I am curently getting together information on the m113 APC for my Sites reference page. I have a few questions thoughand need some help.

Aside from the engine what else differentiated the M113 from the A1?

When did the split vent grill over the engine come outa1 or a2?

what major changes are there between an A1 and A2?

when did the Later trim vane come out?

And last what was the designation of the early TOW M113?

Thanks
Joshua Weingarten aka shiryon
IDF Armour Group

Hi Joshua,
If my memory serves me correct the Split Grill came with the Diesel engine so it would be correct for an A1 and A2. I suspect also for the A3. The A1 had a removable fuel tank which is what is included in the Academy kit. The M113 had a fixed tank which is what you get in a Tamiya kit. The A2 had the external fuel tanks. The trim vane with the added bouyancy where an option that started with the A1 depending on what added laod was in it. For example a fiiters vehicle ahs the extra weight of the crane.
The early TOW mount is called an M220 but I don't believe the M113 desigantion cahnged as it was just an add on.
Hope this helps.

OK, here goes. My knowledge is not always perfect so I consulted Hunnicutt's book "Bradley; A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles."

M113* - Gas Engine, fixed/welded gas tank.

M113A1* - Diesel Engine, removable gas tank.

**Note that the additional float trim vain was used on both the M113 and the M113A1 depending on bouyancy reqirements.

M113A1E1 - Same as A1 but had improved power pack and split grill (also experimented with additional float trim vain and external gas tanks) Note the trim vain was needed to compensate for the added weight of the external fuel tanks.

M113A2 - Basically the same as the A1E1, but the external fuel tanks were optional kits and a smoke grenade launcher kit was available. Eventhough these two items were optional, many vehicles came with them already installed.

M113A3 - All of the improvements of the A2 plus external tanks were standard. Also internal differences were the addition of spall liners and a stearing wheel . The A3 also had provisions for external applique armor (again this was an optional kit).

M113A1/A2 TOW - There was no special model designation for this vehicle. The M233 TOW kit was an add on weapons system. Of special note is the use of the "TOW Cap", which was a kevlar ballistics cover, on some M113A1/A2 TOWs.

With all of the different model improvements, there were numerous mechanical changes/improvements that were not visable. The best source for learning about these changes is the Hunnicutt book.

Hope this answers most of your questions.

Dave

Dave



I have a couple of his books but not one on the M113. What is the title of the one you are referring to?

The Hunnicutt book that covers the M113 FOV is called Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles. Very good volume.