M2 Bradley

   In 1972 the US Army requested design proposal to meet a requirement for a mechanized infantry fighting vehicle. A complex series of design submissions and changing specifications followed until a Fighting Vehicle System appeared, comprising two vehicles, an IFV which became M2 Bradley and Cavalry Fighting Vehicle which became the M3. It was designed as a better armored replacement for the ageing M113 armored personnel carrier. Deliveries of the M2 Bradley commenced in 1981 and have continued since with totals approaching over 4 600 vehicles. Some 400 M2 IFV's have been exported to Saudi Arabia.

   The M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has a welded aluminum hull. Initial production variant provided protection against 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle is armed with a two-man turret, fitted with a 25-mm dual-fed Bushmaster chain gun and two TOW anti-tank guided missile launchers. There is also a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. Early models had firing ports with dedicated rifles attached. These were later removed to avoid compromising the side armor protection.

   The M2 is amphibious with the use of swim barrier and is air-transportable. Swimming capabilities can be improved by the erection of inflatable buoyancy tanks.

   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. There were three main improvement programmes - the M2A1, M2A2 and M2A3.

Variants

   M2A1, developed in 1986. It was completed with TOW-2 anti-tank guided missiles of new generation. Vehicle was fitted with explosive reactive armor panels and improved NBC protection system;

   M2A2, developed in 1988. This variant was fitted with uprated to 600 hp engine, strengthened suspension and improved armor;

   M2A3, developed in 1995. Currently this variant is considered as a standard Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. It is fitted with explosive reactive armor of new generation, navigation system and other improvements. Firing ports were removed from the hull sides due to the ERA panels. Front arc of the M2A3 protects against 25-mm armor-piercing rounds;

   M3 Bradley cavalry fighting vehicle (basically an armored reconnaissance vehicle);

   M4 command and control vehicle;

   M6 Linebacker short-range air defense vehicle, carrying four Stinger surface-to-air missiles instead of the TOW ATGW;

   M7 Bradley fire support vehicle. This variant was designed to replace forward observation vehicles;

   M270 MLRS multiple launch rocket system, based on the Bradley chassis;

   Ambulance, fitted with modified chassis and turret removed.