Combat vehicles / Armored personnel carriers / M113
M113
General Facts
- TYPE
Armored personnel carrier - ORIGIN
United States - NICKNAMES
Green Dragon (popular nickname)
Mugaf (Israeli name for M577) - DESIGNED
1956 -1960 - DESIGNER
FMC - PRODUCTION
1960 - 1992 or later - PRODUCERS
United States - FMC
License production:
Belgium
Italy
Pakistan - QUANTITY
Over 80.000 including variants on M113 chassis - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Low production cost
Good mobility and amphibious
Chassis adaptable to many roles
Cannot keep up with tanks
Limited level of protection
Introduction
The M113 is an armored personnel carrier of US origin. It was developed in the late 1950's as a replacement for the M75 and M59 armored personnel carriers. The M75 was well armored and expensive while the M59 was highly mobile but lack protection and reliability. The M113 is one of the most numerous combat vehicles ever produced and served as a chassis for a wide variety specialist versions, some of which are described in an article of their own.
Layout
The M113 has the same layout as the earlier M75 and M59 in being an armored box on a tracked chassis. The engine and driver are located at the front. The troop compartment is located at the rear and is accessed trough a large ramp at the rear. The commander is seated behind the engine in the middle and has access to a low profile cupola which usually mounts a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun.
Firepower
The M113 is armed with a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on a ring mount that is usually fitted with a gun shield and all round armored plates. The Vietnam era ACAV modification added a 7.62mm M60 machine gun behind a gun shield on each side. The M113 chassis has been used for many weapon platforms such as tank destroyers with the 106mm M40 recoilless rifles or TOW missiles and mortar carriers with a 81mm, 107mm or 120mm mortar.
Protection
The M113 has aluminum armor that protects against small arms fire and shell splinters all around. Several improvement kits exist to increase protection against larger caliber rounds and slat armor can be fitted to reduce the effect of anti-tank missiles. An NBC system is standard and smoke grenade dischargers are optional.
Mobility
The tracked chassis gives the M113 a very good cross country mobility. Originally a 209 hp petrol engine was fitted, but this was changed to a diesel engine in all subsequent production models. The maximum of 68 km/h is adequate but does not allow it to keep up with the M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley. The M113 is fully amphibious and propels itself in the water using its tracks.
Users
The main operator of the M113 was the US army, but many have been exported to US allies with most being NATO members. With the introduction of the better armed and armored M2 Bradley and the faster Stryker the use of the M113 in US service has been reduced significantly. Many US M113's have been exported as well. In foreign service M113's have often been upgraded with various armor kits and weapon stations not found in US service.
M113
The M113 is an armored personnel carrier and serves as the baseline vehicle of the M113 family. There are four major versions of the M113 plus a wide variety of vehicles in foreign service with a myriad of upgrades. Other vehicles in the M113 family have a different designation by the A suffix denotes the same upgrades as the baseline M113.
M113: Original M113 model with petrol engine introduced in 1960.
M113A1: Improved M113 with diesel engine introduced in 1964.
M113A2: M113A1 with cooling and suspension improvements and smoke grenade launchers on the glacis plate. Introduced in 1979.
M113A3: M113A2 with enhanced battlefield survivability introduced in 1987. Improvements include external fuel tanks, spall liners, steering yoke and more powerful engine. Easily identified by the large fuel tanks on each side of the rear ramp.
Type | Armored personnel carrier |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 11 (driver, gunner, 11 troops) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.50 m (over MG) |
Ground clearance | 0.41 m |
Weight | 10.4 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.51 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Chrysler 75M 8-cylinder petrol, 215 hp at 4.000 rpm |
Power ratio | 20.7 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-200-2A, 4 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 64 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 300 L |
Range | 320 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminum, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun |
Weapon1 | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on pintle mount 2.000 rounds, 100 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Armored personnel carrier |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 11 (driver, gunner, 11 troops) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.50 m (over MG) |
Ground clearance | 0.41 m |
Weight | 10.9 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.53 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 6-cylinder diesel, 212 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 19.4 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-100-1, 3 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 360 L |
Range | 480 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminum, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun |
Weapon1 | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on pintle mount 2.000 rounds, 100 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Armored personnel carrier |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 11 (driver, gunner, 11 troops) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.52 m (over MG) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 11.3 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.55 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 6-cylinder diesel, 212 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 18.7 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-100-1, 3 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 360 L |
Range | 480 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminum, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun |
Weapon1 | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on pintle mount 2.000 rounds, 100 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Armored personnel carrier |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 11 (driver, gunner, 11 troops) |
Length | 5.30 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.52 m (over MG) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 12.3 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.60 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | pivot |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53T 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 275 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 22.4 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | X-200-4 or X-200-4A, 4 forward, 2 reverse |
Speed | 66 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 360 L |
Range | 480 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminum, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun |
Weapon1 | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on pintle mount 2.000 rounds, 100 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
M113 ACAV
During the Vietnam war the ARVN improved its M113's with additional protection for the main turret and additional machine guns. The US army adopted this idea and developed the ACAV kit, which stands for Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle. The ACAV kit adds all round protection for the existing M2HB position and adds two 7.62mm M60 machine guns with gun shields. Both the M113 and M113A1 were fitted with the ACAV kit, but since the Vietnam war the M60 mounts have no longer been used.
- Specifications:
- M113 ACAV
Type | Armored personnel carrier |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 11 (driver, gunner, 11 troops) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.50 m (over MG) |
Ground clearance | 0.41 m |
Weight | 10.9 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.53 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Chrysler 75M 8-cylinder petrol, 215 hp at 4.000 rpm |
Power ratio | 20.7 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-200-2A, 4 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 300 L |
Range | 320 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminum, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun 7.62mm M60 machine gun (2x) |
Weapon1 | 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on pintle mount 2.000 rounds, 100 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
Weapon2 | 2x 7.62mm M60 machine gun on pintle mount 100 rounds ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
M577
The M577 is an armored command post based on the M113 chassis. It has a higher roof line and is fitted with radio's, map table and generator. A tent can be erected behind the vehicle to increase the available space.
M577: M577 based on original M113 chassis.
M577A1: M577 based on M113A1 chassis.
M577A2: M577 based on M113A2 chassis.
M577A3: M577 based on M113A3 chassis. Has the new engine and transmission but no external fuel drums.
M1068: Standard Integrated Command Post System based M113A2 chassis.
M1068A3: Standard Integrated Command Post System based M113A3 chassis.
Type | Command vehicle |
---|---|
Crew | 5 (driver, commander, 3 operators) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.68 m (overall) |
Ground clearance | 0.41 m |
Weight | 10.8 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.53 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Chrysler 75M 8-cylinder petrol, 215 hp at 4.000 rpm |
Power ratio | 19.8 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-200-2A, 4 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 64 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 450 L |
Range | 430 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminium, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Command vehicle |
---|---|
Crew | 5 (driver, commander, 3 operators) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.71 m (overall) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 11.1 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.55 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 6-cylinder diesel, 212 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 21.1 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-100-1, 3 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 450 L |
Range | 600 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminium, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Command vehicle |
---|---|
Crew | 5 (driver, commander, 3 operators) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.71 m (overall) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 11.5 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.57 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 6-cylinder diesel, 212 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 20.1 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-100-1, 3 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 450 L |
Range | 600 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminium, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Command vehicle |
---|---|
Crew | 5 (driver, commander, 3 operators) |
Length | 4.86 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.71 m (overall) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 12.5 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.61 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | pivot |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53T 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 275 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 21.9 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | X-200-4 or X-200-4A, 4 forward, 2 reverse |
Speed | 66 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 450 L |
Range | 600 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminium, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Command vehicle |
---|---|
Crew | 4 (driver, commander, 2 operators) |
Length | 5.13 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.71 m (overall) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 11.3 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.56 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | 7.9 m |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 6-cylinder diesel, 212 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 18.7 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | TX-100-1, 3 forward, 1 reverse |
Speed | 61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 450 L |
Range | 600 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminium, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Type | Command vehicle |
---|---|
Crew | 4 (driver, commander, 2 operators) |
Length | 5.13 m |
Width | 2.69 m |
Height | 2.71 m (overall) |
Ground clearance | 0.43 m |
Weight | 12.3 t combat load |
Ground pressure | 0.60 kg/cm2 |
Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 2.16 m thread, 0.38 m width, 2.67 m length |
Turn radius | pivot |
Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53T 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 275 hp at 2.800 rpm |
Power ratio | 22.3 hp/t |
---|---|
Transmission | X-200-4 or X-200-4A, 4 forward, 2 reverse |
Speed | 66 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water |
Fuel | 450 L |
Range | 600 km on road |
Wall | 0.6 m |
Trench | 1.7 m |
Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
Fording | Amphibious |
Armor | Aluminium, 38 - 45 mm |
NBC equipment | Yes |
Night vision | Yes, IR for driver |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |