Hi
IS the M113 A1 version still in service and used in IRAQ?
I mean Italeri has the M113 A1 amd I want ot use it on an IRAQWdioarama

what are the main optic differences between the A1 A2 A3

Main difference are the engines, but this is not visable. The A2 has a different exhaust and the side skirts are shorter (but not definitive). Of course, side skirts are removed for maneuvers or torn off in the field, so not another great item for identification.

A3 has the external fuel cells, redesigned interior, spall lining, steering yoke, improved fittings on the ramp exterior, numerous applique armor mounts on the hull sides/rear, smoke grenade launchers, improved trim vane.

Some of the A3 modifications are found on A2 variations like the external fuel cells, smoke grenade launchers, new trim vane, so these items are not definitive identifiers.

I doubt Iraq had any M113A1s still in service, if they ever had A1s at all. But I do not know.

I meant if the US Military still uses M113A1 and if the US use M113A1 in Iraq.

Iraqi military used M113 with TUA that they took from Kuwait in 1991.

The US Army uses the M113A3 and A2. I do not know of any unit, active or reserve, that has a A1. The gasoline engine and the inherent ability of gasoline to burn made the A1 obsolete for the US units.

My references tell me that the A1 was the first diesel variant. Please correct me if I'm wrong here, but as far as I can recall, that's what made it the "A1".

Back to the original question. I don't believe that the A1 is still found in front-line units, but I wouldn't totally rule it out in NG or training units.

kkeefe
You are correct; the M113A1 was the first diesel. The gas engine was only in the M113. Not even the guard and reserve have A1's. They may be in "other" armys or most likely they are range targets; that is those that were not rehaved to A2's

I'm going with the guys above. I started out in the National Guard 20 years ago in 1983 and we only had M113A2. One of them was even an old OD Green/white star vehicle over painted into the MERDC camouflage scheme, but it was still an A2.

Growing up in the regular Army heavy divisions, the M113A2 was the most common through the 1980s to mid-90s when the M113A3 was sprinkled here and there (my tank battalion in Germany had one M113A3 in the entire battalion from 1987-1990). My tank battalion in 1st Cav had a few A3s, but the A2 was still the most common (1991-96).

Now, I have more A3s than A2s, but I still see A2s everywhere. If you follow the link to my motor pool, you will see the M113A2/A3 comparision to help upgrade your M113A1 into an M113A2 (fairly easy to do a visual upgrade, that is to make it "look" right to the eye).

I have never seen an M113A1 or M113 (A-nothing) in my 20 years in the military.

Ok thanks for help
Do you think if I add enough accessories , rucksacks, bags and stuff like that on the M113A1 anyone would notice it that it is an M113A1 ? I mean the major differnece is the engine right? and you don t see the engine in my M113A1?

Correct, although if you take a look at photos and try to scratch build the correct exhaust pipe (very small piece coming out of top grill), you could have one that is close enough to represent an M113A2.

Keep in mind that you'll want to keep the intake and exhaust clear of all that stuff, so you might need to correct the exhaust at least.

thanks
I have a bunch of fotos of M113 but don th ave one that shows very well the exhaust pipe which is on the right side on the grill..so some problems to know what looks like exhaust pipe of M113A3. I need to have a closer look at it.
But I wll find it out ,..
Is the Academy M113 with Vulcan an M113 A2 ? so I could chekc it there as I have one still i n the box

Yes it is. Check out my motor pool for photos of the late model exhaust pipe. (see link below)

Thankls a lot your motorpool was very helpful

Question for Sabot:
Where all the Us Army's M113A2s built as such or were they upgraded M113 A1s? I guess the same question goes for the M113 A3s
All of ours with afew exceptions are upgrades of earlier vehicles.

I believe they were made in Pennsylvania at the former FMC factory, but is now UDI. I do not know if the A3s are rebuilt from A2s or A1s. I bet the majority of our A2s and A3s were new manufactured. If they were being rebuilt, I would imagine that the work would be done at Red River or Anniston Army Depot.