M2 and M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) 
The M2/M3 BFVS family consists of the M2/M2A1/M2A2/M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M3/M3A1/M3A2/M3A3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle and derivatives of these vehicles including: manpads under armor - the integration of the STINGER Missile System into the M2A2/M3A3 vehicles; Bradley fire support team vehicles and the command group vehicle variants. 

The mission of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle [BFV] is to provide mobile protected transport of an infantry squad to critical points on the battlefield and to perform cavalry scout missions. The BFVS will also provide overwatching fires to support dismounted infantry and to suppress or defeat enemy tanks and other fighting vehicles. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is a fully armored, fully tracked vehicle designed to carry Mechanized Infantry into close contact with the enemy. It possesses sufficient cross-country mobility to keep up with the Abrams Main Battle Tank, medium and long-range firepower capable of defeating any vehicle on the battlefield, and is adequately armored to protect the crew from artillery and small arms threats. During World War II, the vehicle's namesake, General Omar Bradley, was known as the "GI General". 

The Bradley is able to close with and destroy enemy forces in support of mounted and dismounted Infantry and Cavalry combat operations. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle family currently consists of two vehicles: the M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. Just as with its predecessor, the M113 family, the Bradley will eventually be the platform for a wide range of support vehicles. 

M2A0 and M3A0 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) 
Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems have evolved since the first fielding, on 28 March 1983. The original Bradley A0 systems featured a Basic TOW missile system, 500 horsepower engine, and basic transmission. 

Its predecessor, the M113 armored personnel carrier, dated back to the early 1960s and was really little more than a battle taxi. The 1973 Arab-Israeli War demonstrated that infantry should accompany tanks, but it was increasingly clear that the M113 could not perform that function because it was far slower than the M1, its obsolescence aside. European practice also influenced American plans for a new vehicle. German infantry used the well-armored Marder, a vehicle that carried seven infantrymen in addition to its crew of three, was armed with a 20-mm. gun and coaxial 7.62-mm. machine gun in a turret, and allowed the infantrymen to fight from within the vehicle. The French Army fielded a similar infantry vehicle in the AMX-1OP in 1973. The Soviets had their BMP-ls, which had a 73-mm. smoothbore cannon and an antitank guided missile, as early as the late 1960s. Variations of the BMP were generally considered the best infantry fighting vehicles in the world during the 1980s. The United States had fallen at least a decade behind in the development of infantry vehicles. General DePuy and General Starry, who at that time commanded the U.S. Army Armor Center and School at Fort Knox, Kentucky, agreed the Army needed a new infantry vehicle and began studies in that direction. 

In 1980, when Congress restored funding to the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Program, the Army let contracts for prototypes, receiving the first production models the next year. Like the Abrams, the Bradley was a compromise among competing demands for mobility, armor protection, firepower, and dismounted infantry strength. As produced, the vehicle was thirty tons, but carried a 25-mm. cannon and 7.62-mm. coaxial machine gun to allow it to fight as a scout vehicle and a TOW (tube launched, optically tracked, wire command-link guided) missile launcher that enhanced the infantry battalion's antiarmor capability. The vehicle's interior was too small for the standard rifle squad of nine: it carried six or seven riflemen, depending on the model. That limitation led to discussions about using the vehicle as the "base of fire" element and to consequent revisions of tactical doctrine for maneuver. Critical to its usefulness in the combined arms team, however, the Bradley could keep up with the Abrams tank.

M2A1 and M3A1 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) 
The original Bradley A0 systems featured a Basic TOW missile system, 500 horsepower engine, and basic transmission. The Bradley A1 generation incorporated the TOW II missile system.

M2A2 and M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) 
 The High Survivability Bradley A2 matched the TOW II missile system with a 600 horsepower engine and automatic transmission. The hull of the Bradley is constructed of welded aluminum and supplemented at critical locations by spaced laminate armor. The latest version of the Bradley, the M2A2, has additional applique steel armor to help defeat ballistic ammunition, with provision for explosive reactive armor for increased protection against shaped charge weapons. 

The Applique armor tile system is designed to increase the survivability of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle System (BFVS) against shaped-charge threats using reactive armor technology. Information regarding the specific mechanism of operation and threat level is classified SECRET. A Bradley vehicle set of armor tiles consists of 105 tiles in the following quantities: 26 M3A1, 9 M4A1, 55 M5A,1 7 M6A1, and 8 M7A1. The armor tiles were subjected to comprehensive technical testing and evaluation during Phase II (screening tests) and Phase III (performance specification qualification tests). The coordinated test plan for this evaluation was formulated by AMSAA, TECOM, CSTA, PM - Bradley, and ARDEC. The testing has demonstrated the tiles are safe and meet the performance requirements.

M2A2 and M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) 
 The High Survivability Bradley A2 matched the TOW II missile system with a 600 horsepower engine and automatic transmission. The hull of the Bradley is constructed of welded aluminum and supplemented at critical locations by spaced laminate armor. The latest version of the Bradley, the M2A2, has additional applique steel armor to help defeat ballistic ammunition, with provision for explosive reactive armor for increased protection against shaped charge weapons. 

The Applique armor tile system is designed to increase the survivability of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle System (BFVS) against shaped-charge threats using reactive armor technology. Information regarding the specific mechanism of operation and threat level is classified SECRET. A Bradley vehicle set of armor tiles consists of 105 tiles in the following quantities: 26 M3A1, 9 M4A1, 55 M5A,1 7 M6A1, and 8 M7A1. The armor tiles were subjected to comprehensive technical testing and evaluation during Phase II (screening tests) and Phase III (performance specification qualification tests). The coordinated test plan for this evaluation was formulated by AMSAA, TECOM, CSTA, PM - Bradley, and ARDEC. The testing has demonstrated the tiles are safe and meet the performance requirements.

M2A2ODS / M3A2ODS (Operation Desert Storm) Bradley 
The purpose of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle is to enable Infantry soldiers to accomplish their mission of closing with and destroying, or capturing the enemy. The M2A2 ODS emerged as part of a two-phased M2A2 modernization plan designed to implement lessons learned from over ten years of mechanized Infantry experience and to correct deficiencies noted during Operation Desert Storm. ODS improvements consist of off-the-shelf technology improvements that provide capabilities required for Force XXI operations. The ODS increases system lethality over the M2A2 by providing a laser range finder. The addition of PGS/POSNAV enhances the ODS’ ability to maneuver with the rest of the combined arms team. The integration of GPS with the laser rangefinder allows rapid, accurate calls for fire. The addition of bench seats allows squad members the ability to dismount and remount faster. Crew survivability is also enhanced with the integration of Battlefield Combat Identification System and a Missile Countermeasure device. Finally each ODS will eventually be equipped with applique to support improved command and control and situational awareness for Force XXI operations. The addition of Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade & Below (FBCB2) C2 capability provides for a near real-time integrated data link between the M2A2 ODS and other combat vehicles. The FBCB2 C2 capability will be integrated with the vehicle’s laser rangefinder, providing the crew with the ability to identify and hand-off targets to other BFV’s, tanks, helicopters, artillery, and mortars.

 

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

The M2A2 ODS fights as a member of the Combined Arms team with the Abrams Tank. Its four primary missions are to:

Provide mobile protected transport of sufficient Infantry to the critical point on the battlefield. 
Provide fires to support dismount Infantry. 
Provide fires to suppress or destroy enemy IFV’s and light armor vehicles. 
Provide Anti-armor fires to destroy enemy armor. 
 The 25mm chain gun, TOW missile launcher, and coax machinegun provide adequate firepower to support the Infantry while performing these missions. A seventh seat has been added to the ODS to support the 3X9 Mechanized Infantry Platoon organization. The ODS digitization effort will significantly enhance the ODS Force XXI operational capability. The integration of the Laser rangefinder, GPS/POSNAV, Force XXI command and control, and squad leader’s display gives the ODS the ability to operate on the Force XXI battlefield. These capabilities enable the ODS to:

"Shape" the battlefield and conduct the "decisive" fight. The ability to perform these missions is enabled by the availability of useful knowledge, through digitization, enhanced with the eye-safe laser rangefinder, and GPS. 
Conduct high tempo operations – Attack, disperse, attack again. High tempo operations are facilitated by rapid knowledge of self, friends, and enemy. 
Seize and secure close or urban terrain. The ODS supports 3X9 with 10 seats. The squad leader’s display can provide situational awareness of the objective to the dismounts while mounted. 
Deliver precision direct and indirect fires. Laser rangefinder allows for precise fires, with reduced fratricide. Digitization, GPS, and LRF allow rapid, accurate calls for fire. 
Deploy on either C-5 or C-17 to support power projection. 
Conduct decisive distributed operations in dispersed, non linear, asymmetrical conditions. The addition of GPS and Digitization enhances effectiveness in dispersed, non linear conditions. 
Conduct Full spectrum operations. GPS and Digitization will allow precise engagements, limiting collateral damage, fratricide, and non-combatant engagements. 
 

 BFVS A2ODS System Characteristics:

 (1) General:

Weight, combat loaded (without armor tiles) 64,300 lbs. 
Weight, combat loaded (with armor tiles) 70,800 lbs. 
Gross horsepower/weight ratio (hp/ton) 18.9 
Gross horsepower 600 

 

 (2) Performance:

Speed 35 mph 
Cruising range 250 – 265 miles 

 

 (3) Mounted Weapon Systems:

25mm, M242 chain gun 
TOW missile launcher (two tubes) 
7.62mm, M240C coaxial machine gun 
5.56mm, M231 Firing Port Weapon (2 each) 
 

(4) Squad Weapons:

5.56mm, M249 SAW (IFV); 7.62mm, M60 (CFV) 
5.56mm, M16A2 
AT-4 
JAVELIN 
 

(5) Ammunition:

  IFV CFV 
25mm 900 1500 
7.62mm 4400 7600 
5.56mm 5040 1600 
TOW 5 12 
JAVELIN 2 0 
AT4 3 0 

 

FIELDING PLAN (IAW DCSOPS "Mixed Division" Fielding Plan)

1. 2 BDE’s per division will receive A2ODS; the third BDE will retain M2A2s until the A3 is fielded.

2. 3rd ACR will not receive ODS.

3. NTC will receive 50 ODS.

4. Total ODS fielding end state is 1647 vehicles.

5. Unit fielding schedule:

UNIT M2/M3 FY 
3RD ID 300/43 97 
4TH ID 45/0 98 (MAR) 
1ST CAV 180/0 98 (AUG)/ 99 (MAR) 
1ST ID 135/0 00 
1ST AD 135/0 00 
4TH ID (R) 90/0 01 
1ST ID (R) 60/0 03 
1ST AD (R) 60/0 05 
NTC 50/0 06 
2ND ID 60/0 07 
2ND ID (R) 60/0 07 

 

 GOVERNMENT PROGRAM OFFICE: Project Manager, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems, U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command, Warren, MI, (COL Paul Izzo)

CORPORATE PRIME DEVELOPER: United Defense Limited Partnership, San Jose, CA.

M2A3 and M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) 
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. 

Approximately 1,602 Bradley A2s will be remanufactured into A3s, including fire support and air defense derivatives. Engineering and manufacturing development of the A3 upgrade will continue through FY 1999. In March 1994, the Army awarded a contract to United Defense, Limited Partnership, to begin the engineering and manufacturing development phase. In June 1997, the Army approved the first LRIP for 35 systems with an FY98 option for an additional 18 systems, and low-rate production began in July 1997. A subsequent LRIP decision is scheduled for FY99 for 78 systems. The IOT&E for the BFVS-A3 is scheduled for 3/4QFY99. This IOT&E will be conducted in conjunction with the FOT&E 3 for the M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program. The LFT&E was scheduled for 3QFY98 through 1QFY99. The full rate production milestone decision was scheduled for 1QFY00. 

The M2A3 and M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) are improved versions of the M2A2 and M3A2 BFVS. The BFVS-A3 includes enhancements intended to improve lethality, mobility, survivability, and sustainability. Additionally, these enhancements are intended to provide increased situational awareness and digital command and control capabilities necessary to provide information superiority to the dominant maneuver force. The Bradley Fighting vehicle and the Abrams Tank are the two central components of the dominant maneuver digital force. 

The Bradley M2/M3A3 upgrade provides digital command and control enhancements that will permit that vehicle to operate as a part of the Army's emerging concept of a "digital battlefield." Among the enhancements that make up the upgrade are the addition of several computer displays (e.g., the Commander's Tactical Display) that will enhance the crew's situational awareness and facilitate the transmittal and review of information between the platoon, company and higher echelon levels. 

The Bradley M2/M3A3 update program represents a major operational improvement over the A2 variants. The new system implements digital Command and Control (C2), advanced 2nd Gen FLIR, and other major new features necessary to permit the Bradley-A3 to interoperate on the Army's emerging Digitized Battlefield for Force XXI. 

The M2A3 has more equipment than previous models of the BFV. This equipment is also more complex than that on earlier models, which requires more cross training to ensure soldiers can fill vacancies or shortfalls in critical positions. Also, because the M2A3 BFV platoon can transfer more information at every level, soldiers must work together more closely than ever before. 

The M2A3/M3A3 model of the Bradley will facilitate enhanced command and control, greater lethality, and provide mobile protected transport of an Infantry squad, and Cavalry crewmen to critical points on the battlefield. M2A3/M3A3 will facilitate mechanized Infantry, cavalry scout, and other claimant (Bradley equipped Fire Support and Stinger Teams) missions in the 21st Century. Upgrades include advanced technology in the areas of command and control, lethality, survivability, mobility, and sustainability required to defeat current and future threat forces while remaining operationally compatible with the Abrams main battle tank. The M2A3/M3A3 will provide overwatching fires to support the dismounted infantry and suppress/defeat enemy tanks, reconnaissance vehicles, IFVs, armored personnel carriers, bunkers, and attack helicopters. In the Cavalry role, it will be used to conduct reconnaissance operations, economy of force, and screening missions. It will be employed in Combined Arms units alongside the M1A1 D and M1A2 SEP tank. 

The A3 upgrade to the Army’s Bradley fighting vehicle system is a major component of the Army digitization initiative, designed both to complement the capabilities provided by the M1A2 SEP and to incorporate needed enhancements identified during the Gulf War. The M2A3/M3A3 will be equipped with a digital electronic architecture incorporating on-board subsystem monitoring, diagnostics/ prognostics, and an Army Technical Architecture (ATA) compliant Command and Control software suite that is fully interoperable with M1A2 SEP and M1A1 D tanks, and other Force XXI digitized platforms. When equipped with upgraded Bradleys, mechanized infantry units will be able to share battlefield data with M1A2 SEP-equipped armor units. The digitization upgrades will improve both situational awareness and sustainability through automated fault reporting and diagnostics. The A3 upgrade will also increase the lethality of the Bradley by adding an improved fire control system and a commander’s independent thermal viewer. 

BFVS-A3 enhancements include 

a vehicle control and operation system to control and automate many crew functions and to enhance situational awareness by transmitting, receiving, storing, and displaying digital messages. This digital capability is to be compatible with all components of the combined arms team. 
the improved Bradley acquisition system (IBAS) and commander's independent viewer, both 2nd generation FLIR's, to improve target acquisition and target engagement. 
a position navigation system with GPS receiver to enhance situational awareness. 
Most of the modifications to the Bradley take place inside the vehicle and its turret. Although the turret of the A3 is smaller than the A2's, additional components and software to be installed increase the A3's ability to "shoot, move, and communicate". Moreover, functional improvements are to be made to the A3's electrical power system, Nuclear Biological Chemical protection system, 25mm enhanced gun system, situational awareness capability and its navigational systems. 

Electrical power to the A3 is segregated such that many of the components in the A3 can continue to operate despite the failure of other components. Power will be supplied by a 400-ampere voltage and current-regulated generator connected to six hull batteries and one 24-volt turret battery. 

The 25mm enhanced gun system will have two types of barrels, nitride and chrome. The gun uses the chrome-lined barrel to compensate for the higher temperatures when firing the new depleted uranium penetrator and other service ammunition. Removable link bridge plates will be installed on the feeder, replacing the old permanent bridge plates to ease the removal of jams and aid in cleaning out debris and/or dust build-up. Also, the manual safe switch will now travel approximately 30 percent beyond center when placed in the fire position to prevent the switch from jumping back to the safe mode when firing a weapon. 

The upgrade will also touch on the troop compartment which will be reconfigured to accommodate 10 soldiers, consisting of a three-man crew and seven dismounts. The dismount squad leader will have his own display screen in the back of the A3 so that he and his dismounts can see what the Bradley commander (BC) and gunner see through their sights. The BC will also have the added advantage of a "target designator" enabling him to bring his gunner's line of sight or view of the battlefield online with his own at the push of a button. This way if the BC sees something on the battlefield in another area, the BC can change his gunner's sight picture instantly. 

The A3's on-board diagnostics capability will enable it to execute a system-level built-in test on power up and continually monitors system status while power is applied. Malfunctions are to be displayed on the commander's tactical display to alert the crew of potentially dangerous faults. Pre-mission and preventive maintenance checks and services are built into software to make it easier for the operator to maintain the system. In the event of a failure which the crew cannot correct, maintenance personnel will no longer have to lug around six boxes of test equipment and a series of more than 13 technical manuals in order to troubleshoot the vehicle. The vehicle diagnostic and maintenance software will provide embedded diagnostic and maintenance capability. 

Improvements to the sights will be combined with the advent of the squad leader's display, voice and data radios, digital maps, alerts, malfunctions, and digital messaging. Other improvements include a larger gas particulate filter system, along with additional crew stations and heaters, to provide NBC protection for the entire crew, both mounted and dismounted. 

The M2A3 BFV features an improved Bradley acquisition system (IBAS), which adds an improved target acquisition subsystem and missile control subsystem. The improvements also include a second-generation, forward-looking infrared radar (FLIR); a thermal sight; a target-designation function; dual-target tracking; an eye--safe laser range finder; an automatic gun-target adjustment; automatic optical alignment; and "hunter-killer" capability. Second-generation FLIR allows the radley commander or the gunner to identify and acquire targets beyond the range f the vehicle's weapon systems. The IBAS enables the user to acquire, recognize, ientify, and automatically track two targets within the same field of view (FOV) an selected magnification, day or night. While moving (or stationary), the M2A3 BFV can use the 25--mm or 7.62-mm to engage either of two targets appearing in the same FOV, from any aspect. While stationary, the M2A3 BFV can use the TOW to engage either of two targets appearing in the same FOV, from any aspect. 

The driver's vision enhancer (thermal) and the navigation display unit work together to improve the driver's visibility;, therefore improving his ability to drive. This M2A3 BFV has relatively unrestricted mobility in total darkness, in any weather conditions, and in degraded visibility conditions. The M2A3 BFV precision navigation system (PNS) consists of a precision lightweight GPS receiver (PLGR), an inertial navigation unit (INU), a precision lightweight GPS, precision lightweight GPS receiver (PLGR), and a vehicle motion sensor (VMS). These components can operate in five modes: integrated GPS/INU/VMS; GPS only (INU sensor failure); INU/VMS (the GPS receiver fails to acquire satellite signal or shows signs of damage); GPS/INU (VMS failure); and INU only (if the unit has neither a GPS receiver nor a VMS). 

Normally, the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver [PLGR] gives the user precise position coordinates and time and navigational information. It cannot do so whenIf obstructions exist between the satellite and the antenna, . Tthe user can enter map coordinates as a way point. When the user picks a way point as a destination, the receiver can provide steering directions, azimuth, and range information to the destination. The PLGR can also show the offset distance from this course line. The PLGR cannot be removed from the BFV and operated in the handheld mode. 

The Inertial Navigation Unit [INU] serves as the main navigational system. The INU works from a gyro-based ring laser. The PLGR supplies the INU with initial position data, and the INU, in turn, supplies the turret processor unit (TPU) with the BFV's position, velocity, attitude, and angular rate and acceleration (roll, pitch, and azimuth). 

The components of the Precision Navigation System [PNS] can operate in five modes. These modes are: Integrated GPS/INU/VMS; GPS only (INU sensor failure); INU/VMS (the GPS receiver fails to acquire satellite signal or shows signs of damage); GPS/INU (VMS failure); and INU-only mode (in case the unit has neither a GPS receiver nor a VMS). 

The purpose of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle is to enable Infantry soldiers to accomplish their mission of closing with and destroying, or capturing the enemy. The M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle emerged as a result of a threat and capabilities assessment, designed to ensure that the Infantry can overmatch the threat on the future Force XXI battlefield. The M2A3 is the first Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) that is technologically equal to the Abrams tank, it corrects Desert Storm deficiencies, capitalizes on ten years of mechanized Infantry experience, and integrates Army Horizontal Technical Integration initiatives (e.g. GEN II FLIR).

 The M2A3 insures overmatch by increasing the ability to acquire, identify and engage over the M2A2, in both day and night conditions. The M2A3 allows the crew to acquire more targets faster by adding a second sight for the commander. The Improved Bradley Acquisition System allows the crew to engage targets faster and more accurately by enabling first burst on target, eliminating the need for a sensing round. The Position navigation system enhances the crew’s navigation capability and their ability to pinpoint and identify friendly and enemy positions. The new digitized command and control system provides for a near real-time integrated data link between the M2A3 and other combat vehicles. The C2 system is integrated with the vehicle fire control and position navigation system, providing the crew with the ability to identify and hand-off targets to other BFV’s, tanks, helicopters, artillery, and mortars.

In FY03 DOT&E assessed the M2A3 to be operationally effective, suitable, and survivable based on the results of the IOT&E, DARI, and the LUT 2. Overall, the M2A3 showed an improved level of operational effectiveness in comparison to the M2A2, which was fielded during Operation Desert Storm. This improvement is attributed to the M2A3’s enhanced capability to detect, identify, and hit targets. The M2A3 also has improved night fighting capabilities through its second-generation FLIR. 

The FBCB2 digital command and control, as integrated into the M2A3, demonstrated during the IOT&E that it was neither effective nor suitable and it did not contribute to the operational effectiveness of the M2A3/M1A2 System Enhancement Package-equipped force. Despite this, the M2A3 was able to demonstrate an overall improved level of operational effectiveness in comparison to the M2A2 Operation Desert Storm, predominately because of the capabilities of the M2A3’s second-generation FLIR and improved fire control system. 

A test conducted September 12- 27, 2002, at the Electronic Proving Ground, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and cold weather testing at the Cold Regions Test Center, Alaska, revealed that significant suitability problems with M2A3 FBCB2 integration still existed. Recent technical test results indicate that FBCB2 reliability significantly improved when using a new Solid State Hard Drive instead of the standard spinning FBCB2 hard drive. A 1,500-mile follow-on production test at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and a two-week user demonstration (late November-early December 2003) are planned to confirm the effectiveness and suitability of this solution. Successful results and subsequent evaluation from these tests should close out the digital command and control issues on the BFVS-A3. 

 

 Operational Concept:

 The M2A3 fights as a member of the Combined Arms team with the Abrams Tank. Its four primary missions are to:

Provide mobile protected transport of sufficient Infantry to the critical point on the battlefield. 
Provide fires to support dismount Infantry. 
Provide fires to suppress or destroy enemy IFV’s and light armor vehicles. 
Provide Anti-armor fires to destroy enemy armor. 
The integration of key enabling technologies (GEN II FLIR, improved fire control, Force XXI command and control, commander’s independent viewer, and squad leader’s display) gives the M2A3 the ability to operate on the Force XXI battlefield. These capabilities enable the M2A3 to:

"Shape" the battlefield and conduct the "decisive" fight. The ability to perform these missions is enabled by the availability of useful knowledge, through embedded digitization, enhanced with the eye-safe laser rangefinder, and GPS. 
Conduct high tempo operations – Attack, disperse, attack again. High tempo operations are facilitated by rapid knowledge of self, friends, and enemy. 
Seize and secure close or urban terrain. The M2A3 supports 3X9 with 10 seats. The squad leader’s display can provide situational awareness of the objective to the dismounts while mounted. 
Deliver precision direct and indirect fires. IBAS & GEN II FLIR eliminate sensing round for precise fires, with reduced fratricide. Digitization, GPS, and LRF allow rapid, accurate calls for fire. 
Deploy on either C-5 or C-17 to support power projection. 
Conduct decisive distributed operations in dispersed, non linear, asymmetrical conditions. The GEN II FLIR enables earlier detection and engagement at greater ranges. The addition of Digitization and the CIV enhance effectiveness in dispersed, non linear conditions. 
Conduct Full spectrum operations. The GEN II FLIR and digitization allow precise engagement, limiting collateral damage, fratricide, and non-combatant engagements. The CIV allows improved coverage in close terrain. 
  

BFVS-A3 System Characteristics:

(1) General

Weight, combat loaded (without armor tiles) 67,500 lbs. 
Weight armor tiles 6,410 lbs 
Cruising range 250-265 miles 
Gross horsepower/weight ratio (hp/ton)(w/tiles) 16.7 
Gross horsepower/weight ratio (hp/ton)(w/o tiles) 18.5 
Gross horsepower 600 

 

(2) Performance

Speed (w/o tiles) 38 mph 

 

(3) Mounted Weapon Systems

25mm, M242 chain gun 
TOW missile launcher (two tubes) 
7.62mm, M240C coaxial machine gun 
5.56mm, M231 Firing Port Weapon (2 each) 
 

(4) Squad Weapons

SAW M249, 5.56 mm 
Rifles, M16A2, 5.56mm (1 per squad member) 
JAVELIN (Anti-Armor Weapon System-Medium) 
AT-4 
TOW Improved Target Acquisition System 
 

(5) Ammunition

  IFV 
25mm 900 
7.62mm 4400 
5.56mm 5040 
TOW Missile 3 
JAVELIN (In place of Dragon) 3 
AT-4 3 

 

Program Status

First Unit Equipped (FUE) is schedule for Aug 2000. Prior to FUE the M2A3 will undergo a complete set of technical and operational tests. The M2A3 will participate in a total of four operational tests. Three operational tests: single vehicle, section, and platoon level, have already been completed. A company level IOT&E is scheduled for May 99 to July 99 at Ft. Hood, Tx.

 

FIELDING PLAN (DCSOPS "Mixed" Division Fielding Plan)

UNIT M2/M3 FY 
4TH ID 45/01 01 
TB 21/40 01 
1ST CAV 45/43 02 
3RD ACR 0/131 03 
3RD ID 90/43 06 
NTC 50/0 06 
1ST ID 45/43 07 
1ST AD 45/43 08 
2ND ID 45/43 08 

 


EQUIPMENT
 CAPABILITIES
 
PRC-119/OE-254 radio/antenna
 Range 8 kmK *
 
Command control software:
 C2S/VRC-92E   -   16 kmK *
 
C2S/VRC-92E/OE-254   -   35 kmK *
 
C2S/PRC-119   -   4 kmK *
 
Mini eye-safe laser infrared observation set (MELIOS)
 50 to 9,995 meters; provides distance to target from observer; with a compass or vertical angle measurement (C/VAM) provides azimuth to target from observer
 
* Digital transmission 


GOVERNMENT PROGRAM OFFICE: Project Manager, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems, U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command, Warren, MI., (COL Paul Izzo)

CORPORATE PRIME DEVELOPER: United Defense Limited Partnership, San Jose, CA.

M2A2ODS-E Engineer Bradley Fighting Vehicle (EBFV)
During FY97, the Commandant of the United States Army Engineer Center (USAEC), made the determination to equip the Engineer Force with a more mobile, highly survivable platform. This platform would increase the capabilities of all Engineers on the battlefield with increased firepower and a potential for technological enhancements. Hence the decision to equip the Engineer Force in M2 Bradleys. The proposal was approved at TRADOC on 23 January 1998 and forwarded to the Department of the Army. 

Typically an engineer company is attached to support a task force. The company consists of two engineer platoons and an assault and obstacle (A&O) platoon. The task force and company team commanders will task organize engineer assets to best accomplish their assigned mission. Each engineer platoon is organized into three engineer squads and a headquarters section. It is equipped with four M113 or M2A2ODS-E, engineer Bradley fighting vehicle (EBFV), and an armored combat earthmover (ACE). If necessary, the engineer platoon may be reinforced with elements from the engineer company's A&O platoon. 

The Bradley Engineer Fighting Vehicle (BEFV) is not referred to as a squad vehicle. Instead, the engineer Bradley is called the Engineer-Bradley Fighting Vehicle (E-BFV). This is in keeping with today's offensively oriented doctrine where the engineer platoon, not the squad, is employed as the basic breach/reduction unit. This is also true of countermobility operations which are more focused on emplacement of scatterable minefields. The engineer platoon sites and marks these obstacles. The reduction of the engineer platoon from three to two squads was not precipitated by the transition to Bradleys. The reduction in squads is the result of a previously implemented MTOE change and is not linked to Bradley fielding. 

The turret and main gun of the Bradley have proven to be extremely valuable to combat engineers and have provided an increase in capability and versatility. Engineers in M113s rely on maneuver forces to protect them, which often drains the already stretched firepower of infantry and armor forces. Bradley Engineers can better protect themselves during movement and provide their own local protection while breaching and reducing obstacles. Thus, the Bradley Engineer Company and Battalion is better suited to perform as a breach force during battalion and brigade deliberate breaches. 

The most noticeable difference between the M113 and the E-BFV is the loss of the M105 trailer. Elimination of the M105 trailer reduces the ability to haul Class IV and Class V supplies, both mission and basic loads, and specifically mines. With the Conservative Heavy Division (CHD), however, hauling capability is not as big a concern as before because the CHD is not designed to conduct a deliberate defense without significant assistance from Corps. On the ground, the emphasis of the divisional engineer's counter-mobility is shifted from conventional minefields to scatterable minefields. The Volcano systems in an engineer company can more than make up for this deficiency in a hasty defense, providing the control supply rate (CSR) for Volcano reloads supports it. 

There is no means for carrying the modular pack mine system (MOPMS) on or in the E-BFV. Carrying MOPMS on or in the E-BFV, especially a squad vehicle, is a problem. If MOPMS is carried inside the E-BFV, on the floor, there is no room for the squad to ride. A means to carry the MOPMS on the Bradley's exterior should be developed. A suggestion is to install a mounting bracket on the troop hatch. This bracket should not be used as a permanent storage location, but rather as a means for moving the MOPMS from the mine dump or Class IV/V point to the mission site. 

M6 Bradley Linebacker (BL) 
The Army's newest member of the Air Defense family of weapon systems is redefining short-range air defense (SHORAD). The Linebacker's speed, agility, and lethality bring a new dimension to the SHORAD battle. Fielded to mechanized and armor divisions, the Linebacker destroys low-altitude, high-speed aircraft--much like a football team's linebackers plug the threat at the line and intercept an opposing team's fleet running backs. 

The Linebacker evolved from the Bradley Fighting Vehicles that have served the Army well since they were first fielded to the force in the early 1980s. Since that time Bradleys have become important members of the combined arms team. This was particularly true in the Persian Gulf. Following Operation Desert Storm (ODS), the Army interviewed Bradley soldiers to identify needed improvements. The ODS-version Bradley is the result of that process. It is an interim vehicle between the Bradley A2 and A3 versions to get the ODS improvements into the hands of the troops as quickly as possible. The Linebacker is a Bradley ODS-variant that replaces the TOW launcher with a STINGER launcher and configures the vehicle for STINGER operations. Automatic slew-to-cue capability assists target acquisition and engagement when the Linebacker is either stationary or on the move at 40 kilometers per hour. 

The Linebacker is effective against all modern air threats. It is well-designed to accomplish its mission to provide heavy maneuver forces with dedicated low-altitude air and missile defense against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft. 

The Bradley M6 Linebacker is the United States Army Air Defense Artillery's solution for divisional air defense. The Linebacker successfully integrates the combat proven Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Stinger missile systems. Under the direction of Bradley Program and the Ft. Bliss SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense) Program Manager, United Defense and Boeing are producing the Bradley Linebacker to fulfill the Army's critical requirement for forward divisional air defense warfighting capabilities. Successful target tracking and live missile firings have demonstrated that the Bradley Linebacker provides superior levels of air defense performance against post Cold War air threats. These threats include, Cruise type missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Rotary Wing, and Fixed wing aircraft. Low-cost modifications have been made to the existing Bradley turret using the Stinger fire control, Slew-to-Cue systems and the Sentinel Radar target acquisition subsystems, which give Linebacker the ability to engage targets and fire the Stinger missile while on the move and under armor protection. The Bradley Linebacker provides the superior mobility, firepower and protection to assure completion of air defense missions, day or night. 

The Linebacker’s combined arms mission is to provide air defense force protection to forward area heavy maneuver combat forces, combat support elements, and other critical assets from attack by enemy Rotary Wing (RW), Fixed Wing (FW), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Cruise Missiles (CMs). Air Defense battalions in the heavy divisions employ the BL. The Linebacker provides heavy maneuver forces with dedicated air defense fire power: the modified fire control subsystem fires the Stinger missile from the turret while the four- man squad remains under armor and on the move. Targeting data is provided by Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I). This C3I complement provides early warning/alerting, the complete air picture, slew-to-cue, and target identification friend or foe (IFF). 

While the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle (BSFV) provides air defense of the heavy maneuver force, the Stinger team must dismount to engage targets. Converting the BSFV to the Bradley Linebacker overcomes this deficiency. Bradley Linebacker retains the capability to maintain pace with the armored force with the added enhancement that the Stinger team remains under armor protection during engagements. Bradley Linebacker consists of the M2A2(ODS) Bradley with an integrated, externally mounted launcher that can fire four Stinger missiles while stationary or on the move. An integrated position, navigation, and north seeker capability allows for on-the-move cueing. FAAD C2 and Sentinel provide targeting information to assist in acquisition. 

The initial Linebacker build is a short range air defense (SHORAD) Stinger missile system configured on an Operation Desert Storm (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV/M2A2). In the summer of 1998, the M6 Bradley Linebacker (BL) began to replace the fielded SHORAD Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle (BSFV). As the BFV upgrades to the M2/A3 vehicle, future Linebackers (fielding to begin in 2003) will eventually replace the ODS M2/A2 which will roll down to replace any remaining active Army Force Package 2-3 BSFV units. 

The standard vehicle mounted launcher (SVML) carrying 4 Stinger missiles is added to the 25mm gun turret, eliminating the tube-launched, optically-tracked, wired-guided (TOW) missile which is standard to the BFV and the BSFV. The Linebacker provides for the stowage of ten STINGER missiles. There are four ready-to-fire STINGER missiles in the standard vehicle mounted launcher, or "SVML." There are six more STINGERs stored inside the Linebacker crew compartment. The platoon leader’s MANPADS under armor (MUA) vehicle has a TOW launcher, not a STINGER SVML. The MUA carries two ready TOWs in the launcher, three stowed TOWs, and six stowed STINGER missiles. The STINGER missiles may be shoulder-fired or used to replenish Linebacker basic loads. In the event of launcher system damage or failure or should the maneuver force commander choose to employ the Linebacker in a static mode, the system maintains dismounted Stinger missile capability. The Linebacker with the STINGER missile system is the most agile and lethal short-range air defense system on the modern battlefield. The system is effective against both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and cruise missiles. 

In the past, over ninety percent of first-round misses during gunnery exercises resulted from the crew’s inability to estimate range correctly. The Eyesafe Laser Range Finder (ELRF) automatically determines the accurate range to targets. The ELRF transmits a pulse of laser light, receives the reflected light from the target, and converts the time from transmission-to-reception into range. The ELRF can determine the range of targets out to 9,995 meters. It can discriminate among multiple targets, and it can fire its laser rapidly and repeatedly. 

In addition to the Stinger launching system, the Linebacker carries standard Bradley Fighting Vehicles weapons: the 25mm gun and 7.62 coaxial machine gun. The Linebacker system allows shoot-on-the-move and slew-to-cue capability, replacing the BSFV "MANPADS-Under-Armor (MUA) Dismounted Stinger Team" employment concept. The 25mm chain gun contributes adjunct air defense firepower and, as with the 24CD 7.62 coax machine gun, provides self-defense. 

The components of the Forward Area Air Defense Command, Control, and Intelligence, or FAAD C2I system work together to provide air-tracking, battle-management, and position data. This information allows you to acquire and execute slew-to-cue operations to engage enemy aerial targets. 

The Missile Countermeasure Device (MCD) will protect Linebacker and MANPADS under armor (MUA) vehicles from most antitank guided missiles. The MCDs are in contingency stocks. They will be issued to units before they deploy to theaters where the Linebacker will face an ATGM threat. Additional training will be provided at that time. The MCD generates and directs invisible infrared radiation. When the Linebacker or MUA turret is turned towards an incoming missile, the infrared radiation confuses the ATGM's guidance system and causes the ATGM to fly into the ground. The MCD protects the vehicle on which it is mounted--not other vehicles in a unit or formation. The MCD cannot perform an overwatch mission. 

The Bradley Linebacker will be integrated with the M2A3 Bradley as funding is provided. The Bradley M2A3 provides a second-generation FLIR, C2 software, and a fully digitized, integrated turret. M2A3 vehicles for Force Package 1 units have been resourced and will begin fielding in FY 02. 

The material solutions will correct major deficiencies in Stinger team survivability, fire control, target acquisition, and identification such that Bradley Linebacker will: 

Provide a 140% increase in kill capability. 
Reduce personnel losses by 30%. 
Significantly improve the engagement capability and allow Bradley Linebacker systems to maintain continuous protection of the maneuver force from helicopter, CM, UAV, and fixed-wing aircraft threats. 
Failure to fund Bradley Linebacker M2A3 modifications would continue to require Stinger teams to dismount the vehicle exposing them to direct and indirect fires. In addition, the teams would not benefit from the Bradley FLIR acquisition enhancement and integrated digitized system, thus severely diminishing their ability to acquire and engage air targets. Funding is necessary to procure an additional 8 units to complete the Bradley Linebacker M2A2(ODS) acquisition objective of 107 systems.

XM7 Fire Support Team Vehicle (FIST) 
The XM7 FIST is a variant of the M2 Bradley 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 provides improvements in first round accuracy and by providing mobility and survivability comparable with the maneuver units being supported. The XM7 FIST 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 forterminally guided munitions and to coordinate fire support for the maneuver unit within a protective armored environment. 

