meet the Phase III which is the Milestone III Full Rate Production Decision in FY 00. The Phase III decision authority has been delegated to the COL (P) Holly by the Army Acquisition Decision Authority. 

The M270A1 Logistics Demonstration (Log Demo) began 25 Oct 98 and was completed on 15 Jan 99 successfully accomplishing 239 maintenance tasks, 10 of these tasks were performed in MOPP IV. Soldiers from Ft. Sill, OK (13M-operator and 27M-maintainer) participated in the Logistics Demonstration. The soldiers had no problems using the M270A1 Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) or the SPORT lightweight computer. The outcome of this extensive Logistics Demonstration indicates the M270A1 is supportable by the soldier in the field today. 

The M270A1 began the Developmental Test/Operational Test (DT/OT) flight phase of the Operational Test (OT) in Apr 99. The DT/OT flight phase tests have included the successful firings of MLRS M26, M28 rockets, and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block I and IA missions at White Sands Missile Range. Flight test firings included Development Test firings of MLRS Guided Rocket (FY 00). 

The biggest difference for crews is learning a “Windows based operating system,” which replaces the FCP (Fire Control Panel). Understanding this new keyboard is the key to navigating through M270A1 operations. From startup to maintenance, to putting a rocket down range, the crews of the new M270A1 launcher will undergo an extensive training period. A transition course is being developed to ensure that all 13M crewmembers are proficient in the M270A1 operations. Maintenance for the M270A1 will be a major change, as the old M5988E will be replaced with a disk that is an IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual). Soldiers will also harness a SPORT (Soldier Portable On-System Repair Tool). Remember that soldiers are still going to need wrenches, rags, and a set of coveralls to do proper maintenance. The same Bradley chassis that has been the MLRS foundation is still around. 

Some of the major changes for the A1 launcher is an improved mechanical system and improved position navigation. Combined with the improvements in the Fire Control System and advanced mission software the time it takes to aim the launcher at the furthest aim point is reduced from 93 to 16 seconds. This reduces time at the launch site by 60%, an important factor in MLRS vulnerability. Due to the changes, which were made in the system hydraulics, the launcher reload times have been reduced by 38%. This, again, represents a vast improvement in MLRS survivability. 

Deployment
In September 1997 the first US Army Command & Attack Battalion (CAB) Field Artillery (FA) unit was activated. This program previously known as the MLRS "2x9" fielded another MLRS firing battery and a Headquarters, Headquarters & Service (HHS) battery to the Division Artillery of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX. This change merged these new batteries with the existing MLRS Battery, A Btry, 21st FA and the Target Acquisition Battery (TAB), B Battery, 26th FA. The new unit is now known as 1st Bn, 21st FA (1-21 FA). 

This program will not be unique to 1st Cavalry Division. Over the upcoming years, fieldings will take place to all of the current "heavy" divisions within the active army. The direction to make this change was as a result of a decision made by the Vice-Chief of Staff of the Army on 29 Feb 96. The decision for this plan was put forward based on the Nov 93 release of the Legal Mix V Study with subsequent conclusions from the Army Science Board in Oct 95. The rationale was based on analysis that indicated the need for additional firepower within the division. 

The next unit to be changed was the conversion of B Btry, 20th FA (MLRS) and A Btry, 26th FA (TAB) to 2-20 FA at 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX in Jul 98. In 4QFY99, A Btry, 13th FA (MLRS) and A Btry, 39th FA (TAB) will convert to 1-39 FA at Fort Stewart, GA. After FY99 the remaining three (3) CAB fieldings were fielded with the M270A1 Launchers. These systems were remanufactured launchers that will include the Improved Fire Control System (IFCS) and Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS). These units are A Btry, 38th FA (MLRS) and F Btry, 26th FA (TAB) to 1-38 FA to be fielded in FY01 in Korea; and in Germany the fieldings A Btry, 94th FA (MLRS) and C Btry, 25th FA (TAB) in FY03, and A Btry, 33 FA (TAB) and B Btry 25th FA (TAB) in FY05. 

XM777 Lightweight 155mm howitzer (LW155)
The Lightweight 155 (LW 155), formerly known as the Advanced Towed Cannon System (ATCAS), LW 155 will replace all US Marine Corps (USMC) cannon systems and be used as a direct support weapon. The US Army (Army) will use the system as a general support weapon in the light forces and as a direct support weapon for the Light Cavalry Regiment replacing all of the M198 155mm towed howitzers. 

The lightweight 155mm howitzer (XM777) will be a great improvement over the M198 in terms of capability, due in large part to its Automated Fire Control System. The XM777's biggest drawback remains the fact that it is a towed system with the same large logistical footprint as the M198. The two largest detractors of towed artillery are the amount of lift necessary for ship to shore movement of the battery, and the difficulties of employment in an urban environment (turning radius, crew survivability, greater time and space needed to employ the gun). 

The Marine Corps has a valid, approved, high priority requirement for an advanced towed lightweight 155mm howitzer that meets increased operational thresholds for mobility, survivability, deployability, and sustainability in an expeditionary environment. The Army shares this fire support requirement in the interest of its light forces. The Marine Corps (ACMC) approved a Joint Operational Requirements Document (JORD) in June 1995, and the Army approved it in September 1995. This system combines both Army and Marine Corps efforts to replace the M198 with the more responsive LW155. 

The LW 155 will provide close and deep fire support and interdiction fires. It will be lightweight without sacrificing range, stability, accuracy or durability. The system is designed as a howitzer, prime mover and associated equipment. The system shall be deployable to any region and shall operate in most climatic conditions. The US Marine Corps will use the weapon as a direct support weapon, replacing all existing cannon systems. The US Army will use the LW 155 as a general support weapon in the light forces and as a direct support weapon for the Light Cavalry Regiment, replacing the M198 155mm towed howitzer. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Weight: 10,500 lbs or less 
Range: 30-40 km (assisted), 22.5-30 km (unassisted) 
Range Precision PE: .35% (assisted), .30% (unassisted) of range 
Deflection Precision PE: 1 mil (low angle), 2 mils (high angle) 
Accuracy: 200-50 meters CEP, at 25 km w/ 20 km Met separation. 
Minimum Range: 3.7-2.7 km high angle 
Maximum Rate of Fire: 5-8 rds/min for NLT 2 minutes 
Min Elevation: 0 mils or less (300 mils for charge M119A2/M203A1) 
Maximum Elevation: At least 1275 mils 
Sustained Rate Of Fire: At least 2 rds/min 
Emplacement Time: 3-2 minutes w/ 5 crewmen (ready to fire) 
Displacement Time: 2-1 minute w/ 5 crewmen 
Out Of Sector: 3200 mils left/right in 3-2 minutes w/ 5 crewmen 
Chamber Temp: Sensor for misfire proc. and ROF limitations 
External Lift: CH-53E & CH-47D @ high/hot (4000 ft/95oF); MV-22 & CH-53D @ low/cool (Sea Level/60oF) 
Strategic Lift: 2 in C-130; LW155 w/ PM C-141B, and larger 
Heavy Drop: Yes (LVAD) from C-130 and larger 
Ground Mobility: NTE towing capabilities of PM; equiv. fording 
Prime Mover: USMC - MTVR, Army - FMTV 5 ton 
Direct Fire PH: 30-80% @ 1500 meters 
Moving Target Capability: Required w/ lead/night/poor visibility enhancement 


The LW 155 indirect fire maximum range shall be at least 30 (threshold) to 40 (objective) kilometers with rocket-assisted US munitions (i.e., M549A1) and 22.5 (threshold) to 30 (objective) kilometers with unassisted US munitions (i.e., M795, M825A1 or XM898) with the M203A1 propelling charge. The LW 155 high angle indirect fire minimum range firing the M107 projectile and current propelling charges shall not be greater than 3,700 (threshold) to 2,700 (objective) meters. 

Bias errors cause the offset between the fall-of-shot mean point of impact (MPI) and the target. The goal of artillery is to center the MPI on the target. The LW 155 shall have a bias circular error probable (CEP) not exceeding 200 meters (threshold) to 50 meters (objective) at 25 kilometers. This is based upon a two hour MET with 20 kilometer spatial separation from the MET station to the midpoint of the trajectory, firing the M864 projectile at low angle with the maximum charge, and a target location accuracy of 10 meters. 

Precision errors cause the fall-of-shot pattern. They are related to the interaction of component tolerances, such as cannon, fire control, projectile, and propellant. The LW 155 range precision probable error for low angle indirect fire shall not be greater than 0.0030 (.3 percent) of range for unassisted projectiles and 0.0035 (.35 percent) of range for assisted projectiles. Deflection probable error shall not exceed one mil at any range in low angle fire and two mils in high angle fire for both assisted and unassisted projectiles. 

The maximum rate of fire for the LW 155 shall be at least five (threshold) to eight (objective) rounds per minute firing all allowable shell/charge combinations (Copperhead excluded) for not less than two minutes in low angle fire (800 mils or less). 

The sustained rate of fire shall be at least two rounds per minute firing all allowable shell/charge combinations (Copperhead excluded) in low angle fire (800 mils or less) for as long as ammunition is available. As a minimum, this quantity should equal the gun section’s basic combat load. 

The LW 155 (a single weapon) shall be emplaced and ready to fire (weapon is laid, at least one reference point has been established, one round of ammunition is ready to be loaded, and communications with the Fire Direction Center (FDC) are established) by no more than five crewmen including the gunner and four other cannoneers in three (threshold) to two (objective) minutes or less, after the prime mover has stopped in position. Once emplaced, the LW155 (howitzer, crew, prime mover, and associated equipment) shall be loaded and prepared to immediately depart the current location, by no more than five crewmen in two (threshold) to one (objective) minute. 

The LW155 is a joint acquisition program. The Marine Corps Acquisition Objective (AO) is 377 howitzers, with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) scheduled for 2QFY02, and Full Operational Capability (FOC) during FY06. The Army’s AO is 273 howitzers with an IOC planned for FY06. To ensure that the LW155 meets the needs of both Services, enhanced technologies and design features not available at Marine Corps IOC will be later incorporated through a preplanned product improvement program. 

The LW155 threshold weight is 10,500 pounds. The objective weight is as light as practical without sacrificing other performance characteristics included in this document, such as range, accuracy, survivability, and reliability/durability. The system weight includes the basic weapon, optical fire control and section equipment needed to fire the weapon. Non-critical section equipment, M93/94, and radios are not included. 

The LW155 Mean Rounds Between System Abort (MRBSA) shall be no less than 800 rounds (threshold) to 900 rounds (objective), to be demonstrated with an 80% confidence, when employed IAW with the LW155 Design Reference Mission Profile. 

The Marine Corps Joint Program Manager and PEO-FAS, as the Army Executive Agent, has structured a program to accomplish the Joint Development and Production of the LW155. The Program Manager planned a combined Milestone I/II (MS I/II) decision for January 1996. The program structure included an initial Shoot-off phase to evaluate existing lightweight howitzers. The Shoot-off phase determined the most promising candidate for meeting the technical requirements in order to down select to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase; and subsequently into the release for production, via the use of ceiling price production options as part of the EMD contract. The program required a $10M FY99 Long Lead production option in order to assure the required Marine Corps IOC date (and to avoid an otherwise much higher production cost caused by an idle production line). 

EMD testing was done at Yuma Proving Ground. The first two XM776 cannon tubes were delivered andbegan pre-fatigue testing, using the Shoot-off prototype LW155 as the test platform. The first full-bore chrome lined tube was delivered in mid-September 97 to begin cannon wear testing. Firing tables testing began in early 1998. The first complete EMD prototype LW155 was delivered in September 98. 

The EMD cooperative agreement between US and UK is progressing. A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being staffed. Under the MOU, UK is to provide financial and other support to the US LW155 EMD program, in return for having a UK engineer resident in the JPM office, access to test data and EMD tests, and attendance at various meetings. The UK has recently completed its light artillery study, which has identified the UFH as the towed weapon of choice. Pending approval of the study and requirements development, the UK could procure up to 92 LW155s beginning in FY03/04. 

The US Army has committed to fully fund Research, Development, Tests & Evaluation (RDT&E) for the third generation of the LW155 Pre-planned Product Improvements (P3I) in FY00-03. The P3I consists of several improvements that will provide technical gunnery solution on the weapon, position location, directional control, inertial navigation, digital communication, muzzle velocity variation management, and on-board power supply. The Army has also committed to fund long-lead production requirements in FY03, setting the stage for procurement of 273 howitzers with full P3I beginning in FY04. Formal Army support of this Joint program is welcome news in the Marine Corps, which is fully funding RDT&E of the weapon itself. The USMC is currently in the POM process for procurement of the P3I suite as a field retrofit to their LW155s after FY03. 

Kara Aerospace, optical fire control sub-contractor to Textron Marine and Land Systems, was in the progress of concept design for the LW155 fire control, in preparation for a 3 September 1997 concept design review. Seiler Instruments has made an unsolicited proposal to Textron to provide a modified M198 type sight for LW155. Various light source possibilities exist for this modified sight, including Tritium, battery powered LED, or an electric sight. Each has trade-offs among weight, size, durability, reliability, logistic support, and maturity. The lighting issue will be a major topic of discussion at the design review at Kara. 

The LW155 contract currently calls for delivery ofInteractive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) on Compact Disk. This is intended to replace all manuals, with the operators manual and lubrication order to also be provided in printed copy. The IETM has a print capability to provide hard copy of all the data contained in the IETM. The information will be printed in a user friendly form; however, it will not be in the MIL-STD format. Options are being pursued to ensure computer hardware is procured and available to read the IETMs. As an interim measure until readers become available, paper printouts of all IETMs will be provided to the fleet. The position presented from Ft Sill and the Joint Program Management Office stipulates there must be a "user friendly" printed procedure for preventive and corrective maintenance at the first and second echelon levels. 

BAE Systems, a British company, was selected as the main contractor for the project. BAE has subcontracted 70 percent of the howitzer's production to US companies. Kara Aerospace and Textron Marine and Land Systems are no longer involved in the project. 

Program cost estimates increased by $156.2 million from February 2001 to April 2002. The project now stands to cost a total of $1,365.2 million for the development and production of the howitzer. These costs include development of the towed artillery digitization (TAD). TAD is an onboard, precision, self-location and electronic aiming system. 

As of April 2002, testing was still ongoing. Several issues with the LW155 persisted, mostly related to durability of parts such as the optical fire control. The first pilot production guns were to be competed in July of 2002.

M198 Towed Howitzer 
The M198 Howitzer provides the user with a towed system that is air transportable, has high reliability and availability while greatly increasing the effective range of towed weaponry. It provides significant improvements in lethality, range, reliability, availability, and rapid emplacement and movement over its predecessor, the M114A1, which was fielded in World War II. The M198 is air transportable by transport aircraft and the CH47C Helicopter. The weapon is designed for use with new ammunition, such as the Copperhead and rocket assisted projectiles, as well as other 155mm standard projectiles and propelling charges. The gun/ammo system complies with the quadrilateral (US, FRG, UK, Italy) ballistic standardization agreements. 

Primary function: Provides field artillery fire support for all Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force organizations.
Manufacturer: Rock Island
Contractor: AMCCOM
Length: 
In tow: 40 feet, 6 inches (12.30 meters)
Firing: 36 feet, 2 inches (11.01 meters)
Width in tow: 9 feet, 2 inches (2.79 meters)
Height in tow: 9 feet, 6 inches (2.89 meters)
Weight: 15,758 pounds (7.154 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 155mm
Maximum effective range: 
conventional ammunition: 22,400 meters (13.92 miles)
rocket-assisted projectile: 30,000 meters (18.64 miles)
Copperhead: 16,100 meters 
Time into action: - 6 minutes 
Rate of Fire:
Maximum: 4 rounds per minute
Sustained: 2 rounds per minute
Crew: 9 enlisted
Unit Replacement Cost: $527,337

Features: The M198 Medium Towed Howitzer is a 155mm field artillery howitzer. It is constructed of aluminum and steel, and is capable of being airlifted by CH-47 or CH-53E helicopter, and airdropped by C-130 or larger fixed-wing aircraft. The M198 provides increased range, and improved reliability and maintainability over the former standard towed 155mm howitzer, the M114A2. The use of rocket-assisted projectiles significantly extends the range, lethality, and counterbattery fires of the direct support artillery battalions. The M198 fires all current and developmental 155mm ammunition. The howitzer is capable of 6400-mil operations with a maximum effective range of 30km.

Marine Corps Inventory: 541


 Background: The first 10 M198 Howitzers were delivered to the 10th Marine Regiment in January 1982. Even as work efforts toward acquiring a light weight 155mm Towed Howitzer continue, progress and improvements continue in support of the existing M198 155mm Medium Towed Howitzer. A look at past, present, and future logistics support in the field of artillery reveals the Product Improvement Program (PIP), the MPS Fleet Rotation Program, and the fielding of the RE 198 Recoil Exerciser. 

PAST: The M198 PIP is a major system improvement with an overall objective of improving combat capabilities and reducing the probability of operator error. Additional benefits include: enhancement of the howitzer reliability, reduction in overall operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and an increase in the system safety. PIP application began during the first quarter of 1995 and is scheduled for completion during the second quarter of 1997. Maintenance teams from the Maintenance Centers at Albany and Barstow conducted a "Road Show and traveled around the world installing the PIP kit on all active and reserve howitzers. The following provides a few of the modifications involved with the PIP: (1) The travel locking mechanism has been reinforced by wielding three support brackets to each gusset, which in turn results in fewer cracks and less stress on the clutch assembly and equilibrators, (2) the hydraulic pneumatic brake system has been fitted with pressure gauges that take the guess work out of making a good brake connection, reducing the number of brake lock-ups and providing more safety to the user, (3) internally, rubber booting have been placed on the U-joint connections going to the angular drive unit and the elevating screws, keeping contaminants from causing binding and wear, (4) and for the users convenience, lifting handles were installed at the ends of the trials to make it easier to place the 500lbs lunette weight into the truck pintle. To date, 97.3 percent of the Marine Corps Howitzers have been PIP’d. The M198 is a true success story in every sense of the world. 

PRESENT: The M198 MPS/Fleet Rotation Program is an ongoing project that will carry the Field Artillery Community into the twenty-first century, providing quality support to the users on two ends. This program affords the MARFORS users the opportunity to receive a one for one exchange of their M198 Howitzers with those being off loaded from the MPS. Until this program was instituted, the weapon systems off loaded from the MPS were sent back through the rebuild line in Barstow, California and then reloaded to the MPS. Now that the Rotation Program is in place, LOGBASES conducts "Joint LTI/Handoffs" with the fleet and Blount Island command allowing the MARFORS an opportunity to exchange their tired weapons for weapons that have seen little or no use, and ensuring consumer satisfaction with the rotating howitzers. Fleet weapons are then sent to the rebuild line, then loaded to the ships, providing the MPS with 100 percent mission capable equipment and the MARFORS with the same. 


 
FUTURE: In the near future fleet artillery will be receiving the Recoil Exerciser. The RE 198 was designated to improve M198 reliability and reduce the probability of Recoil Mechanism failure in the howitzers that had not been fired for extended periods of time (in excess of ninety days). The RE 198 will also enhance howitzer reliability and reduce overall O&M costs. Most importantly, system safety is increased. Due to the cost of training, the restrictions on firing, and other uncontrollable factors, the howitzers tend not to be fired as much as in the past. The Exerciser allows the user/maintainer a way of exercising the seals, pistons, and cylinders of the recoil during those times the weapon will go unused. This will reduce the stress on the recoil, the risk to personnel, lend more longevity to the recoil, and reduce the amount of time and money spent on maintenance. The Recoil Exerciser is installed by placing the yoke on the muzzle end of the tube, connecting the cables to the front lifting shackles, and connecting the electric pump to the yoke. The system exercises by pulling the tube into the recoil mechanism fourteen inches, and cycles three times. This prepares an unfired weapon for the sudden stress of a firing charge, which will in turn reduce the number of seal and cylinder failures. The RE 198 was designed by the Army for use by the Marine Corps. the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) has procured sixty-eight systems. (Reference the MARCORSYSCOM (CBG) LOI of 27 Jun 96 for distribution to the MARFORS during the second quarter of 1997. 

M119A1 105mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer 
The M119A1 is a light weight air mobile air droppable (by parachute) or Towed Howitzer with an average crew of seven soldiers. It provides direct and indirect fire support to highly mobile light infantry divisions and separate brigades. The howitzer can be quickly moved and employed to provide maximum fire power with a minimum of combat loaded weight. It also provides a low silhouette and requires no recoil pit. These aspects combined makes the M119A1 Howitzer one of the most lethal weapon systems in the Army inventory. 

The M119A1 has greater range, is lighter and has a more rapid rate of fire than its predecessor, the M102, which it replaces in light/ airmobile/airborne units. The M119 weights 4,000 pounds ( complete with BII). The prime mover is the HMMV truck. The M119 is air transportable with its basic load of ammunition by the UH60 helicopter and is dual lift capable with the CH47 Chinook. The M119 fires all current 105-mm ammunition and new propellant is being developed to give the M119 an increased range to approximately 19K with the rocket assisted projectile. 

The M119A1 was originally designed, developed, and produced by Royal Ordnance, Nottingham, England as the L118/L119 British Light Gun. In the L118 configuration, the weapon uses separate loading 105mm Abbott type ammunition. The L118 served with distinction during the Falkland Islands conflict. The L119 is identical to the L118 except for the cannon tube which is reconfigured to fire all NATO standard 105mm semi-fixed ammunition. 

The U.S. Army, based largely on the success of the L118 during the Falkland Island campaign, purchased operational testing weapons to determine the feasibility of using this weapon in the U.S. Army's new Light Division concept. Key in the Army's evaluation was the ability to airlift an entire Division artillery within the severe light division air transport constraints. The M119A1 easily met this critical challenge. Once the operational questions were satisfactorily answered, the U.S. Army negotiated both a production contract and a license agreement (for production within the U.S.) with Royal Ordnance in 1987. 

While the original design of the L119 met or exceeded all the operational requirements, the U.S. Army has carefully selected certain components for redesign to improve both maintainability and safety. In addition, the U.S. Army has an ongoing system improvement program. Some of the more significant changes which have been incorporated into current production, include: 

Added U.S. standard fire control (digital) 
Increased low-temperature capability from -25 F to -50 F 
Improved interchangeability of spare/repair parts 
Simplified tail light assembly (standard M198 Howitzer lights) 
Improved trail access cover 
Reduced maintenance on the elevating clutch 
Increased trail life 
Improved maintainability on: Saddle and Cut-off gear 
The M119 was first fielded to the 7th Infantry Division, Ft Ord, CA, in December 1989. Since the initial fielding, it has been reclassified the M119A1 and fielded to the 82nd Airborne Division in July 1991 and to the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division in August 1992. Army fielding of the M119A1 wass completed in 1995. The Army National Guard received many new items of equipment in Fiscal Year 1996 through Department of the Army funding, including M119A1 howitzers. The M119A1 will reach the end of its service life around 2008-09. 

The howitzer, light, towed, 105-mm, M119, is used as a light, indirect fire support weapon for a light infantry division. The prime mover for the M119 is the M1069 or modified M1037 HMMWV. The M119 can be transported in either the firing configuration (gun extended aft) or the travel configuration (gun folded forward above trail frame). The travel configuration is 4 feet 1.5 inches shorter and 2 feet 9 inches lower than the firing configuration. The travel configuration is used for all modes of transport except external helicopter transport and rail transport on non-cushion-draft flatcars. 

The M119 has one recuperator, with a static charge of 750 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). It also has a direct-fire night sight with sealed tritium tubes. Tritium (H3) lamps are part of the fire control devices normally attached to the M119 in its operational configuration. However, the shipper disassembles these devices from the weapon and ships them separately in a special protective container. During transport, this container is packaged in a larger container. The tritium (H3) in the lamps is gaseous hydrogen with not more than 2 percent of the hydrogen in the form of tritiated water. The maximum energy of H3 is 8.6 kiloelectronvolts (keV); the average energy is 5.6 keV. The maximum permissible body burden is 2.0 millicuries. Thus, tritium is not a highly hazardous radioactive material. It is not readily absorbed into the body as a gas, but it is totally absorbed in the form of water. Therefore, care must be taken in handling units containing broken lamps. This is accomplished by minimum handling and thorough washing after any handling. 

M114 155mm howitzer 
The M114 155mm howitzer, which was replaced by the M198, is a towed weapon first produced in 1942 as medium artillery. The weapon uses NATO standard 155mm ammunition, with a range of about 14,000m, and was used during World War II in Korea, and in Viet Nam. Until recently they were in service with the National Guard. 

Like the M108, the towed M114A1 was considered obsolescent by the time it was deployed to Vietnam. It was no match for the 155-mm. self-propelled weapon for supporting conventional ground operations against a highly mobile, armor-heavy enemy. In Vietnam, however, the M114A1 proved invaluable because it was light enough to be displaced by helicopter and so could provide medium artillery support to infantry forces even where roads were nonexistent. The 155-mm. howitzers, whether towed or self-propelled, had a maximum range of 14,600 meters, over 3,000 meters greater than that of the 105-mm. howitzer. The weight of the 105-mm. projectile-95 pounds-was almost three times the weight of the 105-mm. projectile. For these reasons, the 155-mm. howitzers could provide a welcome additional punch to existing direct support weapons. 

It remains in service with Argentina, Austria, Bosnian Federation (116 delivered in 1997), Brazil (99), Cambodia, Canada, Chile (including Marines), Denmark, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, South Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia (6), Spain, the Sudan (12), Taiwan (including self-propelled model on M108/M109 chassis), Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Vietnam, the Yemen and Yugoslavia (which produced a similar weapon called the M65). 

The Congress authorized $100 million of surplus DoD equipment and services for Bosnia under Section 540(b) of the FY96 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (P.L. 104–107). The U.S. equipment being provided to the Bosnian Federation under drawdown authority represents an important but not complete part of their overall military equipment needs, which were identified by the Department of Defense in a study completed in February, 1996. Field artillery was identified in the DoD study as one of the most critical requirements to give the Federation the ability to react if the Bosnian Serbs were to resume shelling their population centers. While searching for sources to provide field artillery, DOD discovered the availability of U.S. Army M114 howitzers which were being declared excess defense articles. Since they are NATO-standard and would be available only for the cost of refurbishment, the decision was made to obtain 261 of them. Using some of the remaining drawdown authority to provide for refurbishment and ammunition, the US was able to provide approximately 116 fully mission-capable howitzers. (The other 145 were used as sources for spare parts in the refurbishment process.) This fulfilled a critical need for the Federation and provides NATO-standard equipment at minimal cost. 

M102 105mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer
The M-102 105mm howitzer is used in air mobile (helicopter) and light infantry operations. The weapon carriage is lightweight welded aluminum, mounted on a variable recoil mechanism. The weapon is manually loaded and positioned, and can be towed by a 2 ton truck or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), can be transported by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, or can be dropped by parachute with airborne units. When emplaced, the howitzer's high volume of fire compensates in large measure for the lower explosive weight of the projectile compared to the Army's 155mm and 8-inch howitzers. Since 1964, the Army has acquired 1,150 M-102 towed howitzers. This weapon is being replaced by the M-119-series 105mm howitzer. 

Units were initially equipped with the M101A1 howitzer, virtually the same 105-mm. howitzer that had been used to support U.S. forces since World War II. In 1966 a new 105-mm. towed howitzer, the M102, was received in Vietnam. The first M102's were issued to the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery, in March 1966. Replacement of the old howitzers continued steadily over the next four years. 

Many of the more seasoned artillerymen did not want the old cannon replaced. Over the years they had become familiar with its every detail and were confident that it would not disappoint them in the clutch. Old Redlegs could offer some seemingly convincing reasons why the M101 was still the superior weapon: its waist-high breech made it easier to load; it had higher ground clearance when in tow; but most important, it was considerably less expensive than the M102. Their arguments, however, were futile. 

The new M102 was by far the better weapon. It weighed little more than 1 1/2 tons whereas the M101A1 weighed approximately 2 1/2 tons; as a result, more ammunition could be carried during heliborne operations, and a 3/4-ton truck rather than a 2 1/2-ton truck was its prime mover for ground operations. Another major advantage of the M102 was that it could be traversed a full 6,400 mils. The M101A1 had a limited on-carriage traverse, which required its trails (stabilizing legs) to be shifted if further traverse was necessary. A low silhouette made the new weapon a more difficult target for the enemy, an advantage that far outweighed the disadvantage of being somewhat less convenient to load. 

The 105-mm howitzer M102 is a lightweight towed weapon, which has a very low silhouette when in the firing position. The M102 howitzer fires a 33-pound projectile of semifixed ammunition and at charge 7 will fire 11,500 meters. It has a muzzle velocity of 494 meters per second. The maximum rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute for the first 3 minutes, with a sustained rate: 3 rounds per minute. 

A roller tire attached to the trail assembly of the M102 permits the weapon to be rotated 6,400 mils around a firing platform, which provides the pivot for the weapon. The weapon can be elevated from -89 mils(-5 degrees) to a maximum of 1,333 mils (75 degrees). The panoramic telescope has a four power, fixed focus optical system, with 178 mils field of view. It contains dry nitrogen gas to retard fogging and condensation. The parallax shield used during boresighting protects the lens. 

The trails are made of aluminum alloy. They are a single box trail in wishbone shape, and serve three purposes, which are: MOBILITY, STABILITY, and STOWAGE OF SECTION EQUIPMENT. The lunette is the towing pintle that allows the weapon to be connected to the vehicle. When towing, vehicle has a fixed or seized tow pintle; remove the lock plate located under the lunette. The drawbar has two positions. The drawbar is lowered for travel, and raised for firing. 

There are two lifting brackets to connect slings to, when the howitzer is being lifted by helicopter. A third bracket is located on front yoke. The carriage handles are used by crew members to lifting and shifting the howitzer during loading, unloading, and emplacing the howitzer. 

The firing platform attaches to the howitzer lower carriage by using a socket and a locking handle. The eight holes are for the stakes needed to stake the howitzer in position. Platform stakes are issued in three sizes. There are 4 fifteen inch stakes issued. These are used for frozen or rocky terrain, and are normally issued only where needed, such as extremely cold areas. There are 8 twenty four inch stakes issued, and they are used for hard packed ground. Thirty eight inch stakes are used for soft ground and there are 4 issued. 

M101A1 105mm Light Howitzer, Towed


Primary function: Light, towed, general purpose field artillery weapon used as a contingency weapon during Marine Air Ground Task Force deployments which are not conducive to mobility deficiencies of the M198 155mm Howitzer.
Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal
Length: 19.5 feet (5.94 meters)
Width: 7.25 feet (2.21 meters)
Height: 5.66 feet (1.73 meters)
Weight: 4,980 pounds (2,260 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 105 mm
Maximum effective range: 6.99 miles (11.27 kilometers)
Rates of fire:
Maximum: 10 rounds per minute
Sustained: 3 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost: $196,341
Marine Corps Inventory: 248

Features: The M101A1 105mm Light Howitzer, Towed is a general purpose, light field artillery weapon consisting of a cannon, 105mm howitzer (M2A2); recoil mechanism, M2 series; and carriage, 105mm Howitzer, M2A2. It can be used for direct or indirect fire. The cannon consists of a tube assembly, breech ring, and locking ring. The cannon is mounted on the recoil sleigh assembly. The firing mechanism is a continuous pull (self cocking) type activated by pulling a lanyard. The cannon is single-loaded, air-cooled and uses semi-fixed ammunition. The carriage is of the single axle and split trail type. The trails are divided at emplacement, but are drawn together and locked during travel. A drawbar is provided for securing to a prime mover. The carriage consists of an equilibrator, shield, elevating mechanism, cradle, gear, elevating arcs, traversing mechanism, top carriage, wheels, and trails. The recoil mechanism is a constant hydropneumatic type shock absorber that decreases the energy of the recoil gradually and so avoids violent movement of the cannon or carriage. It is installed in the cradle of the carriage.


The 105-mm. towed howitzer most often served in the direct support role. Its light weight, dependability, and high rate of fire made it the ideal weapon for moving with light infantry forces and responding quickly with high volumes of close-in fire. Units were initially equipped with the M101A1 howitzer, virtually the same 105-mm. howitzer that had been used to support U.S. forces since World War II. In 1966 a new 105-mm. towed howitzer, the M102, was received in Vietnam. The first M102's were issued to the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery, in March 1966. Replacement of the old howitzers continued steadily over the next four years. 

Many of the more seasoned artillerymen did not want the old cannon replaced. Over the years they had become familiar with its every detail and were confident that it would not disappoint them in the clutch. Old Redlegs could offer some seemingly convincing reasons why the M101 was still the superior weapon: its waist-high breech made it easier to load; it had higher ground clearance when in tow; but most important, it was considerably less expensive than the M102. Their arguments, however, were futile. The new M102 was by far the better weapon. 


M252 81mm Medium Extended Range Mortar 
 The M252 81mm Mortar System was developed under a co-developement agreement with the United Kingdom to replace the M29A1 Mortar. A Blast Attenuation Device (BAD) is attached to the muzzle of the cannon assembly to reduce the blast effects on the mortar crew. The M252 is ideally suited to support airborne, air assault, mountain and light infantry units. 

Length: 56 inches (142.24 centimeters)
Weight:
Mortar Assembly: 35 pounds (15.89 kg)
Bipod: 26 pounds (11.80 kilograms)
Baseplate: 25.5 pounds (11.58 kilograms)
Sight Unit: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)
Total: 89 pounds (40.41 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 81mm
Maximum effective range: 5700 meters
Minimum Range: 80 meters
Rates of fire:
Maximum: 33 rounds per minute
Sustained: 16 rounds per minute
Elevation: 45 to 85 degrees
Unit Replacement Cost: $24,717
Type Classified Standard: July 1984 


The M252 Mortar System consists of the following major components: 

M253 Cannon Assembly (35 lbs) 
M177 Bipod Assembly (27 lbs) 
M3A1 Baseplate (25.5 lbs) 
Features: The M252 81mm Medium Extended Range Mortar is a crew-served, medium weight mortar which is highly accurate and provides for a greater range (4,500 meters to 5,650 meters) and lethality than the previous 81mm mortar. The cannon has a crew-removable breech plug and firing pin. The muzzle end has a short tapered lead-in which acts as a blast attenuator device. The breech end is finned for better cooling. This mortar also uses the standard M64 mortar sight of the 60mm mortar, M224.



Background: This mortar replaced the previous Marine Corps 81mm mortar in 1986. The M252 is an adaptation of the standard British 81mm mortar developed in the 1970s. It is mostly commonly found in the mortar platoon of an infantry battalion.

M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar


Length: 40 inches (101.6 centimeters)
Weight: 46.5 pounds (21.11 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 60mm
Maximum effective range: 2.17 miles (3490 meters)
Rates of fire:
Maximum: 30 rounds/minute
Sustained: 20 rounds/minute
Unit Replacement Cost: $10,658

Mission: To provide the company commander with an indirect-fire weapon.

Features: The M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar is a smooth bore, muzzle loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon. The cannon assembly is composed of the barrel, combination base cap, and firing mechanism. The mount consists of a bipod and a base plate which is provided with screw type elevating and traversing mechanisms to elevate/traverse the mortar. The M64 sight unit is attached to the bipod mount via a standard dovetail. An additional short range sight is attached to the base of the cannon tube for firing the mortar on the move and during assaults. It has a spring-type shock absorber to absorb the shock of recoil in firing.

Background: The M224 replaced the older (WWII era) M2 and M19, 60mm Mortars. These weapons only possessed 2,200 yards of effective range. The M224 was designed to fire all types of the older ammunition, but its primary rounds are of the newer, longer-range type.
M121, 120mm Battalion Mortar System (BMS)
The M121 120mm Battalion Mortar System (BMS) provides close-in and continuous indirect fire support to maneuver forces and can rapidly respond to the threat. This mortar system is being fielded to mechanical infantry and armored units. The M121 will give rapid shoot and scoot support to the infantry forces. The M121 Mortar is mounted in a M1064 Armored Personnel Carrier (M113 family of vehicles) and will replace, one for one, the 4.2" Mortar. 

The M121, along with its associated family of ammo, increases range, lethality, smoke obscuration effectiveness and improves safety over the M30 4.2 inch mortar, along with improved reliability and safety. Horseshoe-shaped cheese charges are used to propel the round from the tube. Depending on the distance to the target and the hang time desired, one to four charges are used. 

The M121 Mortar System consists of the following major components: 

M298 Cannon Assembly (110 lbs) 
M191 Bipod Assembly (70 lbs) 
M9 Baseplate (136 lbs) 
Carrier Adaption Kit 
With the use of an auxiliary M9 Baseplate and extension feet for the M191 Bipod, the M121 can be dismounted from the vehicle and emplaced for ground-mounted operation. Ammunition racks installed in the M1064 can accomodate 69 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition. 

The M-120 mortar, when fired, especially in the carrier configuration, produces a blast overpressure (impulse noise level) in excess of the allowable limits. Operators subjected to this blast overpressure could have suffered permanent hearing loss if this health hazard had not been identified. The health hazard assessment performed on this system recommended that 

mortar crew members and soldiers in the immediate firing area be informed about the risk of hearing loss from exposure to the noise generated by mortar firing, 
mortar crew members wear properly fitted E-A-R brand disposable earplugs, 
soldiers in the immediate vicinity of the mortar firing (within 200 meters) wear properly fitted hearing protection, and 
medical personnel verify the proper fit of earplugs and ensure that soldiers understand that failure to use the earplugs could result in permanent hearing loss. 
When firing in the carrier-mounted mode, a Blast Attenuation Device (BAD) is attached to the muzzle of the M298 cannon to reduce the blast effects on the mortar crew. 

Characteristics 
Maximum Range..........7200 meters 
Minimum Range..........200 meters 
Maximum Rate of Fire.........16 rounds/min (first minute) 
Sustained Rate of Fire..........4 rounds/min 


Contractor: Watervliet Arsenal 
Procurement Type: Production 
Previous Contracts: 5 
Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price 
Production Qty: 110 
Scope: Full Scale Production 

In 1988 Product Manager for Mortar Systems, selected Lockheed Martin Ordnance Systems as the research and development and initial production prime contractor for the 120mm mortar and ammunition. Lockheed Martin teamed with Soltam Limited of Israel in the Non-Developmental Item acquisition. Subsequently, the U.S. Army awarded Watervliet Arsenal all weapon production under the Arsenal Act competition with Martin Marietta. 

Other key contractors and government facilities for this program are: Chamberlain Manufacturing Corporation of Scranton, Pa.; Loral Corporation of Archibald, Pa.; Armtec Corporation of Coachella, Calif.; Hercules Inc of Radford, Va.; Lockheed Martin Ordnance Systems at Milan Army Ammunition Plant of Milan, Tenn.; Red River Army Depot of Texarkana, Texas; Anniston Army Depot of Anniston, Ala.; and the Product Manager for the M113/M60 Family of Vehicles of Warren, Mich. 

Approximately 1,191 M1064 carriers will be converted to the M121 BMS systems and 1,191 M121 mortas will be produced at a total cost of $108 million. Conversion ran to June 1998, and production of the M121 mortar ended in October 1996. Future enhancements to the system include an improved sight unit, improved smoke round, conventional and infrared illumination rounds, a full range training round and the M30 mortar ballistic computer. Proposed long-term enhancements include extended range precision guided munitions and a digital fire control system. 





M120 120mm Mortar 
 The M120 120mm Mortar replaces the M30 4.2 Inch Mortar in motorized infantry units. The M120 is transported on the M1100 Trailer by the M998 High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The M120, like all other US mortars, fires fin-stabilized ammunition from a smooth bore. Although heavy mortars require trucks or tracked mortar carriers to move them, they are still much lighter than field artillery pieces. They outrange light and medium mortars, and their explosive power is much greater. Horseshoe-shaped cheese charges are used to propel the round from the tube. Depending on the distance to the target and the hang time desired, one to four charges are used. 

The effect can be deadly for anyone standing inside the 70 meter killing radius. The mortar can reach out and touch an enemy target over 7,000 meters away or as close as 166 meters. 

The M120 Mortar System consists of the following major components: 

M298 Cannon Assembly (110 lbs) 
M190 Bipod Assembly (70 lbs) 
M9 Baseplate (136 lbs) 
M1100 Trailer (399 lbs) 



Specifications 
WEIGHT  319 LBS  
Max Range  7200 Meters  
Min Range 200 Meters  
Max Rate of Fire  16 rounds/min (first minute)  
Sustained Rate of Fire 4 rounds/min  
Towed  36 Rds  
Carrier  69 Rds  
Crew 5 Man  
MUNITIONS M 933 High Exp Rd 
M 929 Smk Rd 
XM930 Illum Rd 
XM983 Illum Rd 
XM931 Prac Rd
 
In an effort to further enhance survivability and lethality, Abrams TRADOC Systems Manager and Program Manager Abrams have been developing a program called the Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK). The TUSK is designed to be applied by units in the field, eliminating the need for vehicles to return to a depot for modification. Current and future conflicts demand that the Abrams operate in urban areas. Enemy forces in urban areas pose a different threat to the tank, unlike the enemy that the Abrams was originally designed to fight. Lessons learned and Soldier feedback was critical in determining how the Armor community could make the world's safest tank even better. As currently envisioned, the Abrams TUSK package (still under development) could include:

* Abrams reactive armor tile (ARAT), which are add-on explosive armor tiles that are mounted along the hull to provide increased flank protection.

* Remote firing night sight (RFNS)--M1A1 only. The RFNS provides the M1A1 tank commander with thermal sighting capability to engage targets in the closed-hatch position using the .50-caliber machine gun.

* Remote weapon station (RWS)--M1A2 only. The RWS replaces the existing externally fired .50-caliber machine gun on the M1A2 tank. This system allows the M1A2 tank commander the capability to fire his .50-caliber machine gun 360-degrees remotely during day and night operations, while remaining in the closed-hatch position.

* The armor gun shield (TAGS/ LAGS). This bolt-on shield moves with the M240 (7.62mm) machine gun on the skate ring to protect the loader during open-hatch machine gun operations.

* Thermal weapons sight (TWS). The TWS mounts to the loader's M240 machine gun feed mechanism cover and provides thermal imagining capability. The loader uses a pair of goggles that are aligned to the sights. This allows him to fire the weapon from inside open hatch, while viewing the thermal sight image, and exposing only his arms.

* Tank infantry phone (TIP). A TIP is attached to the rear hull of the Abrams, which allows external communication between infantry forces and the tank crew to better coordinate mounted and dismounted operations.

* Rear protection unit (RPU). Slat armor is mounted to the rear of the Abrams to provide increased protection to the Abrams engine compartment.

Some of the above-described features may not be included in the TUSK. Ultimately, the features selected are planned to be incorporated into a kit, designed to be installed and removed in the field as a pre-positioned component, and may be issued to the next Abrams unit deployed. Some TUSK items may be installed permanently in the Abrams fleet. Commanders' estimates may dictate the need for a combination of TUSK items to support the war-fighting mission. It is anticipated that TUSK items could reach the field later this year.

Thanks for everything you are doing for our Army and I look forward to more feedback on the Abrams' performance and how we can make it even better over its next 40 years of service. I am proud of you and proud to call myself a tanker and a cavalryman!

TUSK to update Abrams for urban battle
By Eric W. Cramer

The M1A2 Abrams tank is shown with TUSK improvements that will adapt it for the urban battlefield.
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WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 9, 2005) -- The Abrams tank is growing a TUSK – that’s Tank Urban Survival Kit, a series of improvements, including some still in development.

TUSK will allow Soldiers in the field to improve the Abrams’ ability to survive in urban areas off the traditional battlefield for which it was designed.

Lt. Col. Michael Flanagan, product manager for TUSK, said the goal is to help improve the tank’s survivability.

“You have to remember, the tank was a Cold War design, aimed at a threat that was always to its front. It’s still the most survivable weapon in the arsenal from the front,” Flanagan said. “Today it’s a 360-degree fight, and these systems are designed to improve survivability in that urban environment.”

The TUSK includes additional protection at the loader’s gun station on the turret, the commander’s gun station, reactive armor to protect the tank’s side from attack by rocket-propelled grenades and slat armor to protect the tank’s rear from the same weapon, and the tank/infantry telephone to allow infantry and armor Soldiers to work together in combat.

Flanagan said all the proposed upgrades use “off the shelf” technology, and the goal is for the entire TUSK to be applied by units in the field, without requiring a return to a depot for modification.

“The reactive armor, for example, is a product similar to what’s on the Bradley (Armored Fighting Vehicle),” Flanagan said. “It’s explosive armor that protects the vehicle.”

Another example would be the slat armor designed to protect the tank’s rear from RPG attack. It is similar in design and concept to the slat armor used on the Stryker armored vehicles for the same purpose.

The first TUSK component to reach the field has been the Loader’s Armored Gun Shield, which provides protection to the loader when the Soldier is firing the 7.62mm machinegun on the Abrams’ turret. Flanagan said about 130 of the shields have already been purchased and sent to units in Iraq. Also incorporated into the loader’s firing position is a thermal sight, giving the position the ability to locate and fire on targets in the dark.

“This is the same unit that is used on machineguns carried by infantry troops, and we’ve incorporated it into the loader’s position,” Flanagan said. He said a system that attaches a pair of goggles to the sight, allowing the loader to fire the gun from inside the turret, while seeing the thermal sight’s image, is under development.

Also under development are improvements to the commander’s station outside the turret, although different systems are necessary for the M-1A2 Abrams and its older M1-A1 brethren.

“Because of things we added to the turret in the A2, the commander’s station had lost the ability to shoot the .50-caliber machinegun while under armor,” Flanagan said. “We’re developing a Remote Weapons Station, that will probably be similar to the one used on the Stryker, to allow that weapon to be fire from inside the turret.”

Flanagan said the design could also allow the use of the crewed weapon station used on Humvees, but a final determination hasn’t been made.

Ultimately, most of these add-ons will be incorporated into a kit – installed in the field and removed in the field as a pre-positioned component for the next Abrams unit to take duty in that location. Flanagan said some kits will begin to reach the field later this year.

At least some of the kits’ components may also be included in new Abrams’ production.

“The loader’s shield and the remote weapons station, and the tank/infantry telephone all may be included as regular production items in the tank,” Flanagan said. “It’s important to remember that the Abrams will continue to be the dominant weapons system for the Army until at least 2030.” 