M113A3

M113A3

The M113 is being refurbished and upgraded into nine new variants of mechanized support vehicles. The role of the new M113 variants is to provide the Army with combat support and combat service support vehicles to augment the new LAV III fleet. A total of 289 vehicles are being upgraded. The remaining M113s will be declared surplus.

This vehicle was originally used as a mechanized infantry section carrier. The first versions were purchased in the mid-1960's; the last were delivered in 1991. A total of 1,143 vehicles were ordered during this period.

The scope of the upgrade includes new engines, transmissions and drive trains; the provision of add-on armour; and the stretching of 147 vehicles to increase their capacity and mobility. The M113's original power pack provided a maximum of 210 horsepower, which limited the mobility and carrying capacity of the vehicle. A new power pack will be installed in all the refurbished vehicles, which will provide a maximum of 400 horsepower. In addition to increasing mobility and cargo capacity, this upgrade in power will also allow an upgraded armour package to be installed on the vehicle. This will greatly enhance the protection afforded to Army soldiers deployed on overseas missions.

Delivery of the upgraded M113s started in 2001, and will continue in stages. Final delivery will be complete by 2006. It is anticipated that the upgraded M113s will be in service until 2020.

The following nine variants will be fielded:

M113A3 Personnel carrier with Remote Weapon System (RWS)

M113A3 Personnel carrier with One Metre Turret

M113A3 Mobile Repair Team

M577A3 Command Post

MTVL Basic Personnel Carrier / Light Re-supply

MTVC Heavy Re-supply

MTVE Engineer Vehicle

MTVF Fitter (Repair) Vehicle

MTVR Recovery Vehicle

All information and pics are from http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/2_0.asp