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M113
M113A1
M113A2
M113A3

Armored Personnel Carrier M1131-6

M113: General
Date of first acceptance 1960 Total acceptances 14,813
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew
13 men:
  • Commander in hull center
  • Driver in hull left front
  • 11 passengers
M113: Dimensions
Combat weight 22,900lbs
10,400kg		 Height over MG 98.25"
249.6cm
Length 191.5"
486.4cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width over track shrouds 105.75"
268.61cm		 Tread 85.0"
216cm
Ground clearance 16.1"
40.9cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 7.3psi
.51kg/cm²
M113: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible on cupola mount 2,000 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +58° to -21°
(manual)
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M113: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M113: Automotive
Engine Chrysler 75M; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, vee gasoline
Horsepower Gross: 215@4,000rpm Torque Gross: 332 ft-lb@2,800rpm Fuel capacity 80gal
300L
Transmission Allison TX-200-2A, 4 ranges forward, 1 reverse
Steering DS200 controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Differential band
M113: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first and last road wheels/track
M113: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M113: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.5mph
5.6kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 26'
7.9m		 Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~200mi, roads
~320km, roads

The M113 is the ultimate American armored personnel carrier, and it is the most-produced American armored fighting vehicle in history with over 80,000 made. It is essentially an armored box on tracks, and has lent itself to a plethora of specialized designs. The commander was placed behind the engine and was provided with a vision cupola fitted with the .50cal MG. Troop access was through a large rear ramp which also had an entry door in the left side, and a large roof hatch was provided over the passenger compartment. M113 was air-droppable at a weight of 18,600lbs (8,440kg).

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Armored Personnel Carrier M113A11-4,7-11,14

M113A1: General
Date of first acceptance 1964 Total acceptances 23,576
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew
13 men:
  • Commander in hull center
  • Driver in hull left front
  • 11 passengers
M113A1: Dimensions
Combat weight 24,080lbs
10,920kg		 Height over MG 98.25"
249.6cm
Length 191.5"
486.4cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width over track shrouds 105.75"
268.61cm		 Tread 85.0"
216cm
Ground clearance 16.1"
40.9cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 7.6psi
.53kg/cm²
M113A1: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible on cupola mount 2,000 rounds 360°
(manual)		 Manual
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M113A1: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M113A1: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53 Model 5063-5299; 6 cylinder, 2 cycle, vee diesel
Horsepower Gross: 212@2,800rpm Torque Gross: 492 ft-lb@1,300rpm Fuel capacity 95gal
360L
Transmission Allison TX-100-1, 3 ranges forward, 1 reverse
Steering DS200 controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Differential band
M113A1: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first and last road wheels/track
M113A1: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M113A1: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.6mph
5.8kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 26'
7.9m		 Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~300mi, roads
~480km, roads

M113A1 was powered by a diesel engine, which increased the vehicle's range and decreased its flammability. A larger fuel tank further increased M113A1's range.

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Armored Personnel Carrier M113A21-4,8-10,12

M113A2: General
Date of first acceptance 1979
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew
13 men:
  • Commander in hull center
  • Driver in hull left front
  • 11 passengers
M113A2: Dimensions
Combat weight 25,007lbs
11,343kg		 Height over MG 99.25"
252.1cm
Length 191.5"
486.4cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width over track shrouds 105.75"
268.61cm		 Tread 85.0"
216cm
Ground clearance 17.1"
43.4cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 7.9psi
.55kg/cm²
M113A2: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible on cupola mount 2,000 rounds 360°
(manual)		 Manual
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M113A2: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M113A2: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53 Model 5063-5299; 6 cylinder, 2 cycle, vee diesel
Horsepower Gross: 212@2,800rpm Torque Gross: 492 ft-lb@1,300rpm Fuel capacity 95gal
360L
Transmission Allison TX-100-1, 3 ranges forward, 1 reverse
Steering DS200 controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Differential band
M113A2: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first, second, and last road wheels/track
M113A2: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
T150
Center guide, double pin, steel with chevron rubber pad
Width 14.81"
37.62cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M113A2: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.6mph
5.8kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 26'
7.9m		 Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~300mi, roads
~480km, roads

M113A2 introduced reliability enhancements to the M113 line. The engine cooling layout was modified and improved by switching the locations of the fan and radiator. New higher-strength torsion bars increased road wheel travel and ground clearance, and a stronger rear idler was installed and raised 2" (5.1cm) to reduce the incidence of ground strikes. New shock absorbers were fitted, and shock absorbers were added to the second road wheels on each side. New armored fuel tanks were available for M113A2 as well. These were fitted externally and were located on either side of the rear entry ramp. They contained the same 95gal (360L) of diesel as the internal tank, and freed up 16 cubic feet (.45m³) of internal space. Weight with the external fuel tanks increased to 25,880lbs (11,740kg); ground pressure became 8.2psi (.58kg/cm²); and the length was 208.5" (529.6cm). Smoke grenade launchers were also made available for M113A2; these four-tube assemblies were located on either bow below the headlight cluster. The grenades would deploy in a 105° arc 30m (100') from the vehicle. The smokescreen would last from 1-3 minutes depending on wind, and would be about 9m (30') tall.

Thanks to the added weight of the M113A2, its freeboard when afloat was reduced enough to warrant the deletion of the requirement that the vehicles be able to swim. Swimming the M113A2s during training was also banned, and it could ford 40" (100cm) of water.

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Armored Personnel Carrier M113A31-4,8-9,13

M113A3: General
Date of first acceptance 1987
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew
13 men:
  • Commander in hull center
  • Driver in hull left front
  • 11 passengers
M113A3: Dimensions
Combat weight 27,200lbs
12,300kg		 Height over MG 99.25"
252.1cm
Length 208.5"
529.6cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width over track shrouds 105.75"
268.61cm		 Tread 85.0"
216cm
Ground clearance 17.1"
43.4cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 8.6psi
.60kg/cm²
M113A3: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible on cupola mount 2,000 rounds 360°
(manual)		 Manual
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M113A3: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M113A3: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53T Model 5063-5393 or Model 5063-539L; 6 cylinder, 2 cycle, vee, turbosupercharged diesel
Horsepower Gross: 275@2,800rpm Torque Gross: 627 ft-lb@1,600rpm Fuel capacity 95gal
360L
Transmission Allison X-200-4 or X-200-4A, 4 ranges forward, 2 reverse
Steering Hydrostatic, steering yoke
Brakes Multiple plate, oil cooled
M113A3: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first, second, and last road wheels/track
M113A3: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
T150
Center guide, double pin, steel with chevron rubber pad
Width 14.81"
37.62cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M113A3: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.6mph
5.8kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter Pivot Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~300mi, roads
~480km, roads

M113A3 introduced sliding Kevlar spall liners to the troop compartment to help protect the infantry in the event of an armor penetration. The new, more powerful engine and new transmission were referred to as the RISE (Reliability Improvements for Selected Equipment) package. M113A3 was fitted with the external fuel tanks that first made their appearance on M113A2. Applique armor can also be installed on M113A3.

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References

  1. Hunnicutt, R.P. Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles. Navato, CA: Presidio Press, 1999. Reprinted with permission from Bradley, R.P. Hunnicutt ©1999, available from Presidio Press, 505B San Martin Drive, Suite 160, Navato, CA 94945.
  2. Crismon, Fred W. U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992.
  3. Foss, Chris. Modern Tanks. Glasgow: HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.
  4. Federation of American Scientists. "M113A1 Armored Personnel Carrier." DOD 101. 5 Feb 2000. 22 Mar 2001 <http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m113.htm>. DOD 101
  5. TM 9-2300-224-10 Operator's Manual Carrier, Full Tracked, Armored: M113 2350-629-1294 (formerly 2320-629-1294); Carrier, Command Post, Light, Tracked: M577 2350-856-6624 (formerly 2320-856-6624); Carrier, Mortar, 107-mm, Self-propelled: M106 2350-987-8900; Carrier, Flame Thrower, Self-propelled: M132 2350-987-8900; Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked, Light Armored: XM806 2350-808-6119. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 15 June 1973.
  6. TM 9-2805-216-34 Direct and General Support Maintenance Manual (Including Direct and General Support and Depot Maintenance Repair Parts and Special Tools List) for Engine: Gasoline, 90-degree "V" Type, Liquid-cooled, 8-cylinder, Assembly (2805-679-9668) (Chrysler Model 75M). Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 28 May 1965.
  7. TM 9-2300-257-10 Operator's Manual Carrier, Personnel, Full Tracked, Armored, M113A1 2350-968-6321; Carrier, Command Post, Light, Tracked, M577A1 2350-056-6808; Carrier, Mortar, 107-mm, Self-propelled, M106A1 2350-076-9002; Carrier, Mortar, 81-mm, Self-propelled, M125A1 2350-071-0732; Carrier, Flame Thrower, Self-propelled, M132A1 2350-056-6809; Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked, Light Armored: XM806E1 2350-808-6104. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 18 December 1973.
  8. TM 9-2815-205-24 Field and Sustainment Maintenance for 6V53/6V53T Engines, Diesel with Containers Model 5063-5299 NSN 2815-00-124-5390 NSN 2815-01-295-7458 Model 5063-5392 NSN 2815-01-246-0903 Model 5063-5393 NSN 2815-01-248-7644 Model 5063-539L NSN 2815-01-412-2715. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 25 February 2013.
  9. TM 9-2815-205-24P Field and Sustainment Maintenance Repair Parts and Special Tools list (RPSTL) for 6V53/6V53T Engines, Diesel with Containers Model 5063-5299 NSN 2815-00-124-5390 NSN 2815-01-295-7458 Model 5063-5392 NSN 2815-01-246-0903 Model 5063-5393 NSN 2815-01-248-7644 Model 5063-539L NSN 2815-01-412-2715. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 25 February 2013.
  10. TM 9-2520-254-34 Direct and General Support Maintenance Manual Transmission, Automatic, 2520-066-4240 (Allison Div., GMC Model TX 100-1). Washington, DC: Department of the Army, 13 October 1971.
  11. Mechanized and Armor Combat Operations in Vietnam. Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam, 28 March 1967.
  12. TM 9-2350-261-10 Operator's Manual for Carrier, Personnel, Full Tracked, Armored M113A2 NSN 2350-01-068-4077, Carrier, Command Post, Light Tracked, M577A2 NSN 2350-01-068-4089, Carrier, Mortar, 120-MM, M121; Self-propelled, M1064 NSN 2350-01-338-3116, Carrier, Standardized Integrated Command Post System, M1068 NSN 2350-01-354-5657, Carrier, Smoke Generator, Full Tracked, M1059 NSN 2350-01-203-0188, Combat Vehicle, Anti-tank, Improved TOW Vehicle, M901A1 NSN 2350-01-103-5641. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, August 2005.
  13. TM 9-2350-277-10 Operator's Manual for Carrier, Personnel, Full Tracked, Armored M113A3 2350–01–219–7577 (EIC AEY), Carrier, Command Post, Light Tracked, M577A3 2350–01–369–6085 (EIC AE7), Carrier, Smoke Generator, Full Tracked, M1059A3 2350–01–369–6083 (EIC AFA), Carrier, Mortar, 120-MM, M121, Self-propelled, M1064A3 2350–01–369–6082 (EIC AE8), Carrier, Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS), M1068A3 2350–01–369–6086 (EIC AFC), Carrier, Mechanized Smoke Obscurant M58 2350–01–418–6654 (EIC 5CG). Washington, DC: Department of the Army, January 2001.
  14. TM 9-2815-205-34 C2 Direct Support and General Support Maintenance Manual Engine, Diesel: With Container (NSN 2815-00-124-5390) Composed of: Engine, Diesel: (Detroit Diesel-GMC Model 5063-5299, Series 6V53) and Container Assembly (NSN 8145-00-138-7809) and Engine Diesel: With Container (NSN 2815-00-909-5949) Composed of: Engine, Diesel: (Detroit Diesel-GMC Model 5063-5398, Series 6V53T) and Container Assembly (NSN 8115-00-999-5356) and Engine Diesel: With Container (NSN 2815-01-031-6154) Composed of: Engine, Diesel: (Detroit Diesel-GMC Model 5063-5395, Series 6V53T) and Container Assembly (NSN 8145-00-999-5356). Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 31 March 1975.
Last updated 14 Aug 2024.
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© Copyright 2001-24 Chris Conners