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The M113: A Legacy of Tracked Mobility

An in-depth exploration of the iconic M113 armored personnel carrier, detailing its development, specifications, operational history, variants, and global deployment.

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Overview

Armored Personnel Carrier

The M113 is a fully tracked armored personnel carrier (APC) developed and produced by the FMC Corporation. It was designed to replace the M59 APCs in the U.S. Army's mechanized infantry units. First deployed in 1960, it saw extensive combat use, notably in the Vietnam War, where it was often referred to as an "APC" or "ACAV" (Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle) by allied forces.[5]

Innovative Construction

A significant innovation of the M113 was its construction using an aluminum hull, making it the first combat vehicle of its kind to be put into mass production with this material. This design choice resulted in a vehicle that was considerably lighter than its predecessors, enabling air transportability and a degree of amphibious capability, while still offering protection against small arms fire.[3]

Global Reach and Adaptability

Over its production run, an estimated 80,000 vehicles of the M113 family were produced, serving with over 50 countries worldwide. Its versatility has led to numerous adaptations for various roles, and it remains one of the most widely utilized armored fighting vehicles globally, even as newer platforms emerge.[6]

Development

Genesis of the M113

The M113's development by FMC Corporation stemmed from lessons learned from earlier APCs like the M75 (too heavy and expensive) and the M59 (insufficient armor, unreliable powertrain). The goal was to create an "airborne armored multi-purpose vehicle family" (AAM-PVF) that was mobile, survivable, and cost-effective. FMC collaborated with Kaiser Aluminum to develop advanced aluminum armor, achieving the desired protection and weight.[10]

Selection and Evolution

FMC presented two proposals: the aluminum-armored T113 (in two armor variants) and the steel-armored T117. The thicker-armored T113 variant, offering comparable protection at a lower weight, was selected by the U.S. Army in 1960 as the M113. A subsequent diesel-powered prototype, the T113E2, entered production in 1964 as the M113A1, quickly superseding the gasoline-powered M113.[11] Production later transitioned to United Defense and subsequently BAE Systems.

Specifications

Key Technical Data

The M113 family exhibits a range of specifications across its variants. The foundational M113 model established key performance parameters that have been refined over decades.

M113 M113A1 M113A2 M113A3
Overall length 191.5 in (4.9 m) 208.5 in (5.3 m) w/ external fuel tanks, 191.5 in (4.9 m) w/o 208.5 in (5.3 m)
Overall width 105.75 in (2.7 m)
Height over machine gun 98.25 in (2.5 m) 99.25 in (2.5 m)
Ground clearance 16.1 in (40.9 cm) 17.1 in (43.4 cm)
Top speed 40 mph (64 km/h)
Fording Floats Restricted to 40 in (101.6 cm)
Max. grade 60%
Max. trench 5.5 ft (1.7 m)
Max. wall 24 in (0.6 m)
Range 200 mi (320 km) 300 mi (480 km)
Power 215 hp (160 kW) at 4000 rpm 212 hp (158 kW) at 2800 rpm 275 hp (205 kW) at 2800 rpm
Power-to-weight ratio 18.8 hp/ST (15.5 kW/t) 17.6 hp/ST (14.5 kW/t) 17.0 hp/ST (14.0 kW/t) (w/o external tanks) 20.2 hp/ST (16.6 kW/t) (w/o applique armor)
Torque 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm 492 lb⋅ft (670 N⋅m) at 1300 rpm 627 lb⋅ft (850 N⋅m) at 1600 rpm
Weight, combat loaded 22,900 lb (10,390 kg) 24,080 lb (10,920 kg) 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) 27,200 lb (12,340 kg) (w/o applique)
Ground pressure 7.3 psi (50 kPa) 7.6 psi (52 kPa) 7.9 psi (54 kPa) 7.9 psi (54 kPa)
Main armament M2 Browning machine gun

Variants

Core M113 Family

The M113 platform has been adapted into numerous variants, each addressing specific battlefield needs. The primary upgrades focused on engine power, suspension, armor protection, and crew ergonomics.

  • M113: The original gasoline-powered version.
  • M113A1: Introduced a more fuel-efficient and safer Detroit Diesel 6V53 engine.
  • M113A2: Featured improved engine cooling, stronger suspension components, and increased ground clearance. Amphibious capability was restricted due to increased weight.
  • M113A3: Incorporated significant survivability enhancements, including a more powerful turbocharged engine, improved driver controls, external armored fuel tanks, and internal spall liners.

Specialized Derivatives

Beyond personnel transport, the M113 chassis serves as the basis for a wide array of specialized vehicles:

  • M106/M1064: Mortar carriers armed with 81mm or 120mm mortars.
  • M163 VADS: A self-propelled anti-aircraft system mounting an M61 Vulcan cannon.
  • M48 Chaparral: An air-defense variant equipped with MIM-72 Chaparral missiles.
  • M577: A command post carrier with an elevated roof for enhanced communications equipment.
  • M901 ITV: An Improved TOW Vehicle equipped with TOW anti-tank missiles.
  • AIFV (Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle): A significant upgrade with an enclosed turret and firing ports, sold to various international users.

Operational History

Vietnam War

The M113 saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, becoming the primary armored personnel carrier for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. Early combat revealed vulnerabilities, particularly to small arms fire impacting exposed crews, leading to the development of the Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle (ACAV) configuration with added shields and armor. Despite its limitations, the M113 was crucial for mobility in the dense jungle terrain.[5][14]

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)

The IDF is one of the largest operators of the M113, utilizing thousands of vehicles in various domestically developed variants. While effective in many roles, the M113's aluminum armor proved vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), leading to significant casualties in conflicts like the Yom Kippur War and subsequent operations. This vulnerability spurred the development of more heavily protected vehicles like the Namer and Eitan APCs.[36]

Global Deployment and Modernization

The M113 has been deployed in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping operations worldwide. Many nations have undertaken modernization programs to enhance the M113's protection, firepower, and mobility, extending its service life. The U.S. Army is phasing out its M113 fleet in favor of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), but the M113 is expected to remain in service globally for many years.[7]

Operators

Global Presence

The M113's widespread adoption underscores its enduring utility and adaptability. It has served with armed forces across continents, playing a role in various military doctrines and operational environments.

  • Afghanistan: 173 M113A2
  • Argentina: 114 M113A2 (20 mm cannon), 70 M113A1-ACAV, 204 M113A2
  • Australia: 340 M113AS4, 91 M113AS3
  • Bahrain: 300 M113A2, 12 M113A2 (120 mm gun)
  • Benin: 22
  • Bolivia: 50+
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina: 20 M113A2
  • Brazil: 198 M113A1, 386 M113BR, 12 M113A2, 64 M577A2; Marine Corps: 30
  • Cambodia
  • Canada: 140 M113A3/M577A3 (CP)
  • Chile: 306 M113A1 and M113A2
  • Colombia: 28 M113A1, 26 M113A2
  • Cyprus: 418
  • Denmark: 65 M113G4 DK, 170 M113G3 DK
  • Ecuador: 20
  • Egypt: 2,498 M113A2/M-106A2, 60 M-125, 33 M-981 FISTV, 131 M577A1 (CP)
  • Germany: 37
  • Greece: 1,852 M113A1/A2, 187 M577 (CP)
  • Guatemala: 10
  • Iran: 200
  • Iraq: 1,026 M113A2
  • Indonesia: 143 M113A1-B, 1 M113A1-B-GN, 5 M113 Arisgator
  • Israel: 500 M113A2
  • Jordan: 370 M113A1/A2, 269 M577A2 (CP)
  • Kuwait: 230 M113A2, 30 M577 (CP)
  • Lebanon: 1,274 M113A1/A2
  • Libya: M113, M106
  • Lithuania: 234 M113A1, 22 M577 (CP), 15 M113 with Tampella
  • Morocco: 400 M113A1/A2, 419 M113A3, 86 M577A2 (CP), 80 M901, 60 M163, 36 M106A2, 91 M1064A3
  • North Macedonia: 27
  • Norway: 315
  • Pakistan: 2,300 M113A1/A2/P
  • Peru: 120 M113A1 (upgraded to Cobra-1)
  • Philippines: 34 M113A1 FSV, 18 M113A2 FSV, 42 M113A1, 120 M113A2
  • Poland: 70 M-577 (CP)
  • Portugal: 176 M113A1, 14 M113A2, 49 M577A2 (CP), 17 M113 with TOW
  • Russia: Captured units
  • Saudi Arabia: 1,190 M113A4
  • Singapore: 750+ M113A1/A2
  • South Korea: 420 M113, 140 M577 (CP)
  • Spain: 453
  • Sudan: 36
  • Switzerland: 315 M113A2
  • Syrian National Army: Donated units
  • Taiwan: 650 M113, 225 with 20–30 mm cannon
  • Thailand: 430 M113A1/A3
  • Tunisia: 140 M113A1/A2
  • Turkey: 2,813 M113A2T1 & T2
  • Ukraine: ~900+ donated units (US, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Australia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg)
  • United States: ~4,200 M113A2/A3 (Army)
  • Uruguay: 24 M113A1UR
  • Vietnam: 200
  • Yemen: 107 M113A1

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References

References

  1.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), p. 219.
  2.  Lithuania has already sent 50 M113 armored vehicles to Ukraine , 26 September 2022.
  3.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), p. 199.
  4.  Cooper & Santana, Lebanese Civil War Volume 1: Palestinian diaspora, Syrian and Israeli interventions, 1970-1978 (2019), p. 56.
  5.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), pp. 205; 207.
  6.  Jureidini, McLaurin, and Price, Military operations in selected Lebanese built-up areas (1979), appendix A, table A-6.
  7.  Hokayem, L'armée libanaise pendant la guerre: un instrument du pouvoir du président de la République (1975–1985) (2012), pp. 29–30.
  8.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), p. 59.
  9.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), pp. 74-75.
  10.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), p. 159.
  11.  Sex & Abi-Chahine, Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond (2021), p. 26.
  12.  Cooper & Sandler, Lebanese Civil War Volume 2: Quiet before the Storm, 1978-1981 (2021), Plate i.
A full list of references for this article are available at the M113 armored personnel carrier Wikipedia page

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