Hi, I need some picture references for mounting miniguns on M113 commanders cupola! Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks

Here is one photo I found online
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4906/m113withminigun01kg9.jpg

One?

http://www.google.hu/search?hl=hu&q=m%20113%20minigun&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=1919l35380l0l78l32l0l12l12l10l246l2196l10.8.1l20&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1272&bih=827&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi

http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=20453.0

From the pictures they appear to fall into one of two categories. They either use a locally built cradle or they use a purpose built cradle. Both appear to fit into the standard mount in the commander's position. The purpose built cradle looks to be the one from the XM93 helicopter armament subsystem. The locally built one also seems similar to those fabricated for use on helicopters. Its likely that these were sourced from damaged helicopters, so this fits.

thanks very much guys, plenty to be looking at!! much appreciated!

Ric

From what I understand usually the company or troop's commander had one if any vehicle did. Most vehicles that mounted the mini gun were made to take them off many times. Susie is the one I see most in pictures and some times it has a M60 mounted for the driver too.

I have also seen pictures of it on the non driver side being fired from the back were the M60 usually is on a ACAV.

There were very few in country and their effectiveness was doubtful. They ate up a lot of ammo and required specialized technical training to keep them running. They were also dangerous because they were eclectically fired. They had a lot of issues with them on the helicopters as far as I have read.

But they sure look cool!!!! I am eventually wanting to do Susie with the driver's m60 and long laterals. I drove M113s in the CAV. Many in Vietnam drove them from a seat on top of the vehicle, they have no gas or brake, just those 2 laterals. Later M113s had steering whels but I never drove one with it.

Pictures are really hard to find, you really have to search the internet. I think those were about all I found myself. So when you build the model you might have to take some artistic license.

You may find some shots using the link below.

http://www.bobcat.ws/

In my unit, Co. A 1st Bn. (Mech) 5th Inf. during 1970-71 and as I recall we had two mini-gun mounted tracks. One in the 1st platoon (track # 11) and one in the 2nd platoon (track #21). My unit also used extended laterals fabricated from pipe and a wooden tent post was used to operate the gas pedal.
The mini-guns were very effective when contact was made.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Mike