Self-propelled TOW Guided-missile Carrier M113A11-4

M113A1: General
Total acceptances ~1,410 M113A1 and M113A2 Crew 4 men
M113A1: Dimensions
Combat weight with TOW CAP 25,023lbs
11,350kg
Height with TOW CAP raised 128"
325cm
Length 191.5"
486.4cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width over track shrouds 105.75"
268.61cm
Tread 85.0"
216cm
Ground clearance 16"
41cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 7.9psi
.55kg/cm²
M113A1: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
TOW missile launcher M233 10 TOW missiles Manual Manual
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible on cupola mount 2,000 rounds 360°
(manual)
Manual
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver, TOW sight assembly
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
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm
Top 1.5"
3.8cm
90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm
90°
M113A1: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53; 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, 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 42mph
68kph
Max trench 66"
170cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 26'
7.9m
Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~300mi, roads
~480km, roads

During development of the TOW missile, the ability to mount the system in the M113 was a requirement. The M233 kit, standardized on 20 August 1971, provided a retractable pedestal for mounting the launcher for the TOW in the M113A1 and M113A2. The pedestal raised both the launcher and gunner up through the cargo hatch in the vehicle roof within ten seconds, and the launcher could also be displaced from the vehicle and used on the ground; the launcher's tripod was stowed on the vehicle. Between fiscal years 1969 and 1976, 2,148 M233 kits were procured.

Due to the exposed nature of the firing position, a rainbow-shaped tent was developed to provide some protection to the gunner from artillery fire. Called TOW CAP (TOW Cover, Artillery Protection), the cover was open to the front and rear and affected the traverse of the launcher. The TOW CAP was structured with a tubular steel frame, and for the protection used the 48-ply ballistic nylon fabric found in the infantry's body armor. Four sections were attached together and raised over the frame to form the roof, while a front panel was installed below the TOW launcher. The TOW CAP was 56" (140cm) tall, 67.25" (170.8cm) wide, 60" (150cm) long, and weighed 573lb (260kg). The TOW CAP could be erected by two crewmen in under two minutes, and when not in use was stowed in two sections on the vehicle roof. The TOW CAP's initial production contract specified first deliveries in December 1976.

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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. TM 43-0001-31 Equipment Data Sheets for TACOM Combat and Tactical Equipment: Equipment Class 1450, 2310, 2320, 2330, 2350. Washington, DC: Dept. of the Army, 10 Jun 1985.
  4. Cagle, Mary T. History of the TOW Missile System. Headquarters, US Army Missile Command, 20 Oct 1977.
Last updated 27 Dec 2018.
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