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.
M113A3+ Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light (MTVL)
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.
M113A3+ 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.
M113 Hazardous Materials Recovery Vehicle (HAZMAT)
As M113 FOV carriers become excess in the military system a number of conversion options are being considered for asset utilization. United Defense L.P., working with NASA/AMES, has developed the Hazardous Materials Recovery Vehicle (HAZMAT), as one such use for these excess assets. The HAZMAT vehicle utilizes a Stretch M577A3 hull structure incorporating a light dozer blade and a hydraulic manipulator arm. The vehicle provides a versatile chassis for hazardous material recovery operations. The HAZMAT has been designed to retain the air transportability features of the M113 FOV, with C-139 roll-on/roll-off capability. In addition the HAZMAT is being designed to include an over-pressure closed circuit life support system, radiation shielding, a HAZMAT suit docking feature, and a high visibility chemical agent resistant finish. The HAZMAT retains the M113 FOV mobility characteristics to support recovery operations in all terrains.
Infantry Fighting Vehicle Light (IFVL)
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.
M113A1 Armored Personnel Carrier
http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/armored-personnel-carriers.asp
http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/infantry-fighting-vehicles.asp