Shorland S 55 APC, UK

Bradley IVI2 IFV

In 1972 the US Army requested design proposals to meet a requirement for a mechanised infantry fighting vehicle (MIFV), A complex series of design submissions and changing specifications followed until a Fighting Vehicle System (FVS) appeared, comprising two vehicles, an IFV which became the M2 Bradley, and a Cavalry Fighting Vehicle which became the M3 CFV. Deliveries by FMC (now United Defense) commenced in 1981 and have continued since with totals approaching the 8,000 plus the US Army has requested - procurement plans until 2008 have been made.

The M2 Bradley IFV is based around a welded aluminium hull and is armed with a two-man turret with a 25 mm Chain Gun and two TOW ATGW launchers - there is also a 7.62 mm coaxial MG. Reactive armour panels for added protection can be added to late production (M2A2 and M2A3) examples, while early models had firing ports with dedicated rifles attached - these were later removed to avoid compromising the side armour protection. Throughout its service life the M2 Bradley IFV series has been the subject of numerous enhancements to improve combat capabilities and survivability for the vehicle and occupants so, apart from the reactive armour panels, extras such as improved armour, automotive improvements, strengthened suspension components, etc, have been added and more such improvements are planned.

The M3 CFV carries only two extra troops in addition to the three-man crew as it is intended to be a scouting vehicle, whereas the M2 IFV has provision for six.

The M2 and M3 are amphibious and air-transportable, with the swimming capabilities improved by the erection of inflatable buoyancy tanks.

Numerous derivatives, mainly based on the M2 IFV, have been produced, including air defence missile carriers, while the basic chassis has been adapted for other purposes, such as the (much modified) chassis for the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

Some 400 M2 IFVs have been exported to Saudi Arabia.

Bradley M2AFV

Crew: 3 Seating: 6

Weight: (combat) 22,590 kg Length: 6.453m

Width: 3.2 m

Height: 2.565m Ground clearance: 0.432 m Track: approx 2.35 m Max speed: (road) 66 km/h Fuel capacity: 662 litres Range: 66 km Fording: amphibious

Vertical obstacle: 0.9 m

Engine: Cummins VTA-903T diesel Power output: 500 hp Suspension: torsion bar Armament: 1 x 25 mm cannon; 1 x7.62mmMG; 1 x 2-tube TOW ATGW launcher Variants: M3 CFV - also see text

An M2 Bradley IFV at speed during acceptance trials.