M3 Bradley

1983 COLD WAR GULF WAR MODERN

• 1 The History of M3 Bradley
• 2 M3 Bradley Spec
  • 2.1 Basic
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Dimensions
  • 2.4 Performance
  • 2.5 Performance
  • 2.6 Armor
  • 2.7 Changes

The History of M3 Bradley

The M3 Bradley CFV (Cavalry Fighting Vehicle) is very similar to the M2 Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) in many respects, but differs in subtle ways and a clear role on the battlefield. While the original M2 was designed for the IFV role - transporting troops under protection and providing fire support - the M3 was designed for the armored reconnaissance/reconnaissance role, sacrificing flank fire and service for 6/7 infantry seat.

Two scout positions will be added, as well as additional communications equipment. The M3 also offers more magazines (25mm, 7.62mm and TOW missiles), while housing the same dual-purpose turret with 25mm weapons and two-person power. The 7.62mm coaxial machine gun was retained for infantry defense.

The Bradley family as a whole was originally designed to support the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) described elsewhere on this site, and emerged as a direct antithesis to the 1966 Soviet BMP series. Adopted in 1980 and fielded in 1981, the M2 Bradley constituted the support vehicle for the M1 Abrams main battle tank - capable of keeping pace with fast-moving mechanized formations and providing much-needed firepower to landed infantry.

During the 1991 Gulf War, while at least 17 M2s were destroyed by friendly fire (3 of which were destroyed by enemy fire), the USS Bradley destroyed more tanks than the M1 Abrams itself more. Improvements to the Bradley family include improved identification, as well as anti-tank missile countermeasures (for first-generation wire-guided missiles) and improved explosive reactive armor armor protection.

The M3 Bradley CFV is powered by a Cummins VTA-903 diesel engine connected to a GE HMPT-500 series drivetrain. Road speeds reach 40 mph and range is up to 300 miles. A typical task force consists of three people - driver, commander and gunner - and two scouts.

The original model was the M3 and was heavily based on the improved M2 Bradley. The M3A1 improves occupant NBC protection by adding other minor changes. The M3A2 added armor protection using an ERA block kit, while GPS and a laser rangefinder were added after the 1991 Gulf War.

The M3A3 is an all-digital variant that improves aircrew situational awareness and survivability, as well as communications with participating forces. All variants are directly linked to their corresponding M2 Bradley variants and their respective modifications.

The M3's armament is basically the same as the M2 vehicle - 1 x 25mm main gun, 1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, TOW-2 Anti-Tank Missile (ATGM) support (although there are 12 missiles).

M3 Bradley Spec

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

1,500 x 25mm ammo

4,400x7.62mm ammo

12 x TOW-2 anti-tank missiles

8 x Smoke Grenade

Changes