Fighting Vehicles: Armoured Personnel Carriers and Infantry Fighting Vehiclesfirst published 1996 by

Greenhill Books, Lionel Leventhal Limited, Park House1, Russell Gardens, London NW11 9NN

andStackpole Books, 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA

Copyright © Ray Hutchins, Merlin Publications 1996The moral right of the author has been asserted.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any formor by any means, electrical, mechanical or otherwise without first seeking the written permission of the Publisher.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication DataO'Malley, T.J..

Fighting Vehicles: Armoured Personnel Carriers and Infantry Fighting Vehicles- (Greenhill Military Manuals; No. 6)

I. Title II. Hutchins, Ray III. Series 623.7475ISBN 1-85367-211-4

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication DataO'Malley, T.J

Fighting Vehicles: Armoured Personnel Carriers and Infantry Fighting Vehiclesby T. J. O'Malley, illustrated by Ray Hutchins144p. 15cm - - (Greenhill Military Manuals)

ISBN 1-85367-211-4 (he)1. Armored vehicles, Military. 2 Tanks (Military science)

I Title. II. Series.UG 446.5.056 1995

358'.18-dc20 95-15140CIP

Typeset by Vector Publicity and CommunicationsPrinted and bound in Great Britain by

The Bath Press, Avon

IntroductionCompared to the tank, the armoured personnel carrier(APC) and the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) have had abrief history. During the Great War a few visionaries hadthe notion of using armoured vehicles to transport soldiersaround the battlefield and the first tanks were able to carrya few infantrymen, But it was not until the 1930s that thewritings of armoured warfare prophets Fuller and LiddellHart led to the first dedicated 'battlefield taxis'.

Both men forecast that future armoured warfare wouldinvolve not just tanks but specialised armoured vehicles totransport the support arms upon which the tanks woulddepend and with whom they would co-operate. The infantryneeded something better than their leg-power or road-bound trucks to maintain contact with the mobile armouredspearheads that Liddell Hart and Fuller foresaw.

At first the only nation to absorb their message wasGermany, which during the early to mid 1930s was in thethroes of a political and social revolution in the aftermath ofHitler coming to power. The concept of what was tobecome known as 'Blitzkrieg', or Lightning War, followed,based on infantry tactics devised during the Great War.This entailed the use of concentrated offensive power atone point followed by deep and rapid thrusts into theenemy rear, to disrupt and isolate opposing forces. Thetank, though ideal for this concept, had to have support,

The result was an array of armoured combat vehicleswhich covered all aspects of modern warfare fromcommunications to artillery. Among these were infantryhalf-tracks, a combination of conventional road wheels forsteering plus tracks supporting a lightly armoured openbody. Such vehicles were complicated and expensive, so

relatively few German infantry could be transported likethis into battle.

Later came the American M3 half-tracks which werechurned out in thousands. The British had their own APCs.In the late 1930s they had small tracked carriers, usuallyknown as Bren Gun or Universal Carriers, but these weremore often employed as specialised troop or teamtransporters rather than as all-purpose APCs, for they couldcarry only a few troops in an open compartment.

When land battles grew in intensity, the Allies began touse turretless tank chassis as troop carriers to ensure thatthe infantry could survive. Usually known as Kangaroos,these vehicles were old or obsolete tank chassis withlimited carrying capacity.

It was some years after 1945 before the first of what wenow recognise as APCs appeared. Initially they were littlemore than armoured boxes on tracks or wheels. Troopshad virtually no view of the outside world and could not usetheir weapons from within their armoured protection; butwere protected against enemy small arms fire andoverhead artillery bursts and could thus travel and survivebetter on the modern battlefield, This generation wastypified by the British FV432, the American M59 and (later)the Ml 13.

The Soviet Union was rather late in the APC field, Duringthe Great Patriotic War (as they called the Second WorldWar) Red Army 'tank descent' troops were carried intobattle on tank exteriors. After 1945 that procedure wasgradually discarded in favour of transport inside a well-designed APC, which became the yardstick that the Westwould follow.

Contents

Introduction

The Future

TAMSE VCTP Argentina

Steyr Pandur, Austria

Saurer 4K 4FA APC, Austria

Steyr 4K 7FA APC, Austria, Greece

BDX APC, Belgium

ENGESA EE-11 Urutu APC, Brazil

Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 25, Canada ...

Bison, Canada

WZ 501 IFV People's Republic of China

Type 77-2 APC, People's Republic of China

Type YW 531 APC, People's Rep. of China ..

YW 534 APC, People's Republic of China ...

Type WZ 551 APC and IFV

People's Republic of China

WZ 523 APC, People's Republic of China ...

5 BMP-1 IFV Former Soviet Union 38

8 BMP-2 IFV, Former Soviet Union 40

10 BMP-3 IFV, Former Soviet Union 42

12 BMD-1 ACV Former Soviet Union 44

14 BTR-50PK, Former Soviet Union 46

16 BTR-60 PB, Former Soviet Union 48

18 BTR-70 APC, Former Soviet Union 50

20 BTR-80 APC, Former Soviet Union 52

22 MT-LB Carrier, Former Soviet Union 54

24 SKOT APC, Czech Republic and Slovakia____ 56

26 Fahd APC, Egypt 58

28 APC to IFV 60

30 SISUXA-180 APC, Finland 64

32 AMX-1 OP IFV France 66

AMX VCI IFV France 68

34 Renault VAB APC, France 70

36 PanhardVCR-TT APC, France. 72

Panhard M3 APC, France 74

Panhard Buffalo APC,France 76

Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs APC, Germany 78

ThyssenUR-416, Germany 80

IFVTactics 82

Thyssen Henschel Condor APC, Germany __ 86

Marder 1 IFV, Germany 88

VCC-80 IFV, Italy 90

Fiat 6614 APC, Italy 92

Type 73 AFC, Japan 94

Type SU 60 APC, Japan 96

Korean IFV South Korea 98

Ratel IFV, South Africa 100

CasspirAPC, South Africa 102

Mamba APC, South Africa 104

BMR 3560 50 APC, Spain 106

BLR APC, Spain.. . 108

Combat Vehicle 90 IFV Sweden 110

Pansarbandvagn 302 APC, Sweden 112

MOWAG Piranha, Switzerland 114

Warrior MCV UK 116

FV103 Spartan APC, UK 120

Stormer APC, UK 122

Saxon APC, UK 124

SimbaAPC, UK 126

Shorland S 55 APC, UK 128

Bradley M2 IFV USA 130

FMC Armored IFV USA 132

M113APC, USA 134

AAV7A1 Amphibious APC, USA 136

LVTP5A1 Amphibious APC, USA 138

Dragoon APC, USA 140

Cadillac Gage LAV-150 ST, USA 142

Glossary _ 144

The FutureThere is no firm line of thought as to which path the nextgenerations of APCs and IFVs might take, There seems tobe a general reluctance to follow the usual tank path of'larger and heavier' for the design limits of the armouredinfantry vehicles appear to have been reached. Some IFVs(such as the German Marder 1) already resemble lighttanks and certainly weigh as much. To emphasise this pointthere are already some IFVs being considered as platformsfor low recoil 105 mm guns originally intended formounting on tanks. While such upgrades will remove suchheavily-armed vehicles from the IFV category the fact thatsuch an option is available demonstrates how the IFV/APChas grown from a mobile armoured box to a powerfularmoured combat vehicle.

No firm preference for tracks over wheels has emerged,Both have established their place on the battlefield, Tracksmay provide more mobility but wheels are less complexand expensive and, in general terms, more suited to longrange operations, (The South African Ratel, with anoperational range of of some 1,000km, is a good exampleof the latter.)

There seems to be a general acceptance that protectionlevels will have to increase to counter ever-growing threatsthat ATGWs and close-in infantry anti-armour weapons canproduce but a point will be reached where the weightsimposed by thick armoured carapaces will seriouslyimpede performance. However, relatively lightweight non-metallic armours are already in service and furtherdevelopments in this area are to be expected.

There will almost certainly be firepower enhancements.The current IFV armament calibre bracket is from 20 to30 mm. As armoured protection increases gun calibres willneed to grow accordingly, There are several avenues ofthought on this subject, The Swedes have already adopted40 mm gun as the main armament for their CV 90 IFV

while in both France and the UK consideration is beinggiven to a 45 mm gun firing low volume cased telescopedammunition (CTA) more than capable of destroying anyfuture opposition IFV. For yet another indication of currentfire enhancement approaches, the Bradley 25 mm cannonperformance has recently been greatly improved by theintroduction of more powerful kinetic energy ammunition,delaying any need for weapon replacement for theforeseeable future.

While on this subject, the missile will not completelyreplace gun armaments for the gun has demonstrated that itcan be a far more versatile, economic and effectiveprojectile delivery system than the expensive one-shotguided missile.

It may well emerge that models such as the M2/M3Bradley, Warrior, Pandur and Piranha will remain theyardsticks of IFV/APC development for some time to come,However, that does not mean that their forms will remainfixed. We are already into the second generation of IFVswhich, in general terms, have enhanced performance firecontrol systems, the option of add-on armour, advanceddrive trains and suspensions, and better all-round crewprotection (such as engine compartment fire suppression)and high performance communications systems. The latestBradleys are very different visually and mechanically fromthe original models.

The IFV is not completely replacing the APC. There isstill a requirement for dedicated APCs for many tasks, notthe least being for the many support arms who providespecialist teams such as combat engineers, signallers,recovery and repair specialists, medical services and soforth, most of which are covered in this book. For manysuch roles protected internal space is still more importantthan external firepower so the APC still has a long futureahead.

Above: A vision of the future - troops leaving a future French 8x8 IFV design armedwith a 30 mm cannon.

Below: A glance into the future, the proposed French - British 45 mm gun designed tofire CTA ammunition and destined for the next generation oflFVs. Above: The way ahead, examples of the

45 mm CTA rounds with the projectiletotally enclosed within the propellant.

TAMSE VCTP ArgentinaAlthough allocated under Argentinathe TAMSE VCTP was originally aGerman development, the firm ofThyssen having been awarded a1974 contract by the Argentiniangovernment for the development ofa 105 mm gun tank and an IFV usingthe same basic chassis and hull.

Argentinian development andproduction of the VCTP IFV and itsvariants was erratic due to the stateof the local economy to the pointwhen production in Argentina wasterminated after 350 examples(of all types, including the tank variant)out of a planned 500 plus had beencompleted.

The basic VCTP IFV is essentiallysimilar in layout to the GermanMarder but simplified andmodified to meet Argentinian Armyrequirements and has a more powerful720 hp MTU diesel power pack.

The main armament is carried ina two-man power-operated turretarmed with a 20 mm Oerlikon cannonand an externally mounted 7.62 mmMG for air and local defence,

A further 7.62 mm MG is locatedin a remotely-controlled mounting

over the hull rear. This MG is controlledfrom within the troop compartmentwhich can accommodate up to tensoldiers and their personal equipment.The troops enter and leave the vehiclevia a door in the hull rear andthere are also roof hatches.

Firing ports and vision devicesare located around the troopcompartment for use by theoccupants, Four smoke grenadelaunchers are mounted each sideofthehull, An essentially similarcommand post variant has provision

for only six inthe troop compartmentand lacks a turret, as does a 120 mmmortar carrier version (the VCTM)which has a crew of five.

An ARV version was produced inprototype form and only two155 mm self-propelled guns (theVGA) were produced. The VCLCMRL was intended to fire 160 or350 mm artillery rockets from pre-loaded 'packs' but only prototypeswere completed for testing beforeproduction ceased,

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 28,000 kgLength: 6.83 mWidth: 3.32 mHeight: 2.68mGround clearance: 0.45 mTrack: 2.62 mMax speed: (road) 80 km/hFuel capacity: 640 + 400 litresRange: 590 + 350 km

Fording: 1.5mVertical obstacle: 1 mEngine: MTU MB 833 V6 dieselPower output: 720 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 20 mm cannon, 2 x 7.62 mmmachine gunsVariants: VCPC command post, VCRTARV, VCLC MRL, VCTM mortar carrier,VGA self-propelled gun

The VCTPIFV, the Argentinian-built versionof the German Marder travelling throughheavy mud.

Steyr Pandur AustriaThe Steyr-Daimler-Puch Pandur is a6 x 6 configuration wheeled combatvehicle (6 x 4 on roads) which can onlybe described as multi-purpose for itwas developed to fulfil a wide variety ofcombat roles, with all variants sharing thesame automotive components,

Developed as a private venture, thefirst example appeared in 1985. Since thena series of pre-production variants havebeen produced to demonstrate a numberof roles, from unarmed ambulance tovarious turreted models mountingweapons from 12.7 mm MGs to 30 mmcannon.

The base model Pandur APC does nothave a turret, although firing ports for theoccupants' weapons can be provided inthe hull sides, while two doors for thepassengers are provided at the rear;there are also roof hatches.

An Austrian Army APC variant, the firstPandur production model ordered in1994 and intended for United Nationsduties, has a raised rear hull roof toincrease internal head space for theeight troops carried, plus an externallymounted and protected 12.7 mm BrowningM2 MG over the commander's cupola;the initial order was for 68 units although

the final totals for this variant could be muchhigher.

Turreted versions of the Pandur areseveral, one being the MICV127 carryinga one-man turret armed with one 12.7 andone 7.62 mm MG, while another modelhas been demonstrated carrying a twoman turret armed with a Mauser 30 mmcannon.

A fire support version has been armedwith various types of 90 mm gunintended for the support of armouredreconnaissance units. The all-steelwelded hull configuration (two hulllengths are available) allows the Pandur

to be configured for many roles, typicalweapon fits being an 81 mm mortarfiring through hull roof hatches, an anti-tank guided missile turret, or an airdefence gun or missile turret.

An ARV model is under developmentas is a command vehicle, along withcarriers for various electronic warfare(EW) suites or similar specialised systems.Firm orders for these latter variants haveyet to be placed although they areanticipated.

Licence production in Greece isplanned.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 8Weight: (combat) 13,000 kgLength: 5.7 mWidth: 2 .5mHeight: (hull) 1.82 mGround clearance: 0.43 mTrack: 2.148mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: 295 litresRange: 600 kmFording: 1.2 mVertical obstacle: 0.5 mEngine: Steyr WD olieselPower output: 260 hpSuspension: independentArmament: see textVariants: APC, MICV 127, fire supportvehicle, mortar carrier, missile carrier,ambulance, command, etc.

7!he Steyr Pandur configured as a reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 90 mm gun.

Saurer 4K 4FA APC AustriaThe first prototype of theSaurer 4K 4FA series was producedin 1958, to be followed by a series of'product improved' prototypes whichdiffered mainly in having increasinglypowerful engines until the 250 hp 4K 4FAseries emerged.

The series remained in productionuntil 1969 by which time Saurer hadbeen taken over by Steyr-Daimler-Puchand a series of variants with designationsof bewildering complexity hadappeared; the final production totalwas 445, all of them going to the AustrianArmy

The base vehicle is a turretless APCbased on a well-sloped welded steel hullwith the front plates proof against 20 mmprojectiles and with internal provisionfor eight soldiers plus the two-mancrew (commander and driver); themain armament is a 12.7 mm BrowningM2 MG over the commander's cupolawhile 7.62 mm MGs can be mountedon various roof locations close to thetroop compartment roof hatches.

A close variant has a small turretarmed with a 20 mm Oerlikon cannonwhich can be used against ground and

air targets, An 81 mm mortar carrier,converted from APCs, fires throughopen roof hatches and there is also arocket launcher variant launchingOerlikon magazine-fed 81 mm rocketsfrom two barrels mounted on a turntable.

At least four special-purpose modelsexist, fitted out for high levelcommanders, air defence orartillery commanders, or variouscommunications equipments. Thereis also an unarmed ambulance model,

Several experimental models, suchas a 120 mm mortar carrier and a

flamethrower model, were notproceeded with.

All the 4K 4FA variants tend todemonstrate their age by their lack ofNBC protection systems for theoccupants and crew, no provision fornight vision equipment (other thanhand-held units) and by not beingamphibious. However, despite havingbeen superseded by the Steyr 4K 7FAseries (see following entry) there areplans to upgrade the 4K 4FA units toenable them to remain operational untilthe late 1990s at least.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 8Weight: (combat, 20 mm turret) 15,000 kgLength: 5.4mWidth: 2 .5mHeight: (hull) 1.65mGround clearance: 0.42 mTrack: 2.12mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: 184 litresRange:370 kmFording: 1 m

Vertical obstacle: 0.8 mEngine: Sauer Model 4FA dieselPower output: 250 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MG or 20 mmcannonVariants: see text

Side view of the Saurer 4K4FAAPC.

Steyr 4K 7FA APC Austria, GreeceThe Steyr 4K 7FA series may beregarded as an updated version of theSaurer 4K 4FA (see previous entry) andis provided with extra armour, a morepowerful engine and other changes,

The overall layout and appearance ofthe 4K 7FA are very similar to the earliermodel but detail changes include theprovision of a collective NBC system,improved internal ventilation and anautomatic fire prevention system.

The first example, the 4K 7FA G12 7,appeared in 1976, with productioncommencing the following year, This isthe base APC model carrying two crewand eight troops. It is armed with a12,7 mm Browning MG over thecommander's cupola and there are ball-type firing ports in the walls of the troopcompartment to allow the occupants toutilise their personal weapons, There isalso an arrangement which allows7.62 mm MGs to be fired from aroundthe open roof hatches. Variants follow thesame general lines as the 4K 4FA seriesand include an 81 mm mortar carrier, acommand version with extra radios andother command equipment, and anunarmed armoured ambulance for two

stretcher cases plus four seated casualties.Various other models have been

produced in one-off form, including onewith a 30 mm cannon one-man turret,various 20 and 30 mm air defence gunsystems, and a fire support vehicle witha 90 mm gun turret.

Unlike the previous model, the4K 7FA has achieved a degree of exportsuccess with sales to Bolivia (6) andNigeria (170), The vehicle is licenceproduced in Greece where it is knownas the Leonidas.

About 200 units have been produced

by ELBO for the Greek Army, plus afurther undetermined quantity for Cyprus.

The Leonidas has been triafled carryinga number of turret designs mounting25 mm cannon as a possible solution toa Greek Army requirement for an AIFV.

Trials have also been conducted witha Leonidas carrying a 90 mm gun turret.

The outcome of these trials has yet tobe announced.

Production in Austria has ceased butcould be restarted if further ordersmaterialise.

Production is still under way in Greece.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 8Weight: (combat) 14,800kgLength: 5.87 mWidth: 2.5 mHeight: 1.61 mGround clearance: 0.42 mTrack: 2.12mMax speed: (road) 70 km/hFuel capacity: 360 litresRange: 520 kmFording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.8 mEngine: Steyr 7FA turbo dieselPower output: 320 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 12.7 mm MG or 20 mmcannonVariants: See text, Leonidas APC

TTie Leonidas, the license-produced version of the Steyr 4K 7FA APC.

BOX APC BelgiumThe BDX APC is the result of a licenceagreement between Beherman Demoen ofBelgium and an Irish holding company tomanufacture the Timoney 4x4 wheeled APCin Belgium. The result, the BDX, firstproduced in 1977, is based on an Irishdesign which has been produced in Irelandin limited numbers for the Irish Army. TheBelgian BDX has been produced for boththe Belgian Air Force (43) and the StateGendarmerie (80), while a further fivehave been supplied to Argentina.

While the BDX is essentially similar tothe Timoney some changes were introducedto suit Belgian requirements. The basicBDX APC does not have a turret, being anarmoured steel hull with access doors in the

sides and rear. The troop compartment canaccommodate up to 10 occupants, allprovided with individual seating; an NBCcollective protection or air conditioningsystem can be added,

Some vehicles have a small dozerblade at the front for obstacle clearing.One unusual feature of the BDX is that,despite its bulk, it is amphibious, propulsionwhen in the water being supplied fromthe wheels although water jet units canbe fitted to improve performance, A totalof 13 of the Belgian Gendarmerie vehiclesare fitted with an 81 mm mortar firing to therear through roof hatches, It is also possibleto instal a small turret on the forward hullroof to accommodate either one or two

7.62 mm MGs. Other turreted weaponscould include 20 mm cannon, a breech-loaded 81 mm mortar, or a 90 mm gun.

Various other variants have beenproposed, including turreted anti-tankmissile-carriers, an ambulance and a51 mm MRL, A diesel engine has beentested as a possible option.

Since the BDX entered service numerousmodifications and improvements, such asa revised suspension to allow greaterweights to be carried and a revised fronthull to provide the driver with more space,have been incorporated into an upgradedmodel known as the Valkyr. This variant isnow produced in the United Kingdom byVickers Defence Systems.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: up to 10Weight: (combat) 10,700 kgLength: 5.05mWidth: 2.5 mHeight: (hull) 2.06 mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 1.93mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: 248 litresRange: up to 900 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.4 mEngine: Chrysler V-8 petrolPower output: 180 hpSuspension: independentArmament: see textVariants: Timoney, Valkyr - also see text

A Belgian manufactured version of the BOX.

ENGESA EE-11 Urutu APC BrazilAt one time it seemed very likely that theBrazilian EE-11 Urutu APC would becomeone of the most numerous of all currentmilitary vehicles.

First run out by ENGESA during 1970,the Brazilian Army placed an order andfrom 1974 onwards further orders camein from all around the world, one of themost significant being a large order fromIraq,

Based around components alsoemployed in the design of theENGESA EE-9 armoured car,including the 'boomerang' rearsuspension, the EE-11 Urutu is a simpleand unsophisticated 6 x 6 design with aspacious passenger compartment enteredthrough a single door at the rear;troop loads can vary from 8 to 12 and roofhatches are provided.

Although relatively bulky the vehicleis amphibious. The Urutu was designedto be a relatively low cost APC capableof being produced in a variety of formsfrom the basic APC with only 7.62 or12.7 mm MGs for armament to a firesupport vehicle armed with an ENGESA90 mm gun. Other armaments haveincluded turreted 60 mm breech-loadedmortars and 20 or 25 mm cannon. Also

produced have been 81 mm mortarcarriers, command versions with extraradios, ambulance models with a raisedroof to increase internal space, and avariant capable of recovering andrepairing damaged or stranded vehicles.

There was also an armoured cargocarrier capable of carrying 2 tonnes ofammunition or other front line suppliesin the seatless troop compartment. Aninternal security/riot control model witha front-mounted obstacle-clearing dozerblade was also produced, some beingordered by Jordan.

Exports to nations as disparate as

Angola, Cyprus, Libya and Venezuelawere made, the latter nation aloneordering 100 units.

In all some 17 nations ordered theUrutu in one form or another, However,with the end of the Iran-Iraq war, one ofthe largest customers, Iraq, was nolonger in the market. ENGESAsubsequently contracted financialdifficulties and production of all ENGESAvehicles and other defence productsceased.

EE-11 Urutu APC

Specification

Crew: 1 or 2Seating: up to 12Weight: (combat) 14,000 kgLength: 6.1 mWidth: 2.65mHeight: (huU) 2.125mGround clearance: 0.38 mTrack: 2 .2mMax speed: (road) 10S km/hFuel capacity: 380 litresRange: 850 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.6 mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T dieselPower output: 260 hpSuspension: front independent, rear,boomerangArmament: see textVariants: Many - see text

The Brazilian Urutu 6x6 APC seen here armed with a 12.7mm MG.

Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 25 CanadaThe Light Armored Vehicle, or LAV, is an8x8 variant of the MOWAG Piranha licenceproduced by General Motors of Canada forthe US Marine Corps, the US Army, Australia(who obtained 15 before ordering theBison) and Saudi Arabia.

The LAV closely follows the overalllayout of the Swiss Piranha, as do the6x6 Canadian armed forces models whichare named the Husky. The total of 7588x8 LAVs for the US Marine Corps includethe LAV-25 APC with a 25 mm cannon ina turret, the LAV(R) recovery vehicle, theLAV(L) supply carrier, the LAV(M)81 mm mortar carrier, the LAV(C) commandvehicle and the LAV(AT) with TOW anti-tankmissiles carried on a roof-mounted twin

missile launcher. Other proposed LAVvariants for the Saudi Arabian NationalGuard order (which stands at a total of1,117 of all types) include a 120 mm mortarcarrier (probably with a breech-loadedmortar in a turret), an air defence versionwith a combined gun and missile armament,and an assault gun carrying a 90 mm gun;a 105 mm tank gun version of the latter hasbeen proposed. From these initial modelshave emerged a host of others with the basicLAVs capacious hull being configured,for example, to accommodate electronicwarfare (EW) suites while others areequipped as long range reconnaissancevehicles. There has even been a proposed'disrupter' version to clear unexploded

ordnance from airfields but the developmentfunds were withdrawn. An NBCreconnaissance version has been producedbut was not proceeded with. LAVs inservice have undergone some modificationand armour-increase projects involvingarmour tiles.

Further enhancement programmesmay include increased tyre widths withtyre chains to enable them to cross soft terrainor beaches, and (possibly) an increase inengine output. LAVs are air-transportableand have been para-dropped. Many sawaction in Grenada and during OperationDesert Storm.

For details of the visually similar Bison,refer to the following entry.

IAV25

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 6Weight: (combat) 12,792 kgLength: 6.393 mWidth: 2 .5mHeight: 2.7 mGround clearance: 0 39 mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: 204 litresRange: 668 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5 mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T dieselPower output: 275 hpSuspension: independentArmament: 1 x 25 mm cannon,

lx7.62mmMGVariants: Many (see text), including Bison

The LAV-25IFV, base model of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family.

Bison CanadaThe Bison is a Canadian-developed8 x 8 variant of the MOWAG Piranhaproduced in Canada as the 8x8 LightArmored Vehicle (LAV -see previousentry). Developed within the very shorttime scale of seven days by GeneralMotors of Canada, the first Bisonappeared in 1988 with productioncommencing the following year.

The main customer to date hasbeen the Canadian Armed Forces whoordered 199 for the Militia, with Australiaordering a further 97. About 12 havebeen loaned to the US National Guardto support anti-drug operations.

The Bison follows the same generallines as the 6x6 Piranha but with manydetail differences, the main one beinga rail system along the floor whichallows entire suites of equipment tobe removed or installed within a shorttime to permit the base vehicle to beused for many roles.

As an APC the Bison can carryeight troops but the seatingarrangements can slide out through

the large power-operated ramp at therear and be replaced with one of severalalternatives. These include a commandpost with extra radios and othercommand equipment, and an 81 mmmortar platform with ammunition racking.One variant without the quick-changeinstallations forms what is termed aMobile Repair Team, This variant hasa two-man crew provided with variousvehicle repair tools, spare and otherequipment while on the roof is ahydraulic crane for the recovery oflight vehicles or to lift engine packs.

Australian Bison variants includeambulances and what are termedsurveillance vehicles, the latter beingused to patrol large areas of outback orcoastline, Although the armament of mostCanadian Bisons is limited to a7.62 mm MG over the commander'shatch, plus the occupants' weapons,some Australian Bisons have a 25 mmcannon in a small turret. The Bisoncan be rendered fully amphibious afterabout two minutes preparation.

Bison

Specifications:

Crew: 2Seating: 8Weight: (combat) 12,395 kgLength: 6.452 mWidth: 2.5mHeight: 2.21mGround clearance: 0.39 mTrack: not knownMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: variableRange: 665 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: up to 0.5 mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V53T dieselPower output: 275 hpSuspension: independentArmament: 7.62 mm MGVariants: See text

The base model APC version of the Canadian Bison.

WZ501 IFV People's Republic of ChinaThe Soviet BMP-1 IFV (qv) became one ofthe most influential of Soviet post-wararmoured vehicle designs, having beeneither directly copied or licence-producedby several countries, a typical example ofthe latter being the Romanian MLI-84.The Chinese also decided to producethe type but their starting point wasreportedly a BMP-1 supplied to Chinavia Egypt. Once acquired, the originalwas dismantled and copied, with variouslocal modifications being introduced to meetlocal requirements and manufacturingmethods, The end result, the Type WZ 501IFV, thus visually resembles the BMP-1 butthere are numerous detail differencesbetween the two.

The base Type WZ 501 retains thesame 73 mm low velocity gun and locally-produced 9K11 Malyutka-derived anti-tank missile armament as the Sovietoriginal, along with the same crampedinternal layout while the later TypeWZ 501A has a more effective 25 mmcannon and a co-axial 7.62 mm MG in aturret identical to that employed on the TypeWZ 551 APC (qv). The revised TypeWZ 503 changed things around with seatsalong the hull walls (in the Type WZ 501the troops are seated centrally, back-to-back, to face outwards); the armamentis limited to an externally mounted12,7 mm MG. The Type WZ 504 has aturret-like housing mounting four Red

Arrow anti-tank missiles.The Type WZ 505 is an armoured

ambulance with a two-man crew, airconditioning, a raised superstructure roofand internal accommodation for fourstretchers.

The Type WZ 506 is a Type WZ 501configured as a command post vehicle, Onefurther derivative, the NFV-1, used a TypeWZ 501 chassis allied to an American-designed turret armed with a 25 mmcannon - it did not pass the prototypestage. Despite some marketing attemptsthe Type WZ 501 series was not soldoutside China and is used only by theChinese armed forces.

WZ 501 IFV

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 8Weight: (combat) 13,300kgLength: 6.74 mWidth: 2.97mHeight: 2.158mGround clearance: 0.38 mTrack: approx 2 .7mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: approx 450 litresRange: approx 500 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: up to 0.8 mEngine: Type 6V-150 dieselPower output: 298 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 73 mm gun, 1 x 7.62 mmMG, IxATGW launcherVariants: Types WZ 501A, 503, 504, 505,506

Rear view of a Type WZ 503IFV, one of the vehicles in the Chinese type WZ 501IFV family.

Type 77-2 APC People's Republic of ChinaThe Type 77 tracked APC wasmanufactured by China North Industries,universally known as NORINCO, Itoriginated as a copy of the Soviet BTR-50P APC but the Type 77 versiondisplays numerous differences and ispowered by a more powerful dieselengine which imparts a better all-round performance; many of theType 77's components are also used forthe Type 63 light tank.

The layout of the Type 77 is simpleand basic, with the crew compartmentforward, the main troop-carryingcompartment in the centre and theengine compartment at the rear; the 16troops carried enter and leave via roofhatches, Armament is limited to a singleunprotected 12,7 mm MG located overthe commander's roof hatch but thereare firing ports for some of the occupantsalong the hull sides.

The Type 77 is fully amphibiousfollowing minimal preparation, propulsiononce in the water being provided by twinwater jets located at the rear.

As well as being configured as anAPC the empty Type 77 may beemployed as a forward area load carrieror fuel supply vehicle, With a specialartillery variant known as theType 77-1 the roof may be used tocarry a 122 mm field howitzer or an85mm anti-tank gun, their crews anda quantity of ammunition. The pieces areloaded onto the roof from the rear viathree ramps which can be carriedslung along the hull sides when not inuse.

A Type 77-2 carries artillery

ammunition and may act as an artillerytractor.

The base Type 77 is also employedin a modified non-amphibious form tocarry the HQ-2J surface-to-air missile,a copy of the old Soviet SA-2.

Other Type 77 variants include anarmoured ambulance and the usualcommand and control version providedwith extra radios.

Production of the Type 77 ceasedsome years ago and the series remainsin service only with the Chinese Army

77-2 APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 16Weight: (combat) approx 15,500 kgLength: 7.4mWidth: 3.2 mHeight: 2.436 mGround clearance: approx 0.3 mTrack: 2.8 mMax speed: (road) 60 km/hFuel capacity: 416 litresRange: 370 km

Fording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.87 mEngine: Type 12150L-2AdieselPower output: 400 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MGVariants: Type 77-1 and 77-2; see text

TheType 77APC, the Chinese version of theformer Soviet Union BTR-50PK.

Type YW 531 APC People's Republic of ChinaDevelopment of the Type YW 531

APC commenced during the late 1960sand was an entirely Chinese projectinvolving German Deutz diesel powerpacks. This vehicle has been known byother designations such as K-63 orType 63 and at one time was known inthe West as the M1967 from the first yearin which it was observed. The overalldesign is basic, being little more thanan armoured steel box on tracks. Thereare only four road wheels each side butthe cross country performance is statedto be excellent and the overall designis robust and adaptable, even if somerefinements such as an NBC protectionsystem are absent.

Apart from large scale service withthe Chinese armed forces theType YW 531 has seen action withthe North Vietnamese Army with Zaireforces in Angola, and with the TanzanianArmy against Uganda. A batch wasalso delivered to Iraq at one point.

Other nations known to be usingthe Type YW 531 include Albania, the

Sudan and North Korea. As an APCthe YW 531 series is armed with asingle external 12.7 mm MG, althoughonly one sub-version provides anyprotection for the gunner. Various sub-variants with differing communicationsuites have been observed (TypesYW 531C, D and E, all APCs). TheType YW 701 is a command postvehicle while the Type YW 304 isan 82 mm mortar carrier; the TypeYW 381 carries a 120 mm mortar. Amuch revised and longer variant knownas the Type 54-1 self-propelled howitzer

carries a 122 mm artillery piece whileanother artillery variant, theType 70 MRL, carries a 19-barrel rocketlauncher array The basic APC maybe fitted with a small turret carrying fourRed Arrow anti-tank missiles ready tolaunch plus further reload missilesinside the hull.

Other variants, such as a propagandavehicle with loudspeakers, areknown to exist. Production of the TypeYW 531 has now ceased in favour of theType YW 534 (next entry).

Specification:(Type YW S31C)Crew: 2Seating: 13Weight: (combat) 12,600 kgLength: 5.475 mWidth: 2.978mHeight: (hull top) 1.887 mGround clearance: 0.45 mTrack: 2.464mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: 450 litresRange:500 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.6 mEngine: Deutz BF8L413F dieselPower output: 320 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MGVariants: See text

Type YW 531 APCs during the final phases of an infantry attack.

YW 534 APC People's Republic of ChinaThe tracked Type YW 534 APC is

understood to be the successor to theType YW 531 series (see previousentry) and the type has many designdetails in common with the verysimilar Type 531 H APC (also knownas the Type 85), some of which havebeen sold to Thailand, but theType YW 534 is slightly larger overall.Both are manufactured by NORINCObut are powered by German Deutzdiesels,

The base model of theType YW 534 is fully amphibiouswith propulsion once in the waterbeing provided by the tracks.Troops enter the vehicle via a singledoor in the hull rear, Once insidethere are several ball-and-socketfiring ports for the occupants, onebeing in the entry door, andperiscopes are provided to allowobservation of the outside world bythe crew compartment occupants.

A collective NBC protection systemis provided for both the crew and

occupants. The main armament on theType YW 534 APC remains a single12.7 mm MG located over a forwardroof hatch for air and local defence.

On the Type YW 307 IFV a variantof the Type YW 534, the mainarmament is increased to an externallymounted 25 mm cannon with acoaxial 7.62 mm MG. Inside theType YW 307 IFV the number oftroops carried is reduced to seven(plus the driver and commander)although the combat weight isincreased to 15,400 kg. There is also

a Red Arrow anti-tank guided missilejcarrier variant of the Type YW 534Jwhich carries over the same four-jmissile turret launching arrangementsias the earlier Type 531 (qv); extraimissiles are carried inside the hull forireloading once the turret hasibeen lowered into the raised roof|superstructure over the rear hull.

As far as is known theType YW 534 is in service only withjthe Chinese Army.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 13Weight: (combat) 14,300 kgLength: 6.15mWidth: 3.134mHeight: (hull top) 1.88 mGround clearance: 0.48 mTrack: 2.626 mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: not knownRange:500 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.7 mEngine: Deutz BF8L413F dieselPower output: 320 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MGVariants: YW 307 IFV; see also text

The external 25 mm cannon marks this IFV as the YW 307, the IFV model of theType YW 534 family.

Type WZ 551 APC and IFV People's Republic of ChinaThe Type WZ 551 series of wheeledAPCs and IFVs was first shown inprototype form by NORINCO in 1986.At that time many observed that theoverall design resembled that of theFrench Renault VAB (qv) but subsequentinvestigations have shown that althoughthere may have been some Frenchinfluence the Type WZ 551 has manydifferences in overall dimensions,weights and many other aspects.

To date only 6x6 configurations ofthe Type WZ 551 have been observedalthough it has been stated that 4x4 and8x8 versions are under development.The overall layout and form of the TypeWZ 551 follows that of the VAB, with onevariant, the NGV-1 IFV, being fittedwith a French Giat Industries one-manturret mounting a 25 mm cannon. Themore usual IFV armament is a 25 mmcannon on an external turret mounting,the same mounting being also used onthe Type YW 307 IFV (see previousentry) and the Type WZ 501A (qv).Other weapon installations have included

the 73 mm low velocity gun turret fromthe Type WZ 501 IFV base model (qv),The base model Type WZ 551 APC,which is amphibious, is armed with asingle 12.7 mm MG and can carry upto 11 fully equipped troops.

One variant, which may alreadyhave seen combat, has been reportedto be in service with the Bosnian Armyin small numbers. This is an anti-tankvehicle carrying four Red Arrow missileson a small launcher turret; groundmountings are carried for off-vehicle

launching. One further variant on alengthened 6x6 chassis is understoodto mount a self-propelled 122 mmhowitzer; this extended chassis hasalso been proposed as a mobile airdefence gun mounting,

The Type WZ 551 APC and 25 mmcannon IFV are understood to be inservice with the Chinese armed forcesand will doubtless be joined by othermodels as they emerge.

Type WZ 551 APC and IFV

Specification

(25mmIFV)Crew:3(2onAPC)Seating: 9 (11 onAPC)Weight: (combat) 15,300 kgLength: 6.65 mWidth: 2.8mHeight: (hull top) 1.95 mGround clearance: 041 mTrack: 2.44mMax speed: (road) 85 km/hFuel capacity: not knownRange: approx 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: Deutz BF8L413F dieselPower output: 256 hpSuspension: coil springsArmament: 1x25 mm cannon;1 x7.62mmMGVariants: See text

Side view of the NORINCO Type WZ SSI wheeled APC.

WZ 523 APC People's Republic of ChinaWhen the Type WZ 523 wheeled APCwas first displayed in public in late1984 there were many observationsregarding its design origins for itclosely resembles the South AfricanRatel (qv).

As with the Type WZ 551 APC/IFV(previous entry), these similarities aremisleading for there are manydifferences from the Ratel on the 6x6Type WZ 523, one being the drivingposition, On the Ratel this is a one-mancentral position while on theType WZ 523 the driver sits next to thecommander.

The location of the main roof-locatedweapon station also differs and on theType WZ 523 is further back, limited(on the base model at least) to a single12.7mmMG,

There are many other detaildifferences, especially in the lowerhull shapes, so the Type WZ 523can probably lay claim to being ahome-based Chinese design withonly slight influence from elsewhere.

When it was first observed thisvehicle was given the Westerndesignation of M1984 APC and manyAmerican references still use this title,

The Type WZ 523 is a SecondAutomobile Plant product (although itis marketed by NORINCO) which todate has only been observed in APCform, carrying up to ten fully equippedtroops who enter their compartmentvia a single door in the hull rear; roofhatches are provided.

The vehicle is fully amphibious

after a trim vane has been raised on thehull front. Once in the water propulsionat speeds up to 7 km/h is provided bytwo water jets in the hull rear. Thebasic APC could be readily convertedfor the command vehicle or armouredambulance roles, as well as to turretlessmortar or anti-tank missile carriers.

As far as is known the Type WZ 523APC is in service only with the ChineseArmy and is understood to be still inproduction.

WZ 523 APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 11,200 kgLength: 6.02 mWidth: 2.55mHeight: (overall) 2.73 mGround clearance: approx 0.3 mTrack: not knownMax speed: (road) 80 km/hFuel capacity: 255 litresRange: 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: approx 0.5mEngine: EQ 6105 petrolPower output: 165 hpSuspension: independentArmament: 1x12.7 mm MGVariants: None known - see text

One of the few shots available of theType WZ 523 wheeled APV, seen here onparade in Beijing.

BMP-1 IFV Former Soviet UnionThe BMP-1 was first shown publicly in1967 and created quite a stir in theWest by its apparent combination ofmobility and gun/missile firepower.Time was to demonstrate that, despiteits many innovations, the BMP-1 was notthe wonder vehicle it first appearedto be for its low silhouette had to be paidfor by a cramped interior for theoccupants and the main armamentwas not as powerful as was at firstthought. The armament emerged as amagazine fed low velocity 73 mm gunwith poor accuracy at longer ranges anda barrel-mounted 9K11 wire-guidedmissile with an indifferent performance- on many later models the missile wascompletely removed.

But in its day the BMP-1 was thevehicle that others were measured byand the type was churned out inthousands in the former Soviet Union andCzechoslovakia.

From those two nations sprang awhole host of variants to meet justabout every combat requirement fromartillery observation to armouredengineering vehicle (AEV).

Many vehicles were fitted with extraarmour or had more powerful enginesinstalled, while the Chinese producedtheir WZ 501 copy (qy). BMP-1 s wereexported to many nations and remainin service in large numbers, havingseen combat in Afghanistan, the MiddleEast (including the Iran-Iraq War),

Chad and Angola.In all these areas the BMP-1 proved

to be a rugged, serviceable vehicle butthe limited internal dimensions werealways a drawback, despite the provisionof two rear entry doors, roof hatches,firing ports and other measures whichmade the BMP-la true infantry fightingvehicle,

There have been many detailchanges during the BMP-1 's productionlife and, despite production havingceased, new variants continue to appear,one of the latest being a Czech NBCreconnaissance vehicle; many of thesevariants are purely local modificationsto meet some local need.

BMP-1 IFV

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 8Weight: (combat) approx 13,500 kgLength: 6.74 mWidth: 2 94 mHeight: (overall) 2.15 mGround clearance: 0.39 mTrack: 2.75mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: 460 litresRange: approx 600 kmFording: amphibious

Vertical obstacle: 0.8mEngine: Type UTD-20 dieselPower output: 300 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 73 mm gun; 1 x 7.62 mmMG;9K11ATGWVariants: Many - see text

The IFV which startled the West: the BMP-1armed with a 73 mm gun, an ATCW andthe crew's personal weapons.

BMP-2 IFV Former Soviet UnionThe BMP-2 IFV first appeared in the late1970s and may be regarded as a 'productimproved' BMP-1 (previous entry), Manyof the drawbacks of the BMP-1 wereeliminated, the most obvious being thereplacement of the BMP-1 's 73 mm lowvelocity gun by a more versatile andeffective 30 mm cannon and the relocationof the commander from a position behindthe driver to the turret.

ATGW launchers may be mountedover the turret and an anti-tank grenadelauncher is often carried, The rathercramped interior remains but the numberof troops carried is reduced to seven (plusthe commander who normally dismountswith the troops). The BMP-2 has been

produced in large numbers; the RussianArmy alone is estimated to have receivedsome 20,000 vehicles so the type remainsone of the Eastern Bloc's most importantcombat vehicles numerically. Licenceproduction continues in the formerCzechoslovakia (BVP-2) and in India,where the BMP-2 is known as the Sarath.Essentially similar vehicles have beenproduced in Bulgaria (BMP-30) fromwhere many were exported to Iraq,

The BMP-2 carries over the samegeneral lines as the BMP-1 and is thus alow, agile, reliable and serviceablevehicle with adequate engine power formost all-terrain missions, especially withlate production vehicles which have

several improvements over earliermodels such as improved fire control,extra armour in places and layoutalterations.

A command version exists and mineploughs may be fitted to most vehicles.Indian Sarath variants include an armouredambulance, an armoured engineeringvehicle and a bridging reconnaissancevehicle.

The BMP-2 is still in production andis still offered for export sales. It is alreadyin service with Finland, Iraq, the Yemen,Poland, Kuwait, Jordan, Afghanistan andAlgeria, as well as India, the CzechRepublic and Slovakia.

BMP-2 IFV

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 14,300 kgLength: 6.735mWidth: 3.15mHeight: 2.45mGround clearance: 0.42 mTrack: 2.55mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: 462 litresRange: approx. 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.7mEngine: Model UTD-20 dieselPower output: 300 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1x30 mm cannon;lx7.62mmMG;ATGWVariants: Sarath -also see text

The main visual feature which differentiates the BMP-2IFV (seen here) from the BMP-1 isthe 30 mm main armament.

BMP-3 IFV Former Soviet UnionThe BMP-3 IFV entered service withthe Russian Army in 1990 andimmediately created a stir in Westernarmoured circles as it was obvious thatthe design owed nothing to previousmodels; for a while the type wasgiven the Western designation ofMl 990/1.

Overall, the BMP-3 resembles alightly-armoured light tank and isbulky and rather high but its mainattribute seems to be a 100 mm guncapable of firing automatically-loadedlaser-guided anti-armour projectilesas well as FRAG-HE; the 100 mm9M117 'Bastion' laser-guided projectilehas a potential combat range of4,000 metres, allowing the BMP-3 tohave a considerable anti-armourpotential. There is also a coaxial 30 mmcannon and 7.62 mm MG plus twofixed bow-mounted 7.62 mm MGsfiring forward.

The troops carried are locatedaround the vehicle, one each side of

the driver with the rest seated to therear in two rows over the engine packon two inward-facing bench seatswith limited head room. Despite itsweight (18.7 tonnes) the BMP-3 isfully amphibious with water propulsionprovided by two water jet units inthe hull rear. A reconnaissance versionwith the 100 mm gun removed (butretaining the 30 mm cannon) hasbeen observed in prototype formand it has been proposed that theturretless BMP-3 chassis could beutilised as the basis for a series of

variants such as an ARV - a drivertraining version has also been mootedalong with an air defence versionmounting a French missile turret.

Despite its many innovations theBMP-3 has yet to enter service inlarge numbers with the Russian Armyprobably due to the high costsinvolved, but export orders havebeen placed by Abu Dhabi andKuwait, some of the latter order, whichmay reach 500 units, being fitted withFrench fire control systems,

BMP-3 IFV

Specification:

Crew: 3Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 18,700kgLength: 7 .2mWidth: 3.23 mHeight: (overall) 3.23 mGround clearance: 0.45 mTrack: 2.76mMax speed: (road) 70 km/hFuel capacity: not knownRange: approx. 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.8mEngine: Type UTD-29M dieselPower output: 500 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 100 mm gun; 1 x 30 mmcannon; 3 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: Reconnaissance version

The bulk of the BMP-3IFV can be appreciated in this view - note the hull-mounted MG.

BMD-1 ACV Former Soviet UnionCompared to the other Eastern BlocIFV/APCs the BMD-1 ACV has beenproduced in relatively small numbersfor the former Soviet Army Air AssaultDivisions.

First seen in 1973, the BMD-1 is avery lightly armoured vehicle with onlya limited combat capacity but capable ofsupporting airborne troops during theearly phases of airborne operations. Forthis role the main emphasis is on directfire support so the BMD-1 is fitted with thesame gun as that used on the BMP-1 IFV(qy) in an essentially similar turret; the 9K11ATGW launching rail is also provided buthas been removed from later models. Onefeature of the BMD-1 is its variable height

hydro-pneumatic suspension system,most likely for allowing the vehicle to bepara-dropped on platforms. The roadwheels are also small while the tracks areonly 230 mm wide. The hull is bulky torender the vehicle amphibious but the hullspace behind the turret is sufficient for onlythree personnel. Two more are seatedeach side of the driver while the turrethouses only the gunner.

The 73 mm gun has a coaxial 7,62 mmMG while two more 7,62 mm MGs arefixed for firing from the front hull; a 30 mmgrenade launcher on a ground mountingis also carried as standard,

On the BDM-2 the 73 mm gun isreplaced by a 30 mm cannon; from 1990

onwards a new BDM-3 has appearedbut is a new design overall. A lengthenedturretlessAPC version of the BDM-1 (anextra road wheel is added each side) isknown as the BTR-D - it can carry 13troops plus the driver.

On the SO-120, also based on theBDM-1 chassis, the turret is replacedby a breech-loaded 120 mm mortar,with no provision to carry extra troops.

Other BDM-1 variants include variousartillery observation vehicles, an ARVand a mortar carrier. BDM-1 s have beenexported to Iraq and India (the latter isnot confirmed).

BMD-1 ACV

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 4Weight: (combat) approx 7,500 kgLength: 5.4 mWidth: 2.63 mHeight: 1.67 to 1.97mGround clearance: 0 1 to 0.45 mTrack: not knownMax speed: (road) 70 km/hFuel capacity: 300 litresRange: 320 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: approx 0.8mEngine: Model 5D-20 V-6 dieselPower output: 240 hpSuspension: hydraulic independentArmament: 1 x 73 mm gun; 3 x 7.62 mmMGVariants: BMD-2, BTR-D, SO-120

The diminutive BMD-1 airborne combatvehicle (ACV).

BTR-50PK Former Soviet UnionThe design of the BTR-SOP can betraced back to the early 1950s. It hasbeen in service so long that it is now usedmore as a general or special purposecarrier for systems and other applicationsthan as an APC, although many nationscontinue to appreciate the vehicle'sconsiderable troop-carrying capacityof 20 fully-equipped troops.

The BTR-SOP is based on the chassisof the PT-76 amphibious light tank and,as an APC, seats the passengers alongbenches in an area behind the fullyprotected crew compartment, with theonly armament carried being a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm MG. '

The troop compartment is openwith troops having to enter and leave overthe sides - the only protection againstthe elements is a canvas cover. On theBTR-50PK the troop compartment isfully enclosed, the troops entering andleaving through roof hatches. At one timeramps were provided to allow lightartillery pieces to be loaded onto, andfired from, the rear hull decking butlater models (BTR-50PA) lack this facility

BTR-SOP variants have been manyincluding command, mine-clearing,repair and recovery vehicles of varioustypes.

A command vehicle is known asthe BTR-50PU. The Chinese alsoproduced a copy known as the Type 77(qv) while the former Czechoslovakiaproduced a modified version knownastheOT-62.

The BTR-SOP series was widelyexported and remains in service withmany nations, so many in fact that an

Israeli concern saw fit to market anupdating package which included anew diesel power pack - Israel hasbeen one of the many nations utilisingthe BTR-SOP.

With many user nations the BTR-SOP and its variants are no longeremployed as front line APCs but areinstead retained as front line supplyand fuel carriers or have been convertedto technical support vehicles to keepother vehicle types running.

BTR-SOPK

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 20Weight: (combat) 14,200 kgLength: 7.08mWidth: 3.14mHeight: (hull top) 1.97 mGround clearance: 0.37 mTrack: 2.74 mMax speed: (road) 44 km/hFuel capacity: 400 litresRange: 400 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: l . l mEngine: Model V-6 dieselPower output: 240 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: BTR-50P, BTR-50PK, BTR-50PA,BTR-50PU, OT-62, Type 77

A Finnish army BTR-50 PKAPC.

BTR-60 PB Former Soviet UnionUnlike the BTR-50P series (previousentry), the BTR-60P series has an 8 x 8wheeled drive configuration, with thepower being derived from twoGAZ-49B petrol engines.

Entering service during the early1960s, the original BTR-60P had an opentroop compartment while the later (andfar more numerous) BTR-60PA (alsoknown as the BTR-60PK) had an armouredroof.

On the BTR-60PB a turret, mountinga 14.5 mm heavy MG and a coaxial7.62 mmMG, was added, reducing thenumber of troops carried from 16 to 14.

In its day the BTR-60 series werewidely used as APCs but are now littleencountered in this role, Instead theBTR-60P series has become a veritablemaid of all work throughout the EasternBloc and elsewhere. Variants abound. Justto list them would fill many pages butessentially they include numerouscommand vehicle types, some havingspecialised installations for artillery orsignals units, while others are equippedfor various communication purposes orfor electronic warfare (EW) with prominent

antennae arrays. There are also artilleryobservation vehicles, others are frontline mobile workshops, while in severalThird-World nations BTR-60P seriesvehicles are employed for police orpara-military duties, At least one type offorward air control post for directingstrike aircraft was developed,

There have been many user nationsover the years and the type can still beencountered in countries such asCambodia, Cuba, Angola and Turkey(who received a batch of 300 ex-EastGerman vehicles during the early 1990s);

the only Warsaw Pact nations not to usethe BTR-60P were the Czechs and thePoles. Some nations, such as Cuba, haveadded roof-mounted light air defence gunsor recoilless anti-armour weapons.

At least 34 user nations have beenidentified and there may well be more.

A licence was issued to Romania toproduce a BTR-60PB-based model knownas the TAB-71, from which a 4 x 4 scoutcar (the TABC-79) was developed.

BTR-60PB

Specification(BTR-60PB)

Crew: 2Seating: 14Weight: (combat) 10,300 kgLength: 7.56mWidth: 2.825mHeight: (hull top) 2.055 mGround clearance: 0.475 mTrack: 2.37mMax speed: (road) 80 km/hFuel capacity: 290 litresRange:500 km

Fording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.4mEngine: 2 x GAZ-49B petrolPower output: 2 x 90 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 14.5 mm MG;1 x7 .62mmMGVariants: Many - see text

BTR-60PBAPCs on parade in India.

BTR-70 APC Former Soviet UnionFirst displayed publicly in 1978, theBTR-70 APC may be regarded as anundated and improved version of theBTR-60P series (previous entry). For awhile it was known in the West as theMl978 APC. A revised internal layoutresulted in a reduction in the number oftroops carried to nine while the twopetrol engines were of a new and morepowerful model. If either engine isdamaged for any reason the vehicle canstill proceed under the power of theother, although performance will bereduced. Extra armour was added,especially to the front of the hull to betterprotect the front wheels.

The turret and MG armament from theBTR-60PB were carried over complete,without modification, although some lateproduction examples may be encounteredwith the revised turret of the BTR-80series (see following entry). Numerousdetail changes were introduced, includinga better NBC protection system than thatintroduced to the BTR-60P series.Compared to the earlier BTR-60P seriesthere have (as yet) been relatively fewBTR-70 variants. These have included theinevitable command vehicles (in morethan one form), the BTR-70Kh NBCreconnaissance vehicle fitted withnumerous NBC warfare agent sensors

and warning systems, and the BREM.The latter is a turretless vehicle with asmall crane over the front hull for the repairof stranded vehicles in the front line.

There is also a BTR-70MS with theinterior revised to carry various suites ofcommunication equipment; a radarjamming vehicle is known to exist.

In Afghanistan some BTR-70s carrieda 30 mm automatic grenade launcher onthe roof behind the main turret. A licence-produced version has been produced inRomania where it is known as theTAB-77. Several variants of this model havebeen developed, including an artillerycommand post and observation vehicle,

BTR-70 APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 9Weight: (combat) approx 11,500 kgLength: 7.535mWidth: 2.8mHeight: 2.235mGround clearance: 0.475 mTrack: 2.38 mMax speed: (road) 80 km/h

Fuel capacity: approx 350 litresRange: up to 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: 2 x ZMZ-4905 petrolPower output: 2 x 120 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 14.5 mm MG;l x 7 . 6 2 m m M GVariants: BTR-70kh, BREM, BTR-70MS,TAB-77

The widely used BTR-70 wheeled APCinparade trim.

BTR-80 APC Former Soviet UnionAt first sight the BTR-80 resembles theearlier BTR-70 (previous entry) butthere ate numerous differences. Althoughnot immediately visible the main changeis that the previous pair of petrol engineshave been replaced by a single V-8diesel unit producing 210 hp, althoughlater models may have a 260 hp unit.Another change is that entry doorshave been added each side to speedup troop entering and leaving althoughthe doors mean that the number oftroops carried is reduced to seven,although in greater comfort than onearlier models, The one-man turrethas also been modified to allow the14.5 mm heavy MG barrel to be fullyelevated to engage aircraft andhelicopters. There are many otherdetail changes on the BTR-80 series,including NBC agent sensor equipmentto close the vehicle down automaticallyin the event of an NBC attack.

There is a specialised NBCreconnaissance variant of the BTR-80,known as the RkHM-4-01, fitted with

specialised sensing, classification andwarning equipment.

Another BTR-80 variant is acommand vehicle while the 2S23 self-propelled gun is a rather more involvedmodel mounting a high-elevation 120mm breech-loading mortar in anenlarged fully-traversable turret - theexact status of this model is uncertainbut it has been offered for export sales,

The latest in the series to date is theBTR-80A which converts the usual APCinto a wheeled IFY First shown in late

1994, the BTR-80Ahas yet to leave theprototype stage but has already beenpromoted for export sales with at leasttwo engine pack options.

On the BTR-80A the turret is replacedby an external weapon station mountinga potent 30 mm cannon plus a 7.62mm MG; the vehicle crew remains at twobut the number of troops carried iseight. The weight of this model isincreased to 14.55 tonnes but it remainsfully amphibious, in common with all theother wheeled BTR series vehicles.

BTR-80 APC

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 13,600kgLength: 7.65 mWidth: 2.9mHeight: 2.35mGround clearance: 0.475 mTrack: 2.41 mMax speed: (road) 80 km/hFuel capacity: 290 litresRange: up to 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: V-8 dieselPower output: 210 hp (pass 260 hp)Suspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 14.5 mm MG;lx7 .62mmMGVariants: BTR-80AIFV, 2S23, RKhM-4-01see also text The external 30 mm cannon marks this BTR-80 model as the BTR-80A.

MT-LB Carrier Former Soviet UnionThe MT-LB is not really an APC but anamphibious multi-purpose trackedcarrier which may be adapted to meetvirtually any armoured support vehiclerequirement conceivable, for its simplebasic design has proved to be highlyadaptable.

First seen in 1970, the MT-LB wasoriginally employed as an artillerytractor but is now only rarely encounteredin this role. Instead, the MT-LB can carryup to 11 troops in its main load-carryingcompartment behind the two-man crewcompartment, which may be surmountedby a 7.62 mm MG in a small turret for thecommander. However, the MT-LB canfunction as a front line load carrier foranything from ammunition to fuel, oras a mobile platform for numerousweapon systems and even as the basisfor a self-propelled 122 mm howitzer (the2S9). One variant, the MT-LBV, hasextra-wide tracks for operations over snowand soft terrain.

There are also light repair andrecovery variants, 82 and 120 mm

mortar carriers, combat engineerreconnaissance vehicles, battlefieldradar carriers, armoured ambulances,air defence missile carriers, the seeminglyinevitable command posts for all roles,NBC reconnaissance vehicles, and so on- the list seems endless and probably is.

Just one series of examples maysuffice. In 1993 Sweden purchasedsome 800 former East German MT-LBcarriers (at a very favourable price).Some of these wl be modernised, withabout 200 being stripped down for

spares. Once updated these will beused by the Swedish Army as commandvehicles, load carriers, and to carrymortars and other weapons. Swedishexpertise has also been employed tomount a 40 mm Bofors Gun turret on aPolish licence-produced MT-LB chassis,possibly for Polish Army service.

MT-LBs have also been licence-produced in Bulgaria; their BMP-23IFVis based on the MT-LB and they havedeveloped their own array of variants.

MT-LB Carrier

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: up to 11Weight: (combat) 11,900kgLength: 6.454 mWidth: 2.86mHeight: 1 865 mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 2.3mMax speed: (road) 61.5 km/hFuel capacity: 450 litresRange: 500 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.6 mEngine: YaMZ 238 V V-8 dieselPower output: 240 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: Many - see text

A captured Iraqi Army MT-LBAPC, a versatile and much-used general purpose carrier.

SHOT AP Czech Republic and SlovakiaFor various reasons, when most WarsawPact nations adopted the BTR-60P seriesof wheeled APCs (qv) in the early 1960sPoland and Czechoslovakia decidedto jointly develop their own equivalent.

The result entered service in 1964and was known as the SKOT, labelledin the West as the OT-64 APC.Using many components from theTATRA 813 series of high mobilitytrucks, the SKOT was jointly produced,the chassis and main components inCzechoslovakia and the armoured hulland other parts in Poland. In overalllayout the SKOT series resembles theBTR-60P series but the two types are verydifferent, the fully amphibious SKOTbeing bulkier overall and having, forinstance, large entry doors in the hull rearwhile the later models have the turretmounted in the centre of the hull roof.This turret was not installed on earlyproduction models which were armedonly by a single pintle-mounted 7.62 mmMG.

The turret was added to theSKOT-2, used mainly by Poland,

mounting a 7.62 or 12.7 mm MG. TheSKOT-2A became the main productionvariant, with the main turret armamentbeing uprated to a 14,5 mm MG capableof high elevation angles.

The SKOT-2AP had a revised turretoutlines and some export models alsohad alternative turret outlines.

Other SKOT variants includedcommand and radio vehicles, a mobilefront line workshop, and a Polish combatengineer vehicle.

As well as being used byCzechoslovakia and Poland the SKOT

series was also exported in significantnumbers to several nations such asMorocco, India, Cambodia, the Sudanand Iraq (among others); Hungary wasanother Warsaw Pact user. With manyof these nations the SKOT series is nolonger employed as a front line vehiclebut is instead issued to police and otherinternal security forces.

At one time SKOT APCs were oftendeployed carrying ATGW but this is newrarely seen.

SKOTAPC

Specification:

Crew: 2Seating: 18Weight: (combat) 14,300kgLength: 7.44 mWidth: 2.55mHeight: (hull top) 2.06 mGround clearance: 0.46 mTrack: 1.86mMax speed: (road) 94 km/hFuel capacity: 320 litresRange: 710kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: TATRA 928-14 V-8 dieselPower output: 180 hpSuspension: springs and shockabsorbersArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: SKOT, SKOT-2, SKOT-2A,SKOT-2AP - also, see text

The large and bulky SKOT (OT-64) APC, seen here in Czech Army service.

Fahd APC EgyptThe Fahd wheeled APC was developedin response to an Egyptian Armyrequirement by Thyssen Henschel ofGermany with the prototypes beingmanufactured in Germany. Thereafterproduction switched to state-ownedfactories in Egypt, from 1985 onwards,where the Fahd gradually replaced awhole host of older APC types in service,

The Fahd is essentially a box-typearmoured steel body built onto thechassis of a Mercedes-Benz 1117/324 x 4 truck, with extensive use beingmade of readily available commercialcomponents, where possible.

The large body is highly amenable toalteration for a number of purposes so,apart from the basic APC carrying tentroops who enter through a door at therear, the Fahd can be adapted to becomea police or internal security vehicle or actas a minelaying vehicle with banks of minedispenser tubes installed on a flat bed rearbody.

As an APC the Fahd is well providedwith vision devices for the occupantsand air conditioning is standard, as is acentral tyre inflation system to allow the

vehicle to cross sand and other softterrain. The roof can be used to mountvarious types and sizes of turret armedwith weapons from 7.62 mm MG up to20 mm cannon.

One turret conversion changes theFahd into a potential IFV. This is theFahd 30 which involves the complete turretand armament of the BMP-2 IFV (qv).First announced in 1990, the Fahd 30turret comes complete with roof-mountedATGW. The basic Fahd has beenexported, often in an internal security (IS)configuration, with customers including

Algeria and Kuwait (both IS), Oman andZaire,

The vehicles delivered to Kuwaitwere captured by Iraq during theirinvasion so their present status isuncertain.

Development of the Fahd continues,future variants could include commandvehicles, armoured ambulances,specialised missile carriers and recoveryvehicles.

FahdlPC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: up to 10Weight: (combat) 10,900 kgLength: 6 mWidth: 2.45 mHeight: 2.45 rnGround clearance: 0.37 mTrack: not knownMax speed: (road) 90 km/hFuel capacity: not knownRange: 800 kmFording: 0.7 mVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: Mercedes-Benz OM 352A dieselPower output: 168 hpSuspension: springs and shockabsorbersArmament: variable- see textVariants: Fahd 30

One of the many variants of the Fahd APC,seen here armed with a 20 mm cannonturret

APC to IFVIt was the Soviets who introduced the first large-scaleemployment of the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

From the outset, early APCs such as half-tracks carrieda variety of weapons, usually machine guns, to enable theiroccupants to at least defend themselves against potentialattackers; these measures were primarily defensive. Ingeneral the early APCs had to depend on supporting armssuch as tanks and artillery to cover their movements. Firesupport by APCs for other APCs was very limited. Evenwith the 1950s generation of APCs little was changed. Whatweapons were carried were usually served by crew orinfantry squad members having to expose themselves toincoming fire and artillery bursts through an open hatchor cupola to operate whatever weapon was involved. Butonce that weapon was protected within a turret thepotential of what was to become the IFV was realised.

The gun turret was not the only firepower amplifier onthe IFV Even before viable gun turrets appeared anti-tankguided weapons (ATGW) or recoilless rifles were oftenfired from open APC roof hatches. The missiles involvedwere usually those normally carried by the infantrypassengers but with the advent of the IFV more powerfuland longer range ATGWs appeared, a typical examplefrom the West being the American wire-guided TOW series.

On the IFV the launchers for such ATGWs were oftenspecialised turrets but the latest generation of IFVs nowhave their ATGW launchers as adjuncts to gun turrets toprovide greater variety of support firepower for the

infantry - the specialised ATGW turrets have insteadconverted some IFV variants into specialised tank killers.

Thus by the late 1970s the APC had become thefather to the IFV But even before then, during the 1960s,a series of projects in which APCs assumed combatturrets with cannon-type weapons had appeared.

The old APC thus became less of a personnel carrierand more of a combat vehicle capable of producing itsown fire support on the move and of operating in unisonwith other similarly-armed vehicles to attack or defendobjectives.

The number of combat roles for the old infantrycarriers began to expand. From being a simple armoured'battlefield taxi' the personnel carrier began to assumepatrolling, surveillance and reconnaissance roles plus, asit carried a viable weapon, the ability to engage similarenemy vehicles and remove them and their preciouscargoes from the battlefield.

Protection for the occupants and crew expanded toincorporate collective chemical and nuclear warfareprotection systems while more consideration was givento protecting vehicle occupants against land minedetonations. The relatively low cost APC had become thefar more costly IFV

Opposite: British troops training on a Warrior IFV.

APC to IFV (cont.)If there was one vehicle that marked

the complete transition from APC toIFV it was the Soviet BMP-1. When theBMP-1 appeared other IFVs such asthe British MCV-80 (now the Warrior),the German Marder 1 and theAmerican M2/M3 Bradley IFVs, werealready in the pipeline but theappearance of the well-armed, well-protected and agile BMP-1 acceleratedtheir development processes.

Combat experience in Afghanistanwas to demonstrate that the BMP-1design had its limitations, especiallyin the 73 mm low velocity gunarmament , so it was graduallysupplemented by the BMP-2 with itsmore versatile 30 mm cannon,Eventually the formidable BMP-3appeared, but today the latest Bradleys,Warriors, Pandurs and many otherWestern IFVs are on a technical andfirepower parity with the ex-SovietAPC/IFV fleets that once seemedsuch a formidable challenge.

fibove: The Saxon wheeled APC.

Opposite: Not allAPCs and IFVs are destinedfor the front line. This Renault VAB 6x6is destined for an internal security role.

SISU XA-180 APC FinlandIn 1982 the Finnish governmentcarried out a series of trials to select areplacement APC for their ageingBTR-60P APCs (qv). The design selectedwas the SISU XA-180, ordered at the endof 1983 and entering production soonafter.

The XA-180 is based on the SISUSA-150 6 x 6 truck and uses manyidentical components, although theXA-ISO's chassis and 6x6 wheelbasearrangement is very different. Thelayout of the XA-180 is somewhatunusual with the engine located justbehind the driver on the left-hand sidewith the troop compartment at the rear- troops enter and leave via two doorsin the hull rear,

Early XA-lSOs were unarmed but thiswas later rectified when a 12.7 mmMG on a ring type mounting was added,

XA-180s intended for United Nationssupport missions (as many are) mayhave a twin 12.7 mm MG mountingwhile others have small turrets. At firstall production of the XA-180 was for theFinnish armed forces but since the

type proved ideal for operations withUnited Nations forces XA-180s have alsobeen produced for Norwegian, Austrian,Irish and Swedish troops operating inlocations such as the Lebanon andBosnia.

The original XA-180 has now beenreplaced in production by the XA-185which features an uprated engine(246 hp), a revised roof hatch layout, andnew axles which impart a slightly highersilhouette.

One XA-185 variant, the XA-186,

is operated by Norwegian UnitedNations troops in Bosnia, carrying atwin 12.7 mm MG turret. The FinnishArmy operates a small number ofXA-180s fitted with folding hydraulicmasts which lift air defence radarscanners above the tree line to providean all-round search pattern,

Another variant, the XA-181, hasbeen converted to carry the Crotale airdefence missile system - the FinnishArmy has about 20 of these.

Production of the XA-185 continues,

SISU XA-180 APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 15,500kgLength: 7.35mWidth: 2.9mHeight: 2.3mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 2.2 mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: approx 250 litres (est)Range: 800 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5m

Engine: Valmet dieselPower output: 236 hpSuspension: leaf spring and shockabsorbersArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MGVariants: XA-181, XA-185, XA-186 -also,see text

The SISUXA-180, Finland's own wheeled APC.

AMX-10PIFV FranceThe AMX-10P tracked APC wasdeveloped for the French Army from1965 onwards and has sincebeen widely exported; productioncommenced in 1972. Production ceasedin early 1994, by which time some1,750 had been produced, Most of theproduction run was for the FrenchArmy the standard AMX-10P vehiclebeing armed with a 20 mm cannon ina two-man turret.

The eight troop occupants are seatedin a compartment at the rear, enteringand leaving via a wide power-operatedramp in the back of the hull.

The vehicle is fully amphibious,being propelled in the water by twowater jet units in the hull rear,

One variant, the AMX-10 HOT usedby Saudi Arabia, has the main armamentreplaced by a bank of HOT ATGWwhile on another, the AMX-10 PAC 90is intended to be a fire support vehicleas it mounts a 90 mm gun. The latter wasdeveloped primarily for export sales andwas sold to Indonesia and Singapore;Singapore has also procured a version

with a smaller turret mounting a25mm cannon,

Variants of the AMX-1 OP abound,many of them having been producedonly for trials purposes but severalvariants have been adopted. One isan unarmed armoured ambulancewhile another is the AMX-10 ECHrepair vehicle. There is a turretlessdriver training variant and theAMX-10 PC command vehicle.

Others include the AMX-10 SAOand VAO which are intended for forwardartillery observation, with the

AMX-10 SAT for artiUery survey TheAMX-10 TM tows a 120 mm mortarand carries the crew, plus someammunition; this variant retains the20 mm cannon.

One type of AMX-1 OP carries abattlefield surveillance radar. Customersnot already mentioned for the AMX-10series of vehicles include the United ArabEmirates, Greece, Iraq and Qatar,

An updating package including amore powerful engine is being offeredto extend the service life of this series,

AMX-10PIFV

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 8Weight: (combat) approx 14,500kgLength: 5.778 mWidth: 2.78mHeight: (hull top) 1.92 mGround clearance: 0.45 mTrack: approx 2.5 mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: 525 litresRange:600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.7 mEngine: Hispano-Suiza HS 115 V-8 dieselPower output: 300 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon;l x 7 . 6 2 m m M GVariants: AMX-10P HOT, AMX-10P PAG90, etc - also, see text

The AMX-1 OP IFV armed with an externally-mounted 20 mm cannon.

AMX VCIIFV FranceThe AMX VCI was one of the firstcombat vehicles to enter the IFVcategory for it was developed duringthe 1950s, with production commencingduring 1957; well over 3,400 wereproduced, many for export to at least15 countries, including Argentina wherethe type was assembled locally

The AMX VCI was developed usingthe tracked suspension and chassis ofthe AMX-13 light tank onto which wasmounted an armoured superstructurefor the three-man crew and up to ten fullyequipped troops.

Access to the troop compartment isvia two rear hull doors although thereare also roof hatches provided. Initiallythe main armament was a single 7.5 mmMG but over the years this was graduallyreplaced by a 7.62 or 12.7mmMGandeventually many vehicles received a20 mm cannon. All weapons aremounted over the commander's hatch,sometimes in a small turret.

The AMX VCI has now been largelywithdrawn from service as an IFValthough many armed forces retain

them as reserve vehicles. The usualcurrent role of the type is as a supportvehicle or carrier for numerous variantshave been produced, many of them fortrials or as marketing projects.

One of the many models retained bythe French Army is the VTT/TB armouredambulance while the VTT/PC is acommand vehicle. The VTT/Cargo cancarry up to 3 tonnes of front line storeswhile the VTT/PM can carry 81 or120 mm mortars. Numeroussub-variants are used for artillery fire

control purposes (VTT/LT), while theVTT/VCA is used to support 155 mmartillery batteries by carrying guncrews and ammunition.

Other vehicles carry RATACbattlefield surveillance radars. This listis not complete and future variants,such as a minelayer with a flat bedrear carrying mine dispenser tubes, canbe anticipated.

There is also a programme tore-engine older vehicles to prolongtheir service lives.

AMX VCI IFV,

SpecificationCrew: 3Seating: 10Weight: (combat) approx 15,000 kgLength: 5.7 mWidth: 2.67mHeight: (hull top) 2.1mGround clearance: 0.48 mTrack: 2.16mMax speed: (road) 64 km/hFuel capacity: 410 litresRange: up to 550 kmFording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.65 mEngine: Baudouin 6F 11 SRY dieselPower output: 280 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon; see textVariants: See text

The AMX VCIAPC, now phased out of French Army service but retained in widespread service

Renault VAB APC FranceThe VAB was developed by theSaviem/Renault Group to meet a FrenchArmy requirement, with production startingin 1976, Since then the VAB series hasbecome one of the most diverse of allcurrent French combat vehicles, havingbeen produced with many variations, notthe least being the existence of both4 x 4 and 6 x 6 drive configurationsalthough the two have many componentsin common. By mid-1994 over 5,000 hadbeen produced, over 4,000 of them for theFrench armed forces with the rest goingto at least ten customer nations, with otherundisclosed orders having been placedat one time or another; production stillcontinues, The base model is the 4 x 4 VABVTT APC which carries up to ten troops

in the relatively spacious armoured hull,Most VABs carry at least a 7.62 mm MG

although 12.7 mm MGs and 20 mm cannon,with or without the ballistic protectionprovided by various types of turret, arealternatives. The VAB is often allocated toFrench Army units as an anti-tank vehiclearmed with either MILAN or MephistoATGW. These vehicles have roof-mountedlauncher turrets and carry reload missilesinside the troop compartment; TOWATGW carriers have been developed.

Other VABs are employed by theFrench Army for just about every supportvehicle function that can be devised. Thelist includes the usual command vehicleand ambulance, but extends to combatengineer support carrier, communications

of all types, 81 mm mortar carrier, 120 mmmortar tractor (with the crews inside thevehicle), surveillance radar platform,electronic warfare (EW), recovery, repairand workshop, and even NBCreconnaissance; many other variantsexist, including air defence platforms forguns and missiles, most of them havingbeen produced for export customers.

Internal security models have beenproduced for home and export sales.

Renault have produced a VAB NewGeneration model featuring numerousdesign updates and enhancements whichcan be retrofitted to existing models; to datenone have been produced in quantity.

VAB VTT

Specification

(4x4 version)Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) approx 13,000 kgLength: 5.98 mWidth: 2.49mHeight: (hulltop) 2.06 mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 2.035mMax speed: (road) 92 km/hFuel capacity: 300 litresRange: 1,000kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: Renault MIDS 06-20-45 dieselPower output: 220 hpSuspension: independent, torsion barArmament: See textVariants: Many - see text

The 4x4 version of the VRB APC, seen hereduring an amphibious exercise.

Panhard VCR-TT APC FranceThe Panhard VCR-TT was developedpurely as a commercial venture toprovide a relatively low cost andunsophisticated wheeled APC thatwould meet the requirements of manyoverseas nations.

It was first shown in 1977 and sincethen has gained a steady stream oforders to the extent that production onrequest is still available.

The base model is a 6 x 6 vehiclealthough a 4 x 4 model is also offered.The latter has been produced in smallernumbers than the 6 x 6 and is virtuallya shortened 6x6 with the central axleremoved; the only known customer todate has been Argentina.

On the 6 x 6 VCR-TT the central axlecan be raised when the vehicle istravelling along roads. The overallsilhouette is quite high, due mainly tothe need for headroom for the tenpassengers and three crew. Accessfor the troop compartment is throughthe rear hull, with the occupants seatedon inward-facing benches. The vehicle

commander controls the main armamentwhich is usually a 7.62 mm MG over hishatch; a 20 mm cannon or a 60 mmbreech-loading mortar are alternatives.

In common with many other APCsthe VCR-TT is amphibious but there areno water jet units as once in the waterpropulsion and steering are both carriedout via the road wheels.

The spacious rear compartmentcan be equipped for many applications.VCR variants include mobile workshopsfor front line repairs, the usual ambulanceand command vehicles, plus mobile

medical aid posts, air defence missilevehicles (yet to enter production) andanti-tank missile carriers.

From mid-1983 onwards all VCRseries vehicles were produced withslightly revised wheelbase dimensionsand a lengthened hull, Vehicles sold toAbu Dhabi have a. widened hull.

Other customers have included Iraqand Mexico (two command vehicles).Many of the Iraqi vehicles were destroyedduring the 1991 Gulf campaign.

Panhard VCR-TT

Specification

(6x6 model)Crew: 3Seating: 9Weight: (combat) 7,900kgLength: 4.875 mWidth: 2.5mHeight: (hull top) 2.13mGround clearance: 0,375 mTrack: 2.115mMax speed: (road) 90 km/hFuel capacity: 242 litresRange: 700 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.8 mEngine: Peugeot PRV V-6 petrolPower output: 145hpSuspension: independentArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon or1 x7.62mmMGVariants: See text

Side-on view of a Panhard VCR TTAPC-notethe raised centre wheels.

PanKard IVI3 APC FranceThe Panhard M3 wheeled APC is anotherFrench armoured vehicle which wasproduced primarily as a private venturewith the objective being export sales,

With the M3, Panhard produced awinner for the M3 was sold to some 26known countries, with a final productiontotal of over 1,000. Many of the 4 x 4drive and other components are identicalto those of the Panhard AML series of lightarmoured cars of which thousands wereproduced, so adapting that design for theAPC market involved mainly theintroduction of an sloping-walled armouredbox hull plus its interior, and little else, Theresult was a simple, rugged and adaptablevehicle which has continued to servemany users well ever since productionstarted during 1971.

The Panhard M3 underwent somedetail changes since then but the overalldesign remained basically unchanged,being little more than an armoured troopcarrier with only limited armament,usually a 7.62 mm MG in a small roof-mounted turret or with the weapon on apintle over a hatch; a 12.7 mm MG or a20 mm cannon can be installed but thisis apparently rarely done.

The ten occupants are provided withaccess doors in the sides and rear androof hatches are provided; there arealso firing hatches along each side. Inaddition to the two-man crew and tenpassengers it is also possible to cany loadsof supplies weighing over 1 tonne.

Variants have been produced, onebeing an air defence vehicle (M3/VDA)with twin 20 mm cannon and a radar-based fire control system.

There is also the M3/VTS ambulance,the M3/VLA combat engineer vehicle, theM3/VPC mobile command centre, and theM3/VAT repair vehicle.

The Panhard M3 has also been usedto carry battlefield radars.

Production of the Panhard M3 has nowceased in favour of the Panhard Buffalo(following entry).

Panhard M3 APC

SpecificationCrew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) kgLength: 4.45 mWidth: 2 .4mHeight: (hull top) 2 mGround clearance: 0.35 mTrack: 2.05mMax speed: (road) 90 km/hFuel capacity: 165 litresRange: 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.3 mEngine: Panhard Model 4 HD petrolPower output: 90 hpSuspension: independent, coil springArmament: various - see textVariants: M3/VDA, M3/VDS M3/VLAM3/VPC/ M3/VAT

Typical example of a Panhard M3 wheeled APC,

Panhard Buffalo APC FranceThe Panhard Buffalo wheeled APCwas introduced in mid 1985 and replacedthe Panhard M3 in production (seeprevious entry). It is another Panhardprivate venture aimed at export marketsand is basically a revised and updatedPanhard M3, The hull is slightly longerand has a revised outline, the wheelbaseis increased and there is the option ofinstalling either a Peugeot petrol ordiesel engine.

As an APC the Buffalo follows thesame overall form and layout as the M3and although some of the internal detailsremain much the same many have beenrevised in order to utilise M3 experienceand retain component compatibilitywith other vehicles in the current Panhardarmoured vehicle range.

Thus the troop compartment firingand roof hatches are retained virtuallyunchanged but the side access doorshave been enlarged and are betterprotected.

The commanders station canaccommodate a variety of weaponmountings but most examples observed

to date involve a 7.62 mm MG, Thefront of the vehicle can be used to mounta hydraulically-operated dozer blade,either for obstacle-clearing internalsecurity (IS) duties or as an accessoryfor the combat engineer carrier role.Many other extras could be carried forthe IS role, such as smoke projectors andextra shields for the crew and theirvision devices,

Other proposed Buffalo variants(some of which have been produced insmall numbers to date) include a

command vehicle with extra radios andother equipment, an 81 mm mortarcarrier, a recovery and repair vehicle witha light recovery jib over the hull rear, andan armoured ambulance.

Optional equipment for all modelsincludes a front-mounted winch and airconditioning.

To date Panhard Buffalos have beenprocured by Benin, Columbia andRwanda, although the current status ofthe latter is uncertain.

Production continues on request.

Panhard Buffalo APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 6,600 kgLength: 4.585 mWidth: 2.4 mHeight: 2 mGround clearance: 0.33 mTrack: 2.06mMax speed: (road) 90 km/hFuel capacity: variableRange: up to 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.4mEngine: Peugeot PRV V-6 petrolPower output: 145hpSuspension: independent, coil and springArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: See text

The Panhard Buffalo APC, showing its resemblance to the Panhard M3 from which it wasdeveloped.

Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs APC GermanyThe Transportpanzer 1, or Fuchs (Fox)as it is known, was developed to be anarmoured amphibious load carrier utilisingcommercially available componentswherever possible. Following extensivetrials with prototype vehicles the mainproduction run was carried out by ThyssenHenschel from 1979 onwards, with productionstill continuing. From its origins asa load carrier the fully amphibiousTransportpanzer 1 has been modified tomeet many other requirements, one beingas an APC capable of carrying up to 14 troopsseated individually in the load compartment(the German Army limits the number oftroops carried to ten). As a load carrierthe vehicle can carry nearly 3 tonnes of

supplies under armour, with thisversion being convertible to an armouredambulance when necessary. However, theTransportpanzer 1 has been adapted formany other purposes, The German Armyalone uses the Transportpanzer 1 as aRASIT battlefield surveillance radar carrier,combat engineer carrier, electronic warfarevehicle (without the amphibious capability),command and communications centre, anexplosive ordnance disposal vehicle forthe German Air Force, and an NBCreconnaissance vehicle. Other nations usethe latter variant, including Israel, the UnitedKingdom, and the United States.

The US Army has adopted the NBCvehicle as the M93 Fox and expects to

have over 300 examples; most currentproduction is for this version.

Other export variants of theTransportpanzer 1 include an 81 mmmortar carrier, a 120 mm mortar tractor, ageneral purpose armoured support vehicle,and an IFV version mounting a 20 or 25 mmcannon in an external mounting on the roof.Customers to date (apart from the NBCversion) include Turkey, Saudi Arabia, theNetherlands, and Venezuela. The armamentcarried varies according to role and usernation. Most carrier versions are limited toa single 7.62 mm machine gun but othermodels may have various 12.7 mm MGor 20 mm cannon installations in smallturrets or external weapon stations.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: up to 14Weight: (combat) approx 17 000 kqLength: 6.83 mWidth: 2.98mHeight: (hull top) 2.3mGround clearance: 0 406 mTrack: 2.54 mMax speed: (road) 105 km/hFuel capacity: 390 litresRange: 800 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.6mEngine: Mercedes-Benz Model OM 402AV-8 dieselPower output: 320 hpSuspension: independentArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon orlx7 .62mmMGVariants: See text

The Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs seen here in APCfc.'orm.

Thyssen UR-416 GermanyThe first prototype of the Thyssen TJR416 wheeled APC appeared in 1965as a private venture project to producean internal security (IS) vehicle withmilitary applications.

In order to keep down overall costsand provide compatibility withcommercial sources of componentsupply the design was based on thechassis of the Mercedes-Benz Unimogall-terrain truck to which was added awell-sloped armoured steel body; forrepairs or maintenance the armouredshell can be lifted directly off thechassis in one piece. The resultantUR 416 was widely adopted as aninternal security vehicle but in somenations it is also issued to the militaryfor various purposes.

Late production versions of thevehicle are known as the UR 416 M.

The commander and driver areseated side-by-side, in what wouldnormally have been the truck cab,looking through windscreens which canbe covered by armoured shutterswhen necessary The eight passengersare seated in the rear, provided with side

and rear access doors. For most ISpurposes no armament other thansmoke projectors is carried but formilitary missions small turrets mountingone or two 7,62 mm MGs are available;a simple pintle mounting over the roofhatch is an alternative.

Optional equipment includes afront-mounted winch, run-flat tyres,smoke dischargers in either a turret oralong the hull sides, air conditioning,and night vision devices. Known variantsinclude a mobile workshop, an

ambulance, and the usual commandand communications variants. Alsoavailable is a patrol and reconnaissancemodel with an optional turret mountinga 20 mm cannon.

Users of the UR 416 and UR 416 Minclude, Nigeria, Spain, Turkey,Venezuela, Kenya, South Korea,Morocco, Ecuador, Qatar, Saudi Arabiaand^Peru - there are other users. In mostof these countries the vehicles areused mainly for the IS role,

Production continues as required.

Thyssen UR-416

Specification:

Crew: 2Seating: 8Weight: (combat) 7,600 kgLength: 5.1 mWidth: 2.25mHeight: 2.25mGround clearance: 0.44 mTrack: 1.78 mMax speed: (road) 81 km/hFuel capacity: 150 litresRange: up to 700 kmFording: 1.3mVertical obstacle: 0.55 mEngine: Mercedes-Benz OM 352 dieselPower output: 120 hpSuspension: coil springArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MG (if fitted)Variants: see text

The UR-416 wheeled APC, basically a Unimog truck chassis with an armoured body.

IFV Tactics

The space and weight demands of gun turretsmeans that the number of infantry carried by mostIFVs is usually far less than the potential capacity ofa dedicated APC. However, the reduced numbers ofIFV-borne troops can now more than make theirpresence felt with greater impact due to theirpotential firepower.

Modern infantry weapons, such as the smallcalibre assault rifle and light machine gun, candeliver far greater firepower than past generationsof small arms so when this potential is coupled withthe main armament of the IFV the result is not justgreater combat force but the need to rethink infantrytactics.

Infantry still has to take ground and hold it againstattack but the way they do so now has altered.Infantry may still have to dismount from IFVs duringthe final stages of an attack but they do so close totheir objective and with the covering fire of their parentIFVs to support them.

During an approach to an objective IFV troopsusually have opportunity to utilise their personal

weapons through firing ports in the troop compartmentwalls or exit points. They can accomplish thiseffectively as they are usually well provided with visionblocks or other devices to observe what is happeningoutside the confines of their vehicle.

Once an objective has been taken IFVs can bedeployed to provide defensive firepower to add tothat provided by the infantry using not just theirmachine guns or cannon, but the ATGWs whichare now an integral part of the armament of anyIFV

One of the current tactical problems for IFV-borne infantry is how to make the best use of all thispotential firepower.

Operations no longer involve a headlong rush atan objective and the subsequent dismounted infantryattacks of the APC era. Instead infantry tactics arenow very much a matter of firefights, mutual inter-IFVfire and manoeuvre support, and inter-vehicleengagements at long ranges.

Right: Warriors in the advance with a Harrier sweeping overhead.

IFV Tactics (cont.)

It must not be forgotten that IFVs still operate in closeproximity to, or in co-operation with, tanks. Thus theold infantry-armour associations and workingmethods have also come under scrutiny to make thebest possible use of their combined shock tacticsand firepower.

In a similar manner few armoured operationscan take place without artillery support so they toohave been drawn into what seem the most routineinfantry operations.

The key as always, is inter-communication to anextent that past foot soldiers would not have daredcontemplate.

While such situations are familiar to tank crews,much of this is quite novel to the infantry for whomthe only solution is a course of thorough retraining andsubsequent experimentation to discover how bestto go about their tasks in the future.

Campaigns such as that in the Persian Gulf in1991, during which IFVs were deployed by theWest for the first time on any significant scale, couldprovide only an inkling of how to proceed.

In a similar manner, during the deployment ofBMP-1 IFVs in Afghanistan the changed tacticalapproaches mechanised infantry commanders nowhave to adopt were highlighted.

The 1994-1995 close-in fighting in Chechenyaprovided an indication of how the Russian Armyfailed to heed those indications.

The future for the infantry seems to indicate moretime in gunnery and mission simulators as newskills are assimilated and less time spent in poundingaround training areas.

Training armoured combat vehicle personnel isbecoming increasingly expensive, so electronicsimulators are assuming an ever more important rolein training for all tasks from driving and gunnery tointer-vehicle fire command and control.

Above; One of the most advanced IFVs in service, the Swedish CV90.

Below: APC versatility, a Canadian Ml 13equipped for the combat engineer role.

Thyssen Henschel Condor APC GermanyHaving witnessed the sales success oftheir UR-416 series of vehicles (seeprevious entry), Thyssen Henschelcompleted a prototype of their Condor APCin 1978. Their UR 416 technique ofemploying commercial componentswherever possible was followed (theCondor engine and drive train are alsoinstalled on some Unimog all-terraintrucks). The first order, placed by Malaysiaand for 459 units, was announced in late1981. Production has continued eversince, with over 600 vehicles having beenmanufactured by mid-1994, By comparisonwith the earlier UR 416 the Condor is amuch larger and heavier vehicle with amore aggressive appearance. It is also fully

amphibious, being propelled in the waterby a steerable propeller under the hull. Theballistic protection is also improved andthere is more internal space for eithertroops (up to 12) or supplies. The internallayout has also been revised, with thedriver seated well forward next to theengine, which is located on the right-hand side of the hull. The vehiclecommander is seated behind the driver,with access through a roof hatch to aweapon station which may be protectedby a small turret.

Optional weapon mountings include a20 mm cannon with a coaxial 7.62 mm MG,while some of the troops carried can firetheir personal weapons through weapon

ports in the upper hull sides. Some APCsproduced for the Malaysian contract havethe 20 mm cannon one-man turret. Othermodels produced for the same orderincluding command vehicles, an ambulance,and a fitter's vehicle provided with a lightcrane. Other proposed Condor variantsinclude ATGW carriers and models withvarious types of weapon turret.

Air conditioning is optional on allmodels, as are a collective NBC system,an intercom, night vision systems and arecovery winch, Apart from the vehiclessupplied to Malaysia, Condor sales havealso been made to Indonesia, Portugal,Turkey, Uruguay and some otherundisclosed countries.

Condor APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 12Weight: (combat) 12,400 kgLength: 6.13mWidth: 2.47 mHeight: (hull top) 2.18mGround clearance: 0.475 mTrack: 1.84mMax speed: (road) 100 km/h

Fuel capacity: 280 litresRange:900 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.55 mEngine: Mercedes-Benz OM 352 A dieselPower output: 168 hpSuspension: coil springsArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon;1 x7.62mmMG

Variants: See text

The Condor wheeled APC undergoingGerman Army trials.

Marder 1 IFV GermanyThe Marder 1 IFV is based on a specialtracked chassis originally developed inthe early 1960s to create a commonplatform for a whole host of armouredvehicles of which an IFV was only onecomponent.

First delivered in 1970, the Marder 1was produced by two companies,Rheinstahl and MaK, with final productiontotals reaching 3,111 in 1975 whenmanufacture of the IFV ceased. Overthe years the Marder 1 underwentnumerous updates, resulting in a Marder1 Al, then 1 A1A and 1A2, and finally with1 A3. All existing models are beingmodified up to the latter state whichinvolves extra frontal armour, the fullprovision of night vision devices, changes

to roof hatch arrangements, and otherdetails such as the provision of stowageboxes along the sides. Also involvedare suspension changes as the latestmodifications increased theMarder 1 A3 weight to some 35 tonnes,making it one of the largest and heaviestof all IFVs (and probably the mostexpensive) - more enhancementprogrammes are forecast. Yet the numberof troops carried in the troop compartmentat the rear is only five or six, even if aMILAN ATGW launcher and reloadmissiles are included. Even so,Marder 1 is a formidable vehicle almostresembling a tank but armed with anexternally mounted 20 mm cannon anda coaxial 7.62 mm MG over a two-man

turret; the hull superstructure armouris well sloped to add protection.

Throughout its life the Marder 1 hasbeen the basis for several variants but onlya few have been accepted for GermanArmy service. One is a Roland airdefencesystem based on the same chassis whileanother has been converted to carry abattlefield surveillance radar antennae ona rising hydraulic arm.

A driver training tank with the turretreplaced by a fixed superstructure for theinstructor is in service.

There was a programme to producea simplified Marder 1 IFV in Argentina -this is described in a separate section(VCTP-qv).

Specification

(Marder 1 A3)Crew: 3Seating: 5 or 6Weight: (combat) approx 35,000 kgLength: 6.88 mWidth: 3.38 mHeight: (hull top) 1.9 mGround clearance: 0.45S mTrack: 2.62mMax speed: (road) 65 km/hFuel capacity: 652 litres

Range:500 kmFording: with preparation, 2 mVertical obstacle: 1 mEngine: MTU MB 833 Ea-500 dieselPower output: 600 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon;1 x 7.62 mmMG; 1 x MILAN ATGWVariants: Marder 1 Al, 1 A1A, 1A2, 1 A3

The heavy Marder 1 A3 IFV, the model withall the latest modifications incorporated.

VCC-80 IFV ItalyThe VCC-80 tracked IFV is a jointdevelopment by IVECO and the formerOTO Melara (now OTOBREDA) toproduce an IFV to meet an Italian Armyrequirement. To date three prototypeshave been produced and the programmeawaits further funding but it providesan example of the development paththat future IFVs are taking.

The VCC-80 is a true IFV, having apowerful 25 mm Oerlikon-Contravescannon mounted in an electrically-operated two-man turret. This cannon isprovided with an advanced fire controlsystem of a type more commonlyassociated with MBTs as it involves alaser rangefmder and thermal imaging

equipment, The cannon, which has amaximum effective range of some2,500 metres, can be elevatedsufficiently to allow it to engage aircraftor helicopter targets, It also has a coaxial7,62 mm MG; another 7.62 mm MGweapon station is provided on top of theturret for air and local defence, It is alsopossible to mount a MILAN or similarATGW launcher on the turret roof, The hullis welded aluminium onto which arebolted armoured steel plates - thisconstruction system saves weight. Fivefiring ports are available for the sixtroops carried in compartment in thehull rear which is also provided with apower operated ramp for entry and

egress; there is also air conditioningand a collective NBC system. In additionto an impressive array of optical visiondevices, passive night vision equipmentis provided for the crew (driver,commander and gunner).

The VCC-80 can wade through waterobstacles up to 1.5 metres deep withoutpreparation. It has been proposed that thetorsion bar suspension installed on theprototypes could be replaced with amore efficient hydropneumatic system onproduction models. It has also beenproposed that the 25 mm cannon couldbe replaced by an OTOBREDA 60 mmhigh velocity gun in a special turret onsome vehicles.

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 6Weight: (combat) approx 21,700 kgLength: 6.705 mWidth: 3 mHeight: (hull top) 1.75mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: not knownMax speed: (road) 70 km/hFuel capacity: not knownRange: 500 kmFording: 1.5 mVertical obstacle: 0.85 mEngine: IVECO 8260 V-6 dieselPower output: 520 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 25 mm cannon;2x7 .62mmMGVariants: None to date

The VCC-80IFV, yet to enter production.

Fiat 6614 APC ItalyThe Type 6614 wheeled APC was ajoint development between FIAT (now partof IVECO) and OTO Melara (nowOTOBREDA) and was designed to meetthe requirements of the many military andpara-military organisations where someform of mobile armoured protection isrequired for personnel not necessarilyoperating under front line conditions.

Thus the Type 6614 APCs in servicewith the Italian Air Force are used forairfield patrol while the few issued to theItalian Army are operated by alpineunits. Others are employed by variousItalian police forces and are equippedaccordingly.

The Type 6614 is basically anarmoured hull set on a 4 x 4 chassiswhich is shared by the Type 6616armoured car - the two vehicles havemany automotive components incommon.

The passengers enter via a largepowered ramp which covers most ofthe rear hull wall. Two roof hatches areprovided through which mortars canbe fired, if required. Once inside, most

troop positions are provided with avision block and a firing port for personalweapons,

The main armament, if fitted, is usuallya 12.7 mm MG mounted, sometimeswith side protection, over thecommander's cupola (which is the sameas that fitted to the Ml 13 APC (qv) - asmall turret can be fitted if required,

The Type 6614 is fully amphibious ifthe need arises with propulsion once inthe water provided by the road wheels,

Optional equipment can include arecovery winch, night vision equipment,

smoke grenade dischargers and an air-conditioning system.

Export sales were made to Argentina,Peru (ten of which were mortar carriers),Somalia, Tunisia and Venezuela.

When production ceased in Italy1,160 vehicles had been manufactured.

The Type 6614 is licence producedin South Korea where it is employed bythe South Korean Army The South KoreanAPC is known as the KM900, while locallyintroduced variants, known as the KM901,include an armoured ambulance, mortarcarriers and command vehicles,

6614 APC

Specification:

Crew: 2Seating: 9Weight: (combat) 8,500kgLength: 5,86mWidth: 2.5mHeight: (hull top) 1,78mGround clearance: 0,37mTrack: 1,96mMax speed: (road) 100 km/h

Fuel capacity: 142 litresRange:700 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.4 mEngine: Model 8062.24 dieselPower output: 160hpSuspension: independentArmament: 1 x 12.7 mmVariants: IS, KM900, KM901 The Type 6614APC used by the Italian Air

Force for airfield patrol.

Type 73 AFC JapanThe requirement for a new APC tosupplement the Type SU 60 APC (seefollowing entry) was first issued in early1967. A lengthy process of test rig andother development then commenceduntil a Mitsubishi design was selected tobecome the Type 73 tracked APC for theJapanese Self-Defence Force.

Production commenced in 1973 witha total of 225 being made; the only usershave been the Japanese Self-DefenceForce.

The Type 73 is an entirely conventionaltracked APC with a few features all its own,not the least of which is the retention ofa forward-firing 7,62 mm bow MG whichis operated by a dedicated gunner seatednext to the driver. There is also a roof-mounted 12.7 mm Browning MG next tothe commander's cupola which is normallymanned by one of the nine troops carried;if required this MG can be aimed and firedfrom within the cover provided by thevehicle's welded aluminium armour.Most of the troops carried have accessto firing ports for their personal weapons,two of the ports being in the twooutward-opening entry doors in the hull

rear wall.Passive night vision equipment is

provided, as is a collective NBC protectionsystem for all occupants.

The Type 73 is not normallyamphibious unless a special kit,including a trim vane on the fronthull and side-slung buoyancy units,has been fitted but not all vehicles havethis kit.

The only known direct variant of theType 73 is a command vehicle whichcan be recognised by its raised rooflevel.

A special variant, the Type 73 self-propelled wind measuring station,provides meteorological data for130 mm multiple rocket batteries.

The Type 73 APC is gradually beingreplaced by the Type 89 IFV which hasa turret-mounted 35 mm cannon, althoughthis is proving to be a slow process,Remaining Type 73s are then destined tobecome either artillery tractors orconverted to become Type 87 trackedammunition carriers for artillery batteries.

Type 73 AFC

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 9Weight: (combat) 13,300 kgLength: 5.8 mWidth: 2.8mHeight: (hull top) 1.7mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 2.56mMax speed: (road) 70 km/hFuel capacity: 450 litresRange: 300 kmFording: amphibious with kitVertical obstacle: 0.7mEngine: Mitsubishi 4ZF V-4 dieselPower output: 300 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MG;l x 7 . 6 2 m m M GVariants: Type 75 met. station,Type 87 ammunition carrier

The Japanese Type 73APC-note the hull NIC,

Type SU 60 APC JapanSoon after the Japanese Self-DefenceForce was established in the 1950s arequirement was placed for a trackedAPC; two prototypes were produced.These, and following prototypes,underwent a prolonged period ofdevelopment before a design wasfinalised in 1960. Production followed butwas slow and fragmented to the extentthat the result, the Type SU 60 APC,can lay claim to being one of the mostcostly in its category. For all thedevelopment work involved, theType SU 60 which emerged is still ratherunderpowered and has limited speed andagility The vehicle has a crew of four,commander, driver, bow machine gunnerand main gunner for the roof-mounted12.7 mm MG, although the latter may beone of the six troops carried, The interioris rather cramped, there is no provisionfor the troop compartment occupants toutilise their personal weapons fromwithin the vehicle, and vision to theoutside world is limited. No NBC

protection system is fitted and the vehicleis not amphibious.

All of these limitations were typical ofthe time when specialised APCs were stillan innovation, and it has to be stated thatthe Type SU 60 is still soldiering onwith the Japanese Self-Defence Force (noexport sales were made or attempted).

A few variants have appeared andremain in service. The Type SV 60 is an81 mm mortar carrier while the Type SX60 carries a 4.2-inch (107 mm) rifled

mortar, both types having the mortar firingto the rear from inside the troopcompartment. Some Type SU 60s havebeen modified to carry two ATGW overthe hull rear and a few carry snow-clearing dozer blades.

Prototypes of NBC reconnaissancevehicles based on the Type SU 60 havebeen developed but are apparently notyet in widespread service,

The Type SU 60 APC is destined tobe replaced by the Type 89IFV

SU60APC

Specification

Crew: 4Seating: 6Weight: (combat) 11,800 kgLength: 4.85 mWidth; 2.4mHeight: (hull top) 1.7 mGround clearance: 0 4 mTrack: 2.05 mMax speed: (road) 45 km/hFuel capacity: not knownRange: 230 kmFording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.6 mEngine: Mitsubishi Model 8 HA 21 WT V-dieselPower output: 220 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MG;lx7 .62mmMGVariants: Type SV 60, Type SX 60,Type SX 60

Typical of its era in design terms, the Type SU GOAPC.

Korean IFV South KoreaThe exact designation for the so-calledKorean IFV, or KIFV, has never beendisclosed (it may be K-200). It ismanufactured by Daewoo HeavyIndustries and is based on an AmericanFMC private venture design derivedfrom the Ml 13 APC (qv), although asignificant number of local innovationshave been introduced; FMC were notinvolved at any stage.

Aluminium armour from the UnitedKingdom is used for the hull (covered byspaced laminate steel plates) while thepower pack, coupled to an Americantransmission, is German,

The first KIFV examples enteredservice in 1985, with well over 1,000 unitshaving been manufactured by early1994. Most have been the IFV version,armed with a pintle-mounted 12.7 mmMG protected by a small open turretbehind a shield, plus a 7.62 mm MGover the commander's cupola.

The rear hull roof is raised to increaseinternal head room for the sevenpersonnel carried; they are providedwith an NBC collective protection system

as standard.A trim vane is stowed on the front

glacis as the KIFV is amphibious, beingpropelled in the water by its tracks.

The KIFV is only one of a family ofvehicles on the same base chassis, Theothers include an air defence vehiclearmed with a single 20 mm Vulcanrotary cannon, a recovery vehicle witha prominent recovery crane, an NBCreconnaissance vehicle (which hasappeared only in prototype form todate), a command post, an armoured

ambulance, two types of mortar carrier(81 mm and 4,2-inch/107 mm), and a tankdestroyer carrying a special turret tolaunch two TOW ATGWs. The lattervariant is still at the proposal stage butmost of the others are in service with theSouth Korean armed forces.

More were ordered during 1993and 1994 by Malaysia for issue to theirtroops operating with the United Nationsforces in the former Yugoslavia.

Korean IFV

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 12,900 kgLength: 5.486 mWidth: 2.846mHeight: (hull top, front) 1.829 mGround clearance: 0.41 mTrack: approx 2.4 mMax speed: (road) 74 km/hFuel capacity: 400 litresRange: 480 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.63 mEngine: MAN D-2848M V-8 dieselPower output: 280 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1x12.7 mm MG;lx7 .62mmMGVariants: See text

A fully armed Korean IFV with trim vane stowed on fi

Ratel IFV South AfricaThe Ratel wheeled IFV is named afterthe honey badger, noted for its toughnesswhen fighting; many would consider theRatel IFV to be well named, It firstappeared in 1974, when sanctionswere at their height, having been totallydeveloped within South Africa.

Manufacture was by Sandock-Austral,with final deliveries being made during1987. All models have a 6 x 6 driveconfiguration with the long armouredsteel hull being specially contouredunderneath to minimise land minedamage; if necessary the Ratel cantravel with two wheels missing. Themain variant is the Ratel 20, armedwith a 20 mm cannon in a two-manturret, plus three 7.62 mm MGs, onecoaxial, one over the turret and one ona pintle mounting over a hatch in the rearhull roof, Firing ports and vision devicesare provided for most occupants ofthe crew compartment which is enteredthrough side doors or another at the rear.

A fire support variant, the Ratel 90,is virtually identical to the Ratel 20

apart from the turret mounting a 90mm gun and one passenger less tomake room for the bulkier ammunition.There is also a Ratel 60 with a 60 mmbreech-loading mortar in the turret.

An anti-tank Ratel has a specialturret with a bank of three Swift ATGWsover the roof. There is a specialcommand version with a turret with a12.7 mm MG in a mantlet while an81 mm mortar carrier does not have aturret at all; the traversable mortar firesthrough open roof hatches.

Almost any Ratel can be rapidlyconverted into a light ARV by adding asmall jib crane to the hull rear.

One of the latest variants is the so-called Enhanced Artillery ObservationSystem (EAOS) on which a raisedsuperstructure behind the driversposition and a special lifting mastcarrying a multi-sensor head for targetdetection and data transmission to acentral control post.

Ratel IFV

Specification

(Ratel 20)Crew: 2Seating: 9Weight: (combat) 18,500 kgLength: 7.212mWidth: 2.516mHeight: (hulltop) 2.105 mGround clearance: 0.34 mTrack: 2.08 mMax speed: (road) 105 km/hFuel capacity: 430 litresRange: 1,000 kmFording: 1.2mVertical obstacle: 0.6 mEngine: D 3256 BTXF dieselPower output: 282 hpSuspension: coil springsArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon;3x7.62mmMGVariants: Ratel 20, Ratel 60, Ratel 90, Ratel12.7 Command, Mortar carrier, EAOS,Swift ATGW

The Ratel 90IFV armed with a 90 mm main gun.

Casspir APC South AfricaThe Casspir is an unusual vehicle, beingin service in much the same form not onlywith several South African Police forcesbut also with the South African NationalDefence Force in a virtually identicalform.

Built by TFM (Ply) Limited, the Casspirwas originally based on a Bedford heavycommercial truck chassis but this wasgradually modified and strengthenedso that the Casspir can be taken as anoriginal design.

The Casspir resembles an armouredtruck with the armour extending tospecially-shaped under-hull platesintended to reduce the effects of land minesand Casspir have repeatedlydemonstrated that they can indeedsurvive heavy mine detonations; somehave been specially equipped fordetecting and clearing mines from roadsin remote areas.

The first Casspir appeared in 1981.Since then over 2,500 have beenproduced and many have been rebuiltto extend their service lives, as productionhas now ceased.

The cab roof has provision for

a weapon station, usually a single7.62 mm MG but police vehicles mayhave all manner of anti-riot weapons,including a rapid-firing rubber bulletdispenser.

The troops (or police) are seated onoutward-facing bench seats down thecentre of the rear compartment and areprovided with vision blocks and firing ports(police versions usually have largervision blocks covered by grills). Entry tothe rather high off the ground compartmentis via a door in the rear - large roofhatches are provided.

Also produced is a Casspir

ambulance, and three 'specials'. Oneof these is the Duiker 5000-litre fueltanker with the tank replacing the troopcompartment.

The Blesbock is an armoured loadcarrier with a cargo body capable ofcarrying 5 tonnes of supplies - a watertank may form part of the load.

The Gemsbock is a recovery vehicle.The only known export of Casspir was

to Peru (20) but several of the statesbordering South Africa have acquiredexamples.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 12,580 kgLength: 6.87 mWidth: 2.5 mHeight: 2.85 mGround clearance: 0.41 mTrack: 2.07mMax speed: (road) 90 km/hFuel capacity: 220 litresRange: 850 km

Fording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.5 mEngine: ADE 352T dieselPower output: 170 hpSuspension: leaf springArmament: 1 to 3 7.62 mm MGVariants: Blesbock, Duiker, Gemsbock

The mine-proofed Casspir wheeled APC, alsoused as an internal security vehicle.

Mamba APC South AfricaAt first sight the Mamba APC resemblesa somewhat bulky but conventionalpersonnel carrier but it was developednot only as an APC but as a mineprotected vehicle for operations inareas where land mines are likely to beencountered. It was developedfollowing a long series of mine-proofedvehicles specifically produced to counterthe mine warfare conditions onceprevalent along the South Africanborders and in the former Rhodesia,

The Mamba produced by ReumechSandock, thus has an armouredunderside with sloped plates intendedto direct the worst of a mine blast awayfrom the vehicle. The chassis itself isbased around the use of Unimogcomponents and the Mamba thus hasa remarkable cross countryperformance.

The steel upper hull can bearmoured virtually according torequirements but is usually proof againstsmall arms fire and ammunition splinters.The interior has the commander and

driver seated side by side and up to ninetroops seated in close proximity in therear; entry to all position is via a singledoor at the rear or via roof hatches.

The commander has a roof hatchover which a MG can be mounted, ifrequired, All occupants are provided withbullet-proof windows and the entireroof can be opened up when necessaryThe rear area can be readily configuredto form an armoured ambulance or acommand vehicle,

Other body types include a flatbed

body for load carrying, to mount lightweapons, or to accommodate a recoveryhamper. It has been proposed that theMamba could be fitted out as a VIPprotected transport. The Mamba hasbeen acquired by the South AfricanNational Defence Force and severalother countries,

The Mamba is also being licence-produced in the United Kingdom by AlvisLimited, The Mamba has been trialledby United Nations forces operating inthe former Yugoslavia,

MambaAPC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 9Weight: (combat) 6,800 kgLength: 5.46 mWidth: 2.205mHeight: 2.495mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 1.79mMax speed: (road) 102 km/hFuel capacity: 200 litresRange: 900 kmFording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.4mEngine: Mercedes-Benz OM 352 dieselPower output: 123 hpSuspension: coil springArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MG (if fitted)Variants: See text

The mine-protected Mamba 4x4 APC, shown here unarmed.

BMR 3560 50 APC SpainThe BMR series of six-wheeled APCshas been referred to as the BMR-600series. It was originally devised duringthe early 1970s, with the first prototypeappearing in 1975. Initial production byvarious concerns who became the SANTABARBARA Group commenced in 1979,with the first vehicles being handed overto the Spanish Army the same year.

The BMR series has several unusualfeatures, not the least being theindependent hydropneumatic suspensionwhich allows the ground clearance to bevaried to suit the terrain being traversed.

The hull is welded aluminium, spacedat the front to enhance ballistic protection.The base vehicle, the BMR 3560.50, is anAPC with a crew of two (the driver and

machine gunner/radio operator) plusspace for nine troops and the vehiclecommander who normally dismountswith the troops via the large power-operated ramp which forms almost theentire rear hull wall, Although the vehicleis amphibious this feature is optional;power once in the water is provided bytwo water jet units or from the roadwheels.

The machine gunner operates a12,7 mm MG on an external mounting; upto six firing ports are located aroundthe hull,

The BMR 3560.51 is a commandvehicle while the BMR 3560.53 is acarrier for either an 81 or 120 mm mortar.The BMR 3560.54 is an armoured

ambulance while a more drasticmodification forms the BMR 3560.55which is an armoured repair and recoveryvehicle with a hydraulic crane arm. TheBMR 3560.56 is a radio communicationsvehicle. The Spanish Army has fitted a90 mm gun turret to some of their vehicles(BMR 3564),

Various types of weapon station havebeen tested on the BMR 3560.50 APC. Atone time a prototype carrying four HOTATGWs was rolled out but did not reachthe production stage.

Export sales of most productionvariants have been made to Egypt andSaudi Arabia. Production totals to date areabout 1,500 with some 1,000 going to theSpanish armed forces.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 11Weight: (combat) approx 14,000 kgLength: 6.15mWidth: 2.5mHeight: (hull top) 2mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 2.08mMax speed: (road) 103km/hFuel capacity: 400 litresRange: 1,000kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.6mEngine: Pegaso 9157/8 dieselPower output: 310 hpSuspension: independent,hydropneumaticArmament: 1x12.7 mm MGVariants: BMR 3560.51, 3560.52, 3560.53,3560.54, BMR 3560.55

Spain'sBMR-600 wheeledIFVseen here armed with an externally-mounted 12.7mm MG.

BLR APC SpainThe BLR wheeled APC was developed tomeet numerous Spanish Army requirementsfor a relatively low cost protected crosscountry vehicle which could meet variousborder patrol, internal security (IS) andairport security functions, The BLR wasdeveloped by the SANTA BARBARA Groupunder the company designation ofBLR 3545. The layout of the 4 x 4 BLRdiffers from most other vehicles of its typein having the engine located centrally at therear, over the rear axle, Once the occupantshave entered via two doors in the hull rear(there are also two side doors, one each side)the interior therefore has a relatively largeunimpeded area with space for 12 occupants

plus the driver. Vision blocks are situatedalong each side wall while the vehiclecommander is provided with a centrally-located cupola featuring all-round visiondevices. If required, a 7,62 or 12.7 mm MGmay be mounted over this cupola, possiblyin a small turret; it has been proposedthat this weapon station could accommodateheavier weapons, such as 20 or 25 mmcannon or even a 90 mm gun turret, but nonehas been installed to date.

Special equipment provided for the ISrole includes a barricade-clearing deviceor dozer blade, sirens, loudspeakers,spotlights and smoke or CS agentdischargers. There is also an unusual semi-

automatic system located over each wheelstation to extinguish fires. Other optionalequipment includes extra radios, run-flattyres, a front-mounted winch, and nightvision devices.

The Spanish Marines operate the BLRwhile more are employed by variousSpanish police and para-military forcesoperating in rural areas. Export sales havebeen made to Ecuador.

Although no BLR variants have beenproduced to date it has been proposed thatthe usual command and ambulance modelscould be readily produced. Production isnow as required,

BLRAPC

Specification

Crew: 1Seating: 12Weight: (combat) 12,000 kgLength: 5.65 mWidth: 2.5mHeight: (hull top) 2mGround clearance: 0.32 mTrack: 1.96/2.135mMax speed: (road) 93 km/hFuel capacity: 200 litresRange: 570 kmFording: l . lmVertical obstacle: 0.3m

Engine: Pegaso dieselPower output: 210 hpSuspension: springs and shock absorbersArmament: variable - see textVariants: None to date

The BLR wheeled APC, frequently deployedas a general purpose base patrol vehicle.

Combat Vehicle 90 IFV SwedenThe Combat Vehicle 90 (or CV 90 -Stridsfordon 90 in Swedish) wasdeveloped specifically to meet a SwedishArmy requirement from the early 1980sonwards, with the first production orderbeing placed in 1991.

The CV 90, a joint development byHagglunds Vehicles AB and Bofors AB,is one of the heaviest armed of all currentIFVs with the main armament on theCV 9040 IFV being a 40 mm Bofors Guncapable of firing potent APFSDS armour-piercing projectiles as well as an arrayof other ammunition. The gun is mountedin a two-man power-operated turrettogether with a 7,62 mm coaxial MG; aBofors BILL ATGW can be mounted over

a hatch in the crew compartment roof. Firecontrol for the main gun is carried out usinga computer-based system employing alaser rangefinder.

Up to eight troops can be carried inthe troop compartment at the rear. TheCV 9040 IFV is only one of an extendedfamily of CV 90 vehicles with most modelsintended for the Swedish Army. TheCV 9040 AAV is an air defence vehicle,also with a 40 mm Bofors Gun but with anadded target-seeking radar on the turretand firing proximity-fuzed ammunition,The CV 90 FCV (forward commandvehicle) and CV 90 FOV (forwardobservation vehicle) have their armamentlimited to a single 7.62 mm MG while the

CV 90 ARV (armoured recovery vehicle)is a turretless hull with a front-mountedanchor/dozer blade and an internalwinch.

A CV 90 MC (mortar carrier) mountinga 120 mm mortar has been proposed butis not yet ordered. Norway has orderedthe CV 9030 IFV with a 30 mm cannon asthe main armament,

A private venture model is knownas the CV 90105 tank destroyer, acombination of the CV 90 chassis and hullwith a Giat Industries TML turret mountinga 105 mm high velocity gun; to date onlya prototype has been produced andtested.

Specification

(CV9040IFV)Crew: 3Seating: 8Weight: (combat) 22,400 kgLength: 6.471 mWidth: 3.01 mHeight: (hull top, front) 1.64 mGround clearance: 0.45 mTrack: approx 2.5 mMax speed: (road) 70 km/hFuel capacity: 525 litresRange: not releasedFording: not releasedVertical obstacle: approx 0.5mEngine: Scania DS 14 dieselPower output: 550 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1x40 mm gun;lx7 .62mmMGVariants: CV 9040 AAV, CV 90 FCV, CV90 FOV, CV 90 AFV, CV 90 MC, CV 90105

CV-90IFVarmed with a Bofors 40 mm gun as the main armament.

Pansarbandvagn 302 APC SwedenThe Pansarbandvagn 302, or Pbv 302,fully tracked amphibious APC was firstmooted in 1961 when the then Hagglundand Soner (now Hagglunds VehicleAB) received a contract to developsuch a vehicle, Prototypes appearedduring 1962 with production of 700units commencing the following year.

The Pbv 302 is operated only by theSwedish armed forces and remains inservice with them, having beenscheduled for replacement by theCV 90 series (see previous entry).

The base Pbv 302 APC is typical ofits design era, being little more than anarmoured steel box set on a trackedchassis. The armour is proof againstprojectiles up to 20 mm in calibre whilethe main armament, a magazine-fed20 mm cannon capable of high elevationto engage aircraft or helicopter targets,is mounted in a small one-man turret off-set to the left of the front hull roof.

The nine troops carried enterthrough large doors in the hull rear;there is no provision for them to fire

their weapons once inside the hullother than from the open hydraulically-operated roof hatches; they also lackvision devices once the hatches areclosed down.

After a front-mounted trim vane hasbeen raised the Pbv 302 is fullyamphibious, being propelled in thewater by its tracks.

Direct Pbv 302 variants include acommand vehicle (Stripbv3021), andtwo artillery fire control or directionvehicles (Epbv 3022 and Bpipbv 3023).

The basic Pbv 302 interior mayalso be configured as a front line load

carrier for 2 tonnes of stores, or as anarmoured ambulance.

Projects to produce 'productimproved' versions of the Pbv 302came to nothing. Developments of thebasic Pbv 302 chassis, also fromHagglunds, include an armouredbridgelayer (Brobv 941) and anarmoured recovery vehicle (Bgbv 82),both using hulls similar to that of thePbv 302,

The Ikv-91 tank destroyer is alsobased on a chassis essentially similarto that of the Pbv 302.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 13,500 kgLength: 5.35 mWidth: 2.86mHeight: (hull top) 1.9mGround clearance: 0.4 mTrack: 2.42mMax speed: (road) 66 km/hFuel capacity: 285 litresRange: 300 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.6mEngine: Volvo-Penta Model THD 100BdieselPower output: 280 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannonVariants: See text

The Swedish Pbv302APC, one of the first APCs to be armed with a 20mm cannon as standard.

MOWAG Piranha SwitzerlandThe MOWAG Piranha is perhaps themost diverse of all vehicles in thewheeled APC/IFV category for notonly is it produced in 4 x 4, 6 x 6 ,8 x 8 and 10 x 10 forms but it is alsolicence-produced in at least threecountries and has been manufacturedto suit a whole host of armoured vehiclesroles and retirements.

Close derivatives such as the LightArmored Vehicle (LAV - qv) andCanadian Bison (qv) are based directlyon the MOWAG Piranha which wasoriginally developed as a private venturein Switzerland during the early 1970s.Since then the type has sold widely toabout 11 countries with sales fromsome of the licence-producers (Canada(General Motors), Chile (FAMAE) andthe United Kingdom (GKN Defence))adding to that total,

The Swiss Army purchased 6x6 and8x8 examples, as have many others,although to date the 4x4 models havehad only relatively limited sales success.

All configurations follow a commonoutline and there are many componentsshared by all models. The well-shaped

steel hull has the engine well forwardnext to the driver while the main troopcompartment is to the rear.

A wide variety of turrets or externalweapon stations, including some forATGWs, can be installed centrally on thehull roof.

The larger models can mount gunturrets with up to 90 mm guns while the10x10 model, first seen in 1994, canaccommodate a 105 mm tank gunturret. The 8 x 8 models can alsoaccommodate a 105 mm gun turret, withone model having a 120 mm breech-loaded mortar in a traversing turret

(most models can carry 81 or 120 mmmortars internally).

Lighter models can tow 120 mmmortars or air defence missile systemtrailers such as those for the BritishAerospace Jemas system. There are alsorecovery vehicle models, commandposts, internal security (IS) and multiplerocket launchers (MRL).

Well over 2,700 Piranhas of all typeshave been manufactured in Switzerlandalone,

MOWAG Piranha

Specification

(6x6)Crew: 2Seating: up to 12Weight: (combat) 10,500 kgLength: 5.97 mWidth: 2.5mHeight: 1.85 mGround clearance: 0.5 mTrack: 2 .2mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: 200 litresRange: 600 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T dieselPower output: 300 hpSuspension: independentArmament: See textVariants: Many, see text

An 8 x 8 model ofthe Piranha APC armed with an externally mounted 12.7 mmMG.

Warrior MCV UKThe tracked IFV known to the BritishArmy as the Warrior was originallyknown as MCV-80. Intended to replacethe old FV432 APC, the vehicles wasdeveloped via a series of pre-productionprototypes from 1980 onwards, withproduction by GKN Defence commencingduring 1986.

The Warrior has been in British Armyservice since 1988, seeing combat inthe Gulf in 1991. The original order wasfor over 1,000 units but Armyreorganisations reduced that to 789 of alltypes, sufficient to equip seven MechanisedInfantry battalions.

The base model is the Warrior SectionVehicle armed with a 30 mm HARDENcannon and a 7,62 mm Chain Gun in a two-man turret. The seven troops carriedenter through a door in the hull rear;once they are inside there are sufficientcombat supplies carried to maintainthem in action for at least 48 hours.

Vehicles in the Gulf were provided withextra passive armour panels but these arenot normally carried during peacetimeoperations.

The British Army also operates a

Warrior Mechanised Artillery ObservationVehicle (MAOV) on which the only turretarmament is a 7,62 mm Chain Gun anda dummy cannon barrel. There are tworepair and recovery vehicles, the WarriorMechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)(MCV(R)) and Mechanised CombatRepair Vehicle (MCRV), both armedwith a single 7.62 mm Chain Gun andequipped for their roles with winches,cranes and other equipment.

A Warrior Command Vehicle isproduced in four sub-variants (one for theartillery), all outwardly identical to the

Section Vehicle.Warriors may be fitted with dozer

blades or light mine-clearing ploughs andan ATGW Warrior carrying MILAN or(eventually) TRIGAT is entering service.

Several trial armament installationshave been tested on Warrior includingone with a 90 mm gun turret.

A special hot weather version knownas Desert Warrior, or Fahris, has beenordered by Kuwait - this model has a25 mm cannon main armament.

Warrior MCV

Specification

(Section Vehicle, fully armoured)Crew: 3Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 25,700 kgLength: 6.34 mWidth: 3.034 mHeight: (hull top) 1.93 mGround clearance: 0.49 mTrack: approx 2.6 mMax speed: (road) 75 km/hFuel capacity: 770 litresRange: 660 kmFording: 1.3mVertical obstacle: 0.75 mEngine: Perkins CV-8 TCA dieselPower output: 550 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 30 mm cannon;1 x 7.62 mm Chain GunVariants: Many, see text

A Warrior IFV lacking the 'full combat' additional side armour as used in The Gulf.

Warrior (cont.)Right: Rear view of Warrior with turretslewed rearwards, revealing infantry accesshatch.

Opposite: Diagrammatic view of standardsection-vehicle seating arrangement.

Inset: Diagrammatic view of the DesertFighting Vehicle seating configuration.

Below: Mud-spattered Warrior with allhatches open, showing the driver's periscope.

FV103 Spartan APC UKThe FV103 Spartan tracked APC was notdeveloped in isolation but as part of anarmoured combat vehicle family headedby the Scorpion light reconnaissancevehicle armed with a 76 mm gun. Thereare seven main members in the family,all produced by Alvis Vehicles, in whichthe Spartan was intended to be a specialistcombat team carrier. This means thatthe Spartan is not normally operated asan infantry combat section vehicle but asa combat engineer, battlefieldreconnaissance or air defence missile teamcarrier,

Since the British Army has reorganised,many Spartans have become availablefrom their former employment so are

now widely issued as general purposeliaison and patrol vehicles. The chassisand suspension of the Spartan are sharedwith all other members of the Scorpionfamily, as is the Jaguar petrol engine buton the Spartan the aluminium hull isenlarged to a box configuration toaccommodate the driver, teamcommander/radio operator and thevehicle commander who also operatesthe 7,62 mm MG mounted over hiscupola; the MG can be aimed and firedfrom within the vehicle,

The troop compartment at the rearseats four personnel with space for theirspecialised and personal equipment;more equipment can be stowed externally

in racks or boxes. Some Spartans haveprovision for mounting a battlefieldsurveillance radar on the hull roof whileothers have internal racking for airdefence missiles. At one time the BritishInfantry had tank destroyer Spartanswith MILAN ATGW launcher turrets ontheir roof but these have now beenwithdrawn. Another variant was knownas the Streaker (mainly due to its highspeed potential although all members ofthe Scorpion family are agile and fast). TheStreaker was a Spartan chassis with anopen flat bed rear to act as a front linestores transporter or mine dispensingequipment carrier - it did not pass theprototype stage,

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 4Weight: (combat) 8,172 kgLength: 5.125mWidth: 2,134mHeight: 2.26mGround clearance: 0.356 mTrack: 1.708mMax speed: (road) 80.5 km/hFuel capacity: 386 litresRange: 483 kmFording: 1.067mVertical obstacle: 0.5mEngine: Jaguar J60 No 1 Mk 100B petrolPower output: 190hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: None, see text

A Spartan APC as once used by the RAFRegiment but now phased out to otherduties.

Stormer APC UKThe Stormer tracked APC was originallydeveloped by the British Ministry ofDefence and first shown, as the FV4333,in 1978. It was intended to be a generalpurpose APC or combat vehicle platformcreated by extending the overall lengthof the Spartan chassis (see previous entry)and adding an extra road wheel stationeach side; engine, transmission andsuspension changes were alsoincorporated. This virtually doubled thecarrying capacity of the Spartan andprovided a much more versatile platformfor further development.

The prototypes, armed with a7.62 mm MG over the commander'sposition, underwent much testing andtrials before the manufacturing and

marketing rights were acquired by AlvisVehicles, Further development ensued butthe Stormer has yet to be employedoperationally as an APC. Instead theextended armoured box hull model hasbeen acquired fitted out as a commandvehicle by Oman to support theirChieftain 2 MBTs.

The British Army has procuredStormers in a modified form to act asthe mobile platform for the Shorts Starstreakhigh velocity missile (HVM), the first of 151systems originally ordered enteringservice from 1995 onwards. On thisvariant, which has a three-man crew, theStarstreak launchers are located towardsthe rear together with their target sensors.Reload missiles are carried inside the

hull. (A similar arrangement has beenproposed for the Shorts Starburst airdefence missile system.).

A future Stormer application may bethat of flat bed carrier for the BritishArmy's scatterable mine system, once ithas been selected; a Giat Minotaur minedispensing system and Stormer flat bedcombination was taken to the Gulf in1990/1991 but not tested operationally,

Other proposed roles for the basicStormer are many, including an IFV witha cannon-armed turret on the roof; severaltrials installations have been made,

Another trial vehicle was configuredas a forward artillery observation vehicle,equipped with suitable sensors andcommunications equipment.

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 8Weight: (combat, max) 12,700 kgLength: 5.33 mWidth: 2.4mHeight: 2.27mGround clearance: 0.425 mTrack: 1.892mMax speed: (road) 80 km/hFuel capacity: 405 litresRange: 650 kmFording: l . l mVertical obstacle: 0.6mEngine: Perkins T6.3544 dieselPower output: 250 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: See textVariants: Starstreak HVM - see also text

A StormerAPC configured as the carrier for the Starstreak air defence missile system.

Saxon APC UKThe Saxon wheeled APC was developedby GKN Defence to provide a relativelylow cost APC based on a revised Bedford4x4 truck chassis and other commerciallyavailable components such as the engineand transmission. Developed from theearlier and less protected AT 104, thebase model was the AT 105 which laterbecame the Saxon before being orderedby the British Army in 1983 to provideUnited Kingdom-based infantry battalionsto travel to North-West Europe in anemergency and still retain a measure ofoperational protection and mobility oncearrived.

The Saxon is thus basically an armouredtruck with limited cross country mobility

but still capable of operating in forwardareas.

The hull is welded steel with V-shapedunder-chassis plates to deflect minedetonations. Seating is provided in the rearfor up to ten troops, although eight is a morecomfortable load if all their equipment isincluded - there is an equipment stowagearea on the hull roof, Two doors areprovided, one each side, plus anotherat the rear. The commander has a fixedcupola over which a 7,62 mm MG can bemounted on an unprotected pintle, althoughsome Saxons operating in the formerYugoslavia were modified by the Army toaccommodate small one-man MG turretstaken from old FV432 APCs.

British Army Saxon variants include arecovery vehicle with a side-mountedwinch, and a command vehicle, some ofwhich are operated by Royal Artilleryair defence regiments. Special Saxonsprocured for operations in NorthernIreland include the Saxon Patrol with aCummins 160 hp diesel engine and specialinternal security (IS) equipment such asa barricade removal device and spotlights;there is also a Northern Ireland armouredambulance,

Other Saxon variants, some of whichhave been exported to nations such asHong Kong, Oman, Malaysia and Nigeria,are usually configured as IS vehicles.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: up to 10Weight: (combat) up to 11,200 kgLength: 5.35mWidth: 2.5mHeight: 2 19mGround clearance: 0.33 mTrack: 2.06mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: 296 litresRange: 660 kmFording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.45 mEngine: Perkins 210 Ti dieselPower output: 210 hpSuspension: leaf springArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: See text

The Saxon wheeled APC, demonstrating itsorigins as an armoured truck.

Simba APC UKThe Simba has many automotive featuresin common with the Saxon APC (seeprevious entry) but was designed forwhat are described as light combatvehicle or low profile internal security (IS)roles. Developed by GKN Defence as aprivate venture with a view to localmanufacture in less developed countries,the basic 4 x 4 Simba can be readilyconfigured to suit many military andpara-military functions, from an APC toa fire support vehicle mounting a90 mm gun in a turret; the latter hasbeen trialled.

To date the most important Simbamodel has been that selected by the

Armed Forces of the Philippines whohave ordered 150 units, most for localassembly using, at first, knock-down kitssupplied by GKN, These vehicles, mostof which are general purpose APCslikely to be operated in IS situations,have an armoured steel hull surmountedby a 12.7 mm MG in a one man turret;single or twin 7.62 mm MGs are options.

Troops enter and leave the vehicle viaa single large door in the hull rear; thedriver has his own roof hatch and isprotected by bullet-proof screens, Up toten troops can be carried but a morecomfortable load is eight; a fully dedicatedAPC could seat up to 12 troops. The hull

can be converted to carry a turntable-mounted 81 mm mortar firing throughopen roof hatches, while a TOW or HOTATGW launcher turret could be locatedon the roof.

An IFV variant with a 20 or 25 mm turrethas also been proposed. However, themost likely Simba variant is an IS vehiclefitted with a barricade removal device,a turret-mounted anti-riot agent projectors,a riot agent filtration system for thevehicle occupants, side-mounted riotscreens, and loudspeakers.

Optional ecfuipment for all modelsincludes air conditioning and a winch.

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: up to 10Weight: (combat) up to 11,200 kgLength: 5.35 mWidth: 2 .5mHeight: 2.19mGround clearance: 0.33 mTrack: 2.06mMax speed: (road) 100 km/hFuel capacity: 296 litresRange:660 kmFording: 1 mVertical obstacle: 0.45 mEngine: Perkins 210 Ti dieselPower output: 210 hpSuspension: leaf springArmament: 1x12.7 mm MGVariants: See text

The Simba APCisseen here in its role as aninternal security vehicle.

Shot-land S 55 APC UKThe Shorland S 55 APC is the latest in aline of wheeled APCs dating back to1973, all produced by Short Brothersand utilising the basic chassis andautomotive components of the long-established Land Rover.

The Shorland S 55 is based on thechassis of the Land Rover Defender 110,allied to an armoured body which closelyfollows the outlines of the Land Roveroriginal to the extent that some85 per cent of the automotive componentsare commercially available Land Roverparts. Power steering is provided and thesuspension is modified to cater for theincreased weights involved.

Intended primarily as an internalsecurity (IS) vehicle for police and para-military units, the Shorland S 55 is alsoemployed operationally by military forcesand has been exported to over 20countries, some of whom utilise Shorlandsfor long range or road patrols in disputedareas,

The armour provides protectionagainst 7.62 mm AP projectiles whilethe glass-reinforced underside is proofagainst most land mines.

For extra protection the roof andbonnet areas are ridged to allow petrolbombs to roll off. All windscreens and sidewindows are bullet resistant while the sixoccupants in the rear are provided withsmall vision blocks and firing ports.

The driver and commander enterthrough armoured side doors; the troopcompartment has a two-piece rear door.

On some Shorlands the roof hatchover the commander can be used tomount a 7.62 mmMG.

Smoke dischargers are often standard

and some vehicles have provision forriot agent projectors. Fire retardantinternal trim is provided on most modelswhile a spare wheel is often carried onthe roof,

Other vehicles in the Shorland rangeinclude the S 52 armoured car, the S 53air defence vehicle, and the S 54,described as an anti-hijack vehicle,

If required a 107 hp diesel engine canbe fitted in place of the usual Land RoverV-8 petrol unit.

Shorland S 55 APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 6Weight: (combat) 3,600 kgLength: 4.25 mWidth: 1.8mHeight: 2,28mGround clearance: 0.324 mTrack: 1.5mMax speed: (road) 120 km/hFuel capacity: 136 litresRange: over 630 kmFording: not knownVertical obstacle: 0.23 mEngine: Land Rover 3.5-litre V-8 petrolPower output: 134 hpSuspension: coil springArmament: See textVariants: S 52, S 53, S 54

A Shorland wheeled APC in 'ciwie' guise as an armoured carrier for CNN television crewsoperating in Bosnia.

Bradley IVI2 IFV USAIn 1972 the US Army requested designproposals to meet a requirement for amechanised infantry fighting vehicle(MIFV), A complex series of designsubmissions and changing specificationsfollowed until a Fighting Vehicle System(FVS) appeared, comprising two vehicles,an IFV which became the M2 Bradley, anda Cavalry Fighting Vehicle which becamethe M3 CFV. Deliveries by FMC (nowUnited Defense) commenced in 1981and have continued since with totalsapproaching the 8,000 plus the US Armyhas requested - procurement plans until2008 have been made.

The M2 Bradley IFV is based arounda welded aluminium hull and is armed witha two-man turret with a 25 mm Chain Gunand two TOW ATGW launchers - thereis also a 7.62 mm coaxial MG. Reactivearmour panels for added protection canbe added to late production (M2A2 andM2A3) examples, while early modelshad firing ports with dedicated riflesattached - these were later removed toavoid compromising the side armourprotection. Throughout its service lifethe M2 Bradley IFV series has been thesubject of numerous enhancements toimprove combat capabilities and

survivability for the vehicle and occupantsso, apart from the reactive armour panels,extras such as improved armour,automotive improvements, strengthenedsuspension components, etc, have beenadded and more such improvementsare planned.

The M3 CFV carries only two extratroops in addition to the three-man crewas 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 swimmingcapabilities improved by the erection ofinflatable buoyancy tanks.

Numerous derivatives, mainly basedon the M2 IFV, have been produced,including air defence missile carriers, whilethe basic chassis has been adapted forother purposes, such as the (muchmodified) chassis for the Multiple LaunchRocket System (MLRS).

Some 400 M2 IFVs have beenexported to Saudi Arabia.

Bradley M2AFV

Specifications:

Crew: 3Seating: 6Weight: (combat) 22,590 kgLength: 6.453mWidth: 3.2 mHeight: 2.565mGround clearance: 0.432 mTrack: approx 2.35 mMax speed: (road) 66 km/hFuel capacity: 662 litresRange: 66 kmFording: amphibious

Vertical obstacle: 0.9 mEngine: Cummins VTA-903T dieselPower output: 500 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 25 mm cannon;1 x7.62mmMG;1 x 2-tube TOW ATGW launcherVariants: M3 CFV - also see text

An M2 Bradley IFV at speed duringacceptance trials.

FMC Armored IFV USAThe Armored Infantry FightingVehicle (AIFV) grew out of a projectto provide the Ml 13 APC (seefollowing entry) with an enclosedweapon station. Private venturedevelopment by FMC (now UnitedDefense) resulted, in 1970, in theAIFV which was first procured bythe Netherlands. Their original orderwas for over 2,000 AIFVs, about halfof which were manufactured in theNetherlands. Other customers haveincluded Belgium and Turkey both ofwhom undertook local licenceproduction agreements. Production inBelgium has now ceased but itcontinues in Turkey where the localrequirement is for some 1,700 AIFVs.

The AIFV is basically an Ml 13APC with a revised hull outline and aturret off-set to the right, just behindthe engine compartment, andmounting a 25 mm cannon with acoaxial 7.62 mm MG,

Many AIFVs are armed with aTOW ATGW turret, especiaUy thoseproduced in the Netherlands, whereanother model is armed only with

an 12.7 mm MG over a small cupola.The addition of the turret limits theinternal troop accommodation to amaximum of seven who enter via apower-operated ramp at the rear.

Customers, other than those alreadymentioned, have included thePhilippines (where the turret armamentis limited to a 12.7 mm MG) andEgypt, the latter purchasing surplusvehicles from the Netherlands.

At one time Pakistan was to producethe AIFV locally but that arrangementis in abeyance. With so many AIFVsbeing produced at several centres,

variants have proliferated to the extentthat , for example, Belgian andNetherlands command AIFVs differ,Thus there are several types of AIFVrecovery vehicle, armouredambulance, and so on. There arealso AIFV supply vehicles, and mortarcarriers or tractors.

Some Turkish AIFVs are fittedwith 300 hp diesel engine packs,

A close copy of the AIFV has beenproduced in Taiwan. The KoreanInfantry Fighting Vehicle (qv) is visuallysimilar to the AIFV.

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 13.687 kgLength: 5.258 mWidth: 2.819mHeight: (hull top) 1.854 mGround clearance: 0.432 mTrack: approx 2.2 mMax speed: (road) 61 km/hFuel capacity: 416 litresRange: 490 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.635 mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T V-6 dieselPower output: 264 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1x25 mm cannon;lx7 .62mmMGVariants: See text The FMC Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV), produced in several forms in various

countries.

Ml 13 APC USAWhen mentioning the Ml 13 series ofAPCs it is difficult to avoid superlatives,for the type has become the mostwidely-produced and utilised APC ofthe Western World, Since production byFMC (now United Defense) commencedin 1960 weU over 32,000 Ml 13 s and itsderivatives have been received by theUS Army alone and the overallproduction total in 1992 had reachednearly 75,000 of all types; productionseems set to continue both in the USAand with several licence-producerselsewhere,

Yet despite the huge number ofvariants and sub-variants, the baseMl 13 APC remains a welded aluminiumbox-shaped hull set on an uncomplicatedtracked chassis.

Over the years the size and weightof the vehicle has grown and numerouscomponents have been altered toaccommodate that growth but the basicoutline has remained the same - the latestproduction model is the Ml 13A3 witha longer hull, more armour, a more

powerful engine, and a revised layoutof items such as the fuel cells which aremoved to the hull rear, either side of themain entry ramp.

On nearly all models the mainarmament has been a single 12.7 mmMG on a pintle over the commander'scupola; sometimes this station is setbehind a shield or small open turret butvariations abound, as indeed they dofor the entire Ml 13 series.

Derivatives are legion, ranging fromcommand posts (M577) to anti-tankvehicles armed with TOW ATGW turrets

(M901), There are also mortar carriers(M125 for 81 mm, M1064 for 120 mm),smoke screen producing vehicles(Ml059), numerous air defence missileand gun carriers, combat engineervehicles, ambulances, recovery andrepair vehicles, etc.

Many user nations have added theirown variations and modifications, as havelicence producers such as Belgiumand Italy The list could continue butwould fill this book.

Ml 13s and variants are used by atleast 48 countries.

Specification

(M113A3)Crew: 2Seating: 11Weight: (combat) 12,150 kgLength: 5.3 mWidth: 2.686mHeight: (hull top) 1.85mGround clearance: 0.43 mTrack: 2.159mMax speed: (road) 66 km/hFuel capacity: 360 litresRange: 480 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.61 mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53T V-6 dieselPower output: 275 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MGVariants: Many - see text

An Australian Army Ml 13 APC, one of the many users of the most ubiquitous APC in the West.

AAV7A1 Amphibious APC USAThe Amphibious Assault Vehicle 7A1,usually now known as the AAV7A1,was once called the LVTP7A1 by the USMarine Corps and other users. It is abulky amphibious tracked vehicleintended to land troops on open beachesso it has to be seaworthy and is thusscaled accordingly

Intended as a replacement for theLVTP5 series (see following entry) thefirst AAV7 (then the LVTP7) prototypeappeared in 1967 with productioncommencing during 1970-71. By thetime production had ceased over 1,500had been produced, not only for the USMarines but also for seven exportcustomers.

The late production model was theAAV7A1 and most earlier models werelater brought up to this standard AAV7A1improvements included a new Cumminsdiesel engine pack, night vision devices,a new weapon station control system,improved ventilation and many otherdetail changes. Further improvementsare scheduled, including a universalweapon mounting capable of

accommodating a 40 mm grenadelauncher as well as MGs. The mainarmament carried on current AAVTAlsis a 12.7 mm MG in a small turret on theright-hand side of the engine installation;the driver and commander are seatedto the left of the engine.

The capacious troop compartmentcan hold up to 25 marines or 4.5 tonnesof supplies, with entry and exit being viaa large rear-mounted ramp.

In the water, propulsion is providedby two water jet units at the rear. A kit wasdevised to permit extra applique armour

panels to be installed on most US MarineCorps vehicles.

AAV7A1 variants include a commandvehicle, a recovery vehicle fitted with arecovery jib, and various mine-clearingvehicles, including one with a mineplough,

Various automotive and suspensiontest beds have appeared, including aproject involving an electric drive system.In time it is expected that the AAV7A1win be replaced by a programme knownas the Advanced Amphibious AssaultVehicle.

Specification

Crew: 3Seating: 25Weight: (combat) 23,990 kgLength: 7.943 mWidth: 3.27 mHeight: 3.263 mGround clearance: 0.406 mTrack: 2.61 mMax speed: (road) 72.4 km/hFuel capacity: 647 litresRange: 482 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0 ,9mEngine: Cummins VT400 dieselPower output: 400 hpSuspension: torsion barArmament: 1 x 12,7 mmMGVariants: See text

The amphibious AAV7APC used by the US Marine Corps and others.

LVTP5A1 Amphibious APC USAThe Landing Vehicle, Tracked,Personnel 5A1, or LVTP5A1, datesfrom the early 1950s. It has been out ofservice with its original users, the USMarine Corps, since the mid-1970s,having been replaced by theLVTP7/AAV7 (see previous entry), Thetype still soldiers on with nations suchas Chile, the Philippines and Taiwan, thelatter still operating a fleet of over 350LVTP5A1 vehicles by some accounts,

The LVTP5A1 was a successor to theUS Marines' amphibious assault vehiclesfrom World War 2 era and is thus abulky armoured steel box on a trackedchassis, powered by a fuel-thirsty V-12petrol engine. The main troopcompartment, or hold, has seating forup to 34 Marines; up to 45 standingpersonnel could be carried as anemergency measure. With the seatingremoved there is capacity to carry upto 5.4 tonnes of combat supplies forfloating operations (over 8 tonnes whenon land), a towed 105 mm howitzerand some ammunition, or small Jeep-

type vehicles, all of which may beloaded through a large roof hatch.Once in the water the LVTP5A1 ispropelled by its tracks which havespecial water grouseis to aid propulsion.

The usual armament carried is a7.62 mm MG over a roof hatch, althoughthere was a fire support model knownas the LVTH6 with a two-man turretmounting a short-barrelled 105 mmhowitzer.

Other variants included a command

vehicle converted from the APC, arecovery vehicle, and a combat engineermodel with a front-mounted dozerblade. A kit could convert the APCinto an ambulance. How many of thesevariants remain in service is not known.

The Taiwanese have carried outtheir own update modifications to theirLVTP5A1 fleet, including the replacementof the petrol engine by more fuel-efficient 750 hp diesel packs and theinstallation of a revised fuel system.

LVTP5A1 Amphibious APC

Specification:

Crew: 3Seating: 34Weight: (combat) 30,144 kgLength: 9.042 mWidth: 3.567 mHeight: (hull top) 2.565 mGround clearance: 0.457 mTrack: approx 2.97 mMax speed: (road) 48 km/hFuel capacity: 1,726 litresRange: 306 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.9 mEngine: Continental LV-1790-1 V-12petrolPower output: 810 hpSuspension: torsilasticArmament: 1 x 7.62 mm MGVariants: See text

Despite its design age the LVTP-5 amphibious APCis still operated by Taiwan and others.

Dragoon APC USAThe Dragoon wheeled APC is a productof the AV Technology Corporation andis based on the experience gainedfrom the production and marketing ofearlier vehicles, also under the Dragoonlabel,

The Dragoon is not a single vehiclebut a family of wheeled armouredvehicles intended to meet most militaryand para-military requirements. Allmembers of the family are based on anarmoured steel monocoque hull with twoside doors; the engine pack is at the rear.Most of the automotive and othercomponents are based on commerciallyavailable or in-service military partsavailable world-wide.

The Dragoon is fully amphibious.Inside the hull there is seating for 11occupants, plus the driver, with a roofhatch located behind the driver's position,A 12.7 mm MG can be ring- or pintle-mounted over this roof hatch, althoughother weapons could be installed toallow the Dragoon APC to be used asa patrol or reconnaissance vehicle.

If required, the Dragoon APC can be

provided with a MG or 40 mm grenadelauncher turret, one version known asthe Dragoon Light Forces Vehiclemounting a 90 mm gun and a coaxial MG(LFV-90 mm), although the crew of thismodel is limited to four,

The basic APC can be configured asan 81 mm mortar carrier with themortar firing through side-openingroof hatches. The hull could also beused to accommodate communicationsor electronic warfare (EW) suites and a1-tonne payload logistics carrier with

a self-loading crane is available.An armoured security vehicle (ASV)

model known as the Dragoon Patroller,some with raised and extended cabs,has been procured by various Americanpolice forces, and a tank-destroyerATGW carrier armed with TOW missileshas been proposed.

The US Army and Navy haveobtained some Dragoon vehicles, ashave Thailand and Canada.

The largest customer to date hasbeen Venezuela who ordered 100 units.

Dragoon APC

Specification

Crew: 2Seating: 10Weight: (combat) 13,068 kgLength: 5.89 mWidth: 2.49mHeight: (hull top) 2.08 mGround clearance: 0.38 mTrack: 1.98 mMax speed: (road) 116 km/hFuel capacity: 350 litresRange:885 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.61 mEngine: Detroit Diesel 6V-53TdieselPower output: 300 hpSuspension: elliptical springsArmament: 1 x 12.7 mm MGVariants: See text

Frontal view of a turret-armed Dragoonwheeled APC.

Cadillac Gage LAV-150 ST USAThe Cadillac-Gage LAV-150 series ofwheeled APCs has been establishedsince 1963 when the prototype of avehicle then known as the V-100Commando was rolled out. The 4 x 4V-100 was acquired by the US armedforces for a variety of functions, from airbase security to route patrolling inVietnam; many of the V-100 modelsremain in widespread service.

From those vehicles came the V-200with a more powerful engine and,eventually, the LAV-300 with a 6 x 6drive configuration. Then came the V-150series, later renamed the LAV-150 Thecurrent production version is the LAV-150ST which denotes stretched andturbocharger, resulting in increasedinternal capacity and better all-roundautomotive performance, especially asthe original petrol engine was replacedby a diesel unit.

In general appearance the LAV-150series usually resemble light armouredcars for most have a two-man turretarmed with a 20 mm cannon plus anoptional coaxial 7.62 mm MG; someAPC examples lack the turret and have

a pintle-mounted 12.7 mm MG in itsplace,

The hull can accommodate up toseven troops although on many modelsthis is limited to five. However, over theyears the LAV-150 and its associatedmodels have been produced in manyalternative forms for export to about 24countries; Saudi Arabia alone took over1,100 units.

Production, now by Textron Marine& Land Systems, stands at around 3,000of all types. These types range from 76or 90 mm gun carriers with turrets(neither of which has apparently reached

production), to recovery and air defencevehicles with 20 mm rotary cannon.

Other models include the usualcommand, internal security (IS), andmortar carrier variants; a TOW ATGWcarrier has been proposed. A turretlessbase security model is operated by theUS Air Force.

Turkey ordered over 120 units, someof them configured for the policeemergency rescue vehicle role.

Other significant LAV-150 usersinclude Indonesia, the Philippines,Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Venezuelaand Malaysia.

Specification

(LAV-150 ST)Crew: 2Seating: 7Weight: (combat) 10,886 kgLength: 6.274 mWidth: 2.39mHeight: (hull roof) 1.98 mGround clearance: 0.381 mTrack: 1.98mMax speed: (road) 112 km/hFuel capacity: 303 litresRange: 800 kmFording: amphibiousVertical obstacle: 0.61 mEngine: 6 CTA dieselPower output: 250 hpSuspension: leaf springs and shockabsorbersArmament: 1 x 20 mm cannon;2x7 .62mmM GVariants: See text

A4x4 model of the Commando wheeled APC.

Glossary

AAAV Advanced amphibious assault vehicle FVSAAV Anti-aircraft vehicle or HEAAV Amphibious assault vehicle HVMACV Airborne combat vehicle ICVAEV Armoured engineering vehicle IFVAIFV Armored infantry fighting vehicle ISAPC Armoured personnel carrier KIFVAPFSDS Armour piercing fin stablised LAV

discarding sabot LFVARV Armoured recovery vehicle LVTPASV Armored security vehicle MAOVATGW Anti-tank guided weaponCFV Cavalry fighting vehicle METCIS Commonwealth of Independent States MCEAOS Enhanced artillery observation MCRV

system MCVEW Electronic warfare • MGFCV Forward command vehicle MICVFMC Food Machinery Corporation MLRSFOV Forward observation vehicle MRLFRAG-HE Fragmenting high explosive MRV(R)FV Field vehicle NBC

Fighting vehicle systemHigh explosiveHigh velocity missileInfantry combat vehicleInfantry fighting vehicleInternal securityKorean infantry fighting vehicleLight armored vehicleLight forces vehicleLanding vehicle, tracked, personnelMechanised artillery observationvehicleMain battle tankMortar carrierMechanised combat repair vehicleMechanised combat vehicleMachine gunMechanised infantry combat vehicleMultiple launch rocket systemMultiple rocket launcherMechanised recovery vehicle (repair)Nuclear, biological and chemical