Two of the M113s in the picture here http://www4.army.mil/armyimages/armyimage.php?photo=4103 have what looks like belly armor mounted and one has the new style Diehl tracks. I can understand the belly armor but what's with the Diehl tracks?

Paul

I cannot open the photo from Army website right now, but I think these tracks you see are new T150 tracks. I believe they are not Diehl tracks, although they are quite similar. These tracks are supposed to replace older T130 tracks on all US Army M113 family vehicles as they are more durable and cheaper in use.

Pawel

It would appear that they also changed the drive sprocket as well.

Pawel, here is the photo. Which is the new version the left or right tank?

Beat me to the punch. .mil addressesare probably blocked to some countries.

The vehicle on the left has the track in question.

Paul

Does the right hand M113 (as you look at the pic) have a SAW mounted on the TC's hatch?
Tom

Sure does, That is a M249. Seems a little light to me when the M2 does a much better job at tearing up stuff. You would think a M240 7.62 would be preferable before a SAW, Maybe it fits better, the TC could be a big guy??

The M113 on the left side of the picture has new T150 tracks on it. The one on the right side and the one behind have old T130 tracks.

You are right, T150 require new sprockets.

EDIT: I just noticed that M113 with T150 tracks still carries old T130 spare shoes They may have very unpleasant surprise if they throw track and will try to use their spare link... :-)

Pawel

Thats the Army for ya! :-) :-) :-)

Semper Fi

Obviously they have fielded the units in Iraq with the ACAV armored cupola. Is this intended to be done on every M113 or just a mod for these specific times ?

G'day all,
Looks like the type we use here in Australia on our M113 fleet. Great track in the dry but in the wet not so good. Give me the old T130.

Cheers Jason

That's because in the Army we know we can get more track links. You see our supply system works. (If you know who to talk to that is...) :-)

I didn't know we had belly armor for US M113s.

Anybody know anything else about usage of the T150 tracks on M113s in the US Army?

Paul

Are the vision slits in the commander's cupola blanked off?
Tom

Sort of. Vision holes in armored shield have covers sliding vertically installed on the inner side of the shield. They are standard part of the shield kit. Some Eduard photoetched sets for M113 models include parts to add these covers.

Pawel

Pawel,
You wouldn't have any detail pics on how that M249 SAW is fixed on the M2 mounting would you. (I'm thinking converting here!)
Cheers
Tom