General Facts

TYPE
Mechanized infantry combat vehicle

ORIGIN
United States

NICKNAMES
-

DESIGNED
1972 - 1979

DESIGNER
FMC Corporation

PRODUCTION
1982 - 1995

PRODUCERS
United States - FMC Corporation (subsequently United Defense, now BAe Systems)

QUANTITY
6.785 of all Bradley versions

UNIT COST
$ 3.166 million average unit cost

CHARACTERISTICS
Powerful armement
Good mobility
Latest versions are well armored
Limited protection in early versions

Introduction

The Bradley is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle of US origin. It was developed in the 1970s and entered service in 1981 to fulfill a variety of roles. The M2 is the standard infantry fighting version, the M3 is a cavalry fighting and reconnaissance version with the M6 Linebacker being an air defense version. The Bradley is named after general Oman N Bradley. Over time the Bradley has been continuously improved with better armor and systems.

Layout

The design of the Bradley is a further development of the AIFV. The Bradley uses a tracked chassis with the engine and drivetrain located at the front, on the right of the driver. The two man turret is located in the middle. The troop compartment is at the rear and may be accessed by the large rear ramp which also has a door in it.

Firepower

The main armament is the 25mm Bushmaster autocannon which has 300 rounds ready to fire It fires at 200 rpm may be used to engage targets out to 2.5 km. A 7.62mm M240C (MAG) machine gun is fitted as a coaxial weapon. The armament is fully stabilized and may be fired on the move. Tanks and fortified positions are engaged using the two round TOW missile launcher that is fitted on the left side of the turret. The TOW missiles have a range of 3.75 km and may only be fired while stationary.

Protection

The Bradley has spaced aluminum armor which protects the crew from small arms five and shell splinters all around and 20mm and heavy machine gun rounds over the frontal arc. From the A2 model onwards appliqué side armor was added which protects from 14.5mm rounds. The A2 and later models may also be fitted with ERA at the front and sides which protects against 30mm APDS and RPG-7 rounds. All models feature an NBC system and 2x4 smoke grenade launchers.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides the Bradley with a good all terrain performance. The Cummins 500 hp diesel engine was replaced by a 600 hp model from A2 models onwards. The maximum road speed is 61 km/h and the cruising range is 400 km. With proper preparation the Bradley is amphibious.

Users

The main user of the Bradley is the US army with over 6.300 vehicles acquired. Bradleys were also exported to Saudi Arabia. During several conflict such as the 1991 and 2001 Gulf Wars the Bradley proved to be very capable. The Bradley is expected to remain in service for many years.

M2 Bradley

The M2 Bradley is the original and most common version of the Bradley. The M2 is used to carry and accompany a section of infantry into combat. Over time the M2 was improved to increase the level of protection, mobility and digital systems.

Subvariants:
M2 Bradley: Original production version with 500 hp engine.
M2A1 Bradley: M2 with the ability to fire TOW 2 missiles and improved NBC system.
M2A2 Bradley: M2A1 with 600 hp engine and appliqué side armor, spall liners and option to fit ERA.
M2A2 ODS Bradley: M2A2 with various upgrades including battlefied management system and better navigation.
M2A3 Bradley: Extensive digital upgrade with thermal night vision systems, much improved fire controls and improved digital systems.

Specifications:
M2 Bradley
M2A2 Bradley
M2A3 Bradley

Type	Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew	3 + 6 (commander, driver, gunner, 6 infantry)
Length	6.45 m
Width	3.20 m
Height	2.97 m (overall)
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	22.8 t combat load
Ground pressure	0.55 kg/cm2
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 500 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	21.9 hp/t
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	66 km/h on road, 7 km/h in water
Fuel	746 L
Range	480 km on road
Wall	0.9 m
Trench	2.5 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg TOW launcher (2x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 900 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +59° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 2.200 rounds, 600 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	TOW launcher at left side of turret 7 missiles, 2 ready to fire -19 to +29° elevation, 15°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-

Type	Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew	3 + 6 (commander, driver, gunner, 6 infantry)
Length	6.55 m
Width	3.28 m
Height	2.97 m (overall)
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	27.0 t combat load, 30.6 t with ERA
Ground pressure	0.65 kg/cm2, 0.74 kg/cm2 with ERA
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 600 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	22.2 hp/t, 19.6 hp/t with ERA
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water
Fuel	662 L
Range	400 km on road
Wall	0.8 m
Trench	2.1 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum and appliqué side skirts, optional ERA
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg TOW-2 launcher (2x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 900 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +57° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 2.200 rounds, 600 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	TOW-2 launcher at left side of turret 7 missiles, 2 ready to fire -19 to +29° elevation, 15°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-

Type	Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew	3 + 6 (commander, driver, gunner, 6 infantry)
Length	6.55 m
Width	3.28 m
Height	2.97 m (overall)
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	29.0 t combat load, 32.7 t with ERA
Ground pressure	0.70 kg/cm2, 0.82 kg/cm2 with ERA
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 600 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	20.7 hp/t, 18.4 hp/t with ERA
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water
Fuel	662 L
Range	400 km on road
Wall	0.8 m
Trench	2.1 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum and appliqué side skirts, optional ERA
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg TOW-2 launcher (2x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 900 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +57° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 3.600 rounds, 600 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	TOW-2 launcher at left side of turret 7 missiles, 2 ready to fire -19 to +29° elevation, 15°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-

M3 Bradley

The M3 Bradley is the cavalry fighting vehicle (CFV) version of the M3 Bradley. Instead of an infantry section it transports two scouts and carries more ammunition as it is meant to support the M1 Abrams in combat. Over time the M3 has been improved in similar ways as the M2.

Subvariants:
M3 Bradley: Original production version with 500 hp engine.
M3A1 Bradley: M3 with the ability to fire TOW 2 missiles and improved NBC system.
M3A2 Bradley: M3A1 with 600 hp engine and appliqué side armor, spall liners and option to fit ERA.
M3A2 ODS Bradley: M3A2 with various upgrades including battlefied management system and better navigation.
M3A3 Bradley: Extensive digital upgrade with thermal night vision systems, much improved fire controls and improved digital systems.

Specifications:
M3 Bradley
M3A2 Bradley
M3A3 Bradley

Type	Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew	3 + 2 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 scouts)
Length	6.45 m
Width	3.20 m
Height	2.97 m (overall)
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	22.7 t combat load
Ground pressure	0.54 kg/cm2
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 500 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	22.1 hp/t
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	66 km/h on road, 7 km/h in water
Fuel	746 L
Range	480 km on road
Wall	0.9 m
Trench	2.5 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg TOW launcher (2x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 1.500 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +59° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 4.400 rounds, 600 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	TOW launcher at left side of turret 12 missiles, 2 ready to fire -19 to +29° elevation, 15°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-

Type	Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew	3 + 2 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 scouts)
Length	6.55 m
Width	3.28 m
Height	2.97 m (overall)
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	27.0 t combat load, 30.6 t with ERA
Ground pressure	0.65 kg/cm2, 0.74 kg/cm2 with ERA
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 600 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	20.7 hp/t, 18.4 hp/t with ERA
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water
Fuel	662 L
Range	400 km on road
Wall	0.8 m
Trench	2.1 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum and appliqué side skirts, optional ERA
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg TOW-2 launcher (2x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 1.500 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +57° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 4.200 rounds, 600 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	TOW-2 launcher at left side of turret 12 missiles, 2 ready to fire -19 to +29° elevation, 15°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-

Type	Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew	3 + 2 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 scouts)
Length	6.55 m
Width	3.28 m
Height	2.97 m (overall)
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	29.0 t combat load, 32.7 t with ERA
Ground pressure	0.65 kg/cm2, 0.74 kg/cm2 with ERA
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 600 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	20.7 hp/t, 18.4 hp/t with ERA
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water
Fuel	662 L
Range	400 km on road
Wall	0.8 m
Trench	2.1 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum and appliqué side skirts, optional ERA
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg TOW-2 launcher (2x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 1.500 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +57° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 4.200 rounds, 600 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	TOW-2 launcher at left side of turret 12 missiles, 2 ready to fire -19 to +29° elevation, 15°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-

M6 Bradley Linebacker

A total of 100 M2A2 ODS were converted into an air defense vehicle by replacing the two round TOW launcher with a four round Stinger launcher. The vehicle was renamed M6 Bradley Linebacker. It served as an interim solution and is now out of service.

Specifications:
M6 Bradley Linebacker

Type	Self-propelled SAM system
Crew	3 + 2 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 man Stinger team)
Length	6.55 m
Width	3.31 m
Height	2.97 m
Ground clearance	0.46 m
Weight	29.9 t combat load
Ground pressure	0.72 kg/cm2
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.91 m length, 0.53m width, 2.40 m track
Turn radius	Pivot
Engine	Cummins VTA-903T 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 600 hp at 2.600 rpm

Power ratio	20.0 hp/t
Transmission	HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Speed	61 km/h on road, 6 km/h in water
Fuel	662 L
Range	400 km on road
Wall	0.8 m
Trench	2.1 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 40% slope
Fording	Amphibious
Armor	Aluminum and appliqué side skirts, optional ERA
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes, thermal
Smoke	2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks	-
Armament	25mm M242 autocannon 7.62mm M240C coaxial mg Stinger launcher (4x)
Weapon1	25mm M242 autocannon in turret 600 rounds, 300 ready to fire -9 to +57° elevation, 60°/s powered 360° traverse, 60°/s powered stabilized in both axis
Weapon2	7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun 3.200 rounds, 400 ready to fire traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon3	Stinger launcher at left side of turret 10 missiles, 4 ready to fire powered elevation 360° traverse, 60°/s powered non-stabilized
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-