M3 Bradley

M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle
Two M3 Bradleys in the Gulf War
Type	Reconnaissance vehicle
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Wars	Gulf War 2003 invasion of Iraq
Production history
Designer	FMC Corporation (M3(A0), M3A1), United Defense (M3A2, M3A3)
Specifications
Mass	25–30.5 short tons (23–28 tonnes)
Length	21.2–21.5 ft (6.45–6.55 m)
Width	126–129 in (320–328 cm)
Height	117 in (297 cm)
Crew	3 + 2 passengers
Armor	Steel, 5083 and 7039 aluminum
Main armament	25 mm M242 Chain Gun 1500 rounds (300 ready) Dual TOW Anti-Tank Missile Launcher 12 rounds (2 in launcher)
Secondary armament	7.62 mm M240C machine gun
Engine	Cummins VTA-903
Transmission	General Electric HMPT-500
Ground clearance	18 in (46 cm)
Fuel capacity	175–197 gal (662–746 L)
Operational range	Road: 250–300 mi (480–400 km)
Maximum speed	Top road speed: 35–41 mph (56–66 km/h) Top water speed: 4–4.5 mph (6.4–7.2 km/h)

The M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (CFV) is an American tracked armored reconnaissance vehicle manufactured by BAE Systems Land and Armaments (formerly United Defense) based on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle family. The M3 CFV is used by heavy armored cavalry units in the U.S. Army.

History

The M3 Bradley was originally developed to accommodate a scout motorcycle. The idea was abandoned when it became apparent that the cycle's unprotected fuel tank could be hazardous to crewmembers.

The M3 Bradley CFV is very similar to the M2 Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) and only varies from it in a few subtle ways and by role. The M3 is classified as an armored reconnaissance and scout vehicle and does away with the firing ports as found on the M2 series. The M3 Bradley varies from the M2 in that it also handles more in the way of ammunition for its 25mm, 7.62mm and TOW missile weapons. Additionally, the M3 system is fielded with the same powerful two-man 25mm cannon turret with the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

The Bradley family as a whole was originally intended to support the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), but ended up replacing it altogether. Today, the Bradley is fielded in conjunction with the M1 Abrams series of main battle tanks and often accompanies infantry squads into combat. In the Persian Gulf War of 1991, the Bradley and her powerful 25mm cannon / TOW anti-tank missile combination accounted for more enemy tanks destroyed than that of the M1 Abrams. At least seventeen of the system were lost to friendly fire however, with only three lost to enemy fire. Improvements to the Bradley family have included enhanced identification features as well as anti-tank missile countermeasures (for first generation wire-guided missiles only) and improved armor protection in the form of ERA.

Replacement

It is the U.S Army's intention that the BCT Ground Combat Vehicle Program replace the M2 Bradley and M113 with the GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle by 2018. The M3 Bradley could later be replaced with future variants of the GCV.

Design

Countermeasures

Camouflage

Sand, Woodland, Olive Drab, Urban

Concealment

All versions are equipped with two four-barreled M257 grenade launchers on the front of the turret for creating defensive smoke screens, chaff and flares. It is also fitted with an engine smoke-generating system.

Armor

Armor for the hull and turret for all variants is Steel, 5083 and unique to the turret is 7039 aluminium. In addition the turret is strongly welded to the assembly.

NBC

The M3A1 variant introduced a gas particulate filter system.

Damage control

The M3A1 variant introduced a fire suppression system.

Mobility

The Bradley is highly capable in cross-country open terrain, in accordance with one of the main design objectives of keeping pace with the M1 Abrams main battle tank. Whereas the M113 would float without much preparation, the Bradley was initially designed to float by deploying a flotation curtain around the vehicle. This caused some drownings due to failures during its first trials. Armor upgrades have negated this capability.

Variants

M3(A0)

This model is the baseline for other models

M3A1

The M3A1 variant introduced a gas particulate filter system for NBC threats. This variant also introduced a fire suppression system.

M3A3

M3A3 model of the Bradley will facilitate enhanced command and control, greater lethality, and provide mobile protected transport of Cavalry crewmen to critical points on the battlefield.

References

• www.fas.org

External links

• www.fas.org

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