The M2 Bradley , or Bradley IFV , is an American infantry combat vehicle that is a member of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle family. It's manufactured by BAE Systems Land & amp; Armament, which was formerly the United Defense.
Bradley was designed for reconnaissance and to transport the infantry squad, granting them protection from small arms fire, while also providing weapons to suppress and eliminate most of the threats to friendly infantry. It's designed to be highly maneuverable and fast enough to keep up with heavy armor during hikes. M2 holds three crew members: a commander, a shooter and driver, and six complete soldiers.
The total cost of the program is $ 5,664,100,000, and the unit cost an average of $ 3,166,000.
Video M2 Bradley
Design
The Bradley IFV was developed largely in response to the Soviet family of BMP amphibious combat infantry vehicles, and to serve both as carriers of armored personnel (APC), and tank-killers. One of the special design requirements is that it should be as fast as the main M1 Abrams main battle tanks so that they can maintain the formation while moving, something that the older M113 armored personnel personnel can not do, as it is designed to complement the older M60. Patton.
Armament
The main armament of M2 is a 25 mm cannon, which lights up to 200 revolutions per minute and is accurate up to 2,500 m depending on the ammunition used. It is also armed with two BGM-71 TOW wire-guided missiles, which are held in rectangular compartments on the left side of the turret and are capable of destroying most of the tanks to a maximum range of 3.750 m. However, missiles can only be fired while the vehicle is stationary. Bradley also carries a coaxial 7.62 mm medium machine gun, located to the right of the 25 mm chain gun.
Bradley is equipped with M242 25 mm autocannon as its main weapon. M242 has a single barrel with integrated dual-feed mechanism and long-range feed selection. The gun has 300 rounds ready in two ready boxes (one of 70 rounds - usually round AP type, another of 230 rounds - usually round HE-type), with 600 more rounds in storage. Two ready boxes allow mixed mixtures to be selected, such as M791 APDS-T (Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot (with) Tracer), and M792 HEI-T (High Explosive Incendiary (with) Tracer) round. 25mm automatic rifle is mainly used for cleaning bunkers and firing on light armored vehicles. While the 25 mm automatic rifle is not the weapon of choice for tanks, vehicle commanders, crew, and CALL and Army Infantry Center personnel reported isolated incidents where 25 mm automatic rifles had killed tanks. However, the Army's Military Analysis Activities Analysis (AMSAA) official stated that, based on their assessment of combat vehicles in the Persian Gulf war, for 25 mm automatic rifles to kill the tank, the tank must be hit at close range. in more vulnerable areas. The further development of ammunition resulted in a spherical, round-filled M919 APFSDS-T (Armor-Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot with Tracer), which contains a similar flat-finite uranium penetrator in concept for armor-piercing ammunition used in modern tanks. M919 was used in combat during the 2003 invasion phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
It is also armed with a M240C machine gun mounted coaxially to M242, with 2,200 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. To engage heavier targets (such as when acting in an anti-tank mode), Bradley has a TOW on board missile system, which is converted from the M2A1 model and beyond to fire a TOW II missile. Bradley M2 infantry also has turreted firing ports for a number of M231 fired Weapons or FPW, providing a shoot-up button position to replace the top side shooters on older ACAVs, although the M231 is rarely used. The initial variant carries six, but the side ports are coated with new armor used on the A2 and A3 variants, leaving only two rear-facing holder in the loading ramp.
Countermeasures
The use of aluminum armor and large amounts of ammunition storage in the vehicle initially raises questions about its combat durability. Spaced laminate belts and high hardness steel skirts have been added to newer versions to improve armor protection, although this increases overall weight by 33 tonnes. However, actual combat operations have not shown Bradley to be understaffed as the loss has been slight. In a friendly fire incident on Desert Storm, many crew members survived the attack resulting in total losses for the lighter USMC LAV-25 vehicle.
All versions are also equipped with two smoke-aligned grenade launchers on the front of the turret to create a smoke-defense screen, which can also be filled with chaff and flares.
Chassis
Bradley has a welded aluminum unit or monocoque structure in which armor is attached, mostly on the outside. The suspension is with torque and crank rods. Six small rubber framed, the wheels of the road divided on each side straddle the location flanges sticking out of the tread. It was originally from aluminum, but converted into steel due to increased vehicle weight. The steel tread sits on a flat, flat rubber tire.
Mobility
Bradley is very capable in cross-country open terrain, according to one of the main design goals in line with the main M1 Abrams tank battle. While the M113 will float without much preparation, Bradley was originally designed to float by installing flotation blinds around the vehicle. This caused some drowning due to failure during the first trial. Upgrade armor has negated this capability.
Maps M2 Bradley
History
Production history
The M2, named after World War II General Omar Bradley, brought you three and six infantry troops down.
Since entering service with the US Army in 1981, 4,641 M2 have been produced.
Even after the troubled development history of Bradley additional problems occurred after production began as described in the book by Air Force Colonel James G. Burton, adapted for the 1998 film The Pentagon Wars starring Kelsey Grammer and Cary Elwes. Burton recommends the use of comprehensive live fire tests to be used against fully loaded military vehicles to check for survival. The Army and the Navy agreed and founded the Joint Live Fire testing program in 1984. When testing Bradley, however, a dispute took place between Burton and Balistik Research Laboratory (BRL) at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, preferably smaller, more controlled, "building block "test that can be used to improve the database used to model vehicle survivability, as opposed to a full test with random shot, which reduces the likelihood of bias but produces little useful statistical data. In addition, Burton insisted on a series of "overmatch" tests in which the weapon system would be fired at Bradley which is known to easily penetrate his armor. Burton sees the effort to avoid such tests as being dishonest, while BRL sees them as extravagant because they already know that the vehicle will fail. Disagreements became so controversial that Congressional inquiry was formed. As a result of the test, an additional increase for vehicle survivability was added.
Combat history
During the Persian Gulf War, M2 Bradley destroyed more Iraqi armored vehicles than the M1 Abrams. Twenty Bradley missing - three by enemy fire and 17 for friendly fire incident; The other 12 were damaged. One Bradley gunner was killed when his vehicle was hit by Iraqi fire, probably from the Iraqi BMP-1, during the 73 Easting Battle. To correct some of the issues identified as contributing factors in friendly fire incidents, the infrared identification panel and other tagging/identification steps are added to Bradley.
In the Iraq War, Bradley proved to be somewhat vulnerable to the attacks of IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), but the casualties were light - his doctrine allowed the crew to flee at the expense of the vehicle. In early 2006, total combat losses included between 55 and 150 Bradleys. In 2007, the Army had stopped using M2 Bradley in battle, instead of supporting a more resilient MRAP. By the end of the war, about 150 Bradley had been destroyed.
Substitution
The US Army was first intended to replace Bradley as part of the Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles program, which began in 1999 and was canceled in 2009. In 2010, the Army started the Ground Combat Vehicle program to replace Bradley with the GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle , but the GCV was canceled in 2014. Informal discussions for subsequent follow-up efforts have been dubbed the Future Fighting Vehicle (FFV), but no official development has begun.
Variant
M2
M2 is a basic production model, first fielded in 1981. M2 can be identified by TOW missile system standards, armor laminate steel, and 500 horsepower (370 kW) Cummins VT903 engines with HMPT-500 Hydro-mechanical transmission. The basic features also include integrated vision units for 25 mm M242 rifles, and thermal imaging systems. M2 is amphibious with the use of "swimmers" or "flotation screens" and transported by C-141 Starlifter and C-5 Galaxy aircraft. All M2 vehicles have been upgraded to a better standard. The M2 armor protects the vehicle through a full 360 degree of 14.5 mm armor firing (API) ammunition.
Turret is balanced to the right to maximize the space in the passenger compartment. Six infantry soldiers to get off the battle were held in the passenger compartment. The vision for troops is given through three periscopes placed between the back road and the cargo hatch just behind the turret, as well as two periscopes on each side of the hull above the shooting port side. The passenger compartment also accommodates up to five TOWs or Naga missile reloads. The side and rear hull protectors consist of two 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) steel plates separated one inch and 3.5 inches (89 mm) from the aluminum protector. The top of the hull, down, and front consists of 5083 aluminum armor, and 0.357 in (9.1 mm) armored steel is added to the lower third of the lower hull to improve mine protection.
M3
The M3 Bradley CFV is very similar to the M2 Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) and comes with the same two-man 25mm Bushmaster Cannon turret with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. It only varies from M2 in some subtle and role-based way. M3 is classified as armored scouts and scout vehicles and is not far away with the shooting ports found in the M2 series. The M3 also carries more TOW missiles as well as more ammunition for 25mm and 7.62mm rifles.
M2A1
Introduced in 1986, the A1 variant includes an enhanced TOW II missile system, NBC's Gas Particulate Filter Units (GPFU) system, and fire suppression system. In 1992, M2A1 has begun to be reproduced for an improved standard. The GPFU system is only connected to the commander of vehicles, drivers, and shooters, while the infantry team must use their own from the MOPP suit. A seventh infantry was also added right behind the center of the turret.
M2A2
Introduced in 1988, the A2 received an enhanced 600 horsepower engine (447 kW) with HMPT-500-3 Hydromechanical transmission and increased armor (both passive and the ability to install explosive reactive armor). The new armor protects Bradley against a 30 mm spinning APDS and RPG (or similar anti-armor weapon). The new armor also removes the slim propellers that make Bradley an amphibian and cover the firefighting port. Laminate protective manifold mounted to the back hull and track trajectory lane set against the lower hull. A semicircle shield attached to the rear of the tower to add more storage space as well as act as a space armor. Kevlar spell liner is added to the critical area. The number of troops brought was reduced to six, removing the periscope position behind the driver. After direct combustion testing, seating arrangements and storage are redrawn. This increase raises the vehicle's cumulative gross weight to 30,519 kg (67,282 pounds (30,037 tonnes long, 33,641 short tons)). M2A2 is eligible for transport by C-17 Globemaster III. M2A2 are all finally modified into standard ODS or M2A3 M2A2.
M2A2 ODS/ODS-E
Improvements to the "Operation Desert Storm" and "Operation Desert Storm-Engineer" were based on learning during the first Gulf War in 1991. Major improvements include the eye-safe laser eyebrow (ELRF), tactical navigation system (TACNAV) incorporating Precision Light GPS Receiver (PLGR ) and the Digital Compass System (DCS), a missile-control device designed to defeat first-generation wired-guided missiles, and the Army's Combat Troop Forces Command and the Information System of the Underground War (FBCB2). The internal storage is improved and thermal imaging systems are added for drivers. The infantry squad was again upgraded to seven men, six of whom sat facing each other on two bench three people in the passenger compartment, with the seventh back behind the tower. MRE ('Meal, Ready-to-Eat' heater) is added to the vehicle to help prepare food while on the field or on a battlefield. With the Naga missile pullback, the vehicle had the option of carrying some Javelin anti-tank missiles.
M2A3
Introduced in 2000, the A3 upgrade makes Bradley IFV truly digital and enhances or enhances the existing electronic system throughout improving target acquisition and fire control, navigation, and situational awareness. Also, the vehicle's durability is enhanced by a series of armor repairs, again both passive and reactive, as well as enhanced fire enhancement systems and NBC equipment.
The A3 Bradley incorporates the Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem (IBAS) and Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV). Both include next-generation infrared (FLIR) and electro-optical/TV imaging systems, and IBAS also have direct-sight optics (DVO) and eye-safe laser surveillance (ELRF). CIV allows commanders to scan targets and maintain situational awareness while remaining under armor and without disrupting the acquisition and engagement of shoot targets.
The A3 fire control software (FCSW) combines laser range, environmental readings, ammunition types and turret control inputs to automatically increase the rifle for range and automatically generate kinematic lead solutions if the target moves. This functionality, very similar to the M1A2 Abrams, allows the shooter or commander to center a woman's bag on a moving target, direct the target, and reach the first round, without the need to fire the sensing round and adjust the target. The FCSW combines the function of a hot-assisted tracker (ATT) that can track two targets within the FLIR field of view and switch between them, primarily intended to use TOW missiles against moving vehicles. The FCSW also allows turret and gunner sights to be shifted automatically to predefined targets with CIV.
A3 Bradley uses a position-navigation subsystem that incorporates a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial navigation unit (INU), and vehicle motion sensors (MVS), which, in addition to allowing accurate self-navigation vehicles, allows accurate reporting positions and target designated submissions to another unit via FBCB2.
The Tactical Display Commander (CTD) presents information from FBCB2 and the vehicle navigation system on a moving map display, enabling commanders to communicate via text via FBCB2, and allowing him to check the built-in test (BIT) information and access various other Information. The Squad Leader's Display (SLD) in the infantry compartment increases the situational awareness of passengers by allowing them to view navigation information from FBCB2 and images from IBAS, CIV, or Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE) to familiarize themselves with their environment before descending from.
M2A3 Bradley II, and the Bradley M2A3 variant used in Iraq, included in the GCV Alternative Analysis.
After the Iraq War, the Army began researching the proposed engineering change (ECP) for M2 Bradley to buy back space, weight, power, and cooling capacity reduced by the addition of armor and electronics that were hastily added during the battle. ECP1 will work to restore mobility and allow the vehicle to handle more weight. With increasing weight, Bradley gets lower on the shock, which reduces ground clearance. This lowers mobility in rough terrain and makes it more susceptible to IEDs. This effort will install lighter tracks, shock absorbers, new suspension support systems, and heavy heavy torque rods. ECP2 will restore automotive power with larger engines, new transmissions, and intelligent power management systems for better power distribution to receive tactical radio command and battle commands in the future. The first Bradleys upgraded with ECP1 was delivered in mid-2015, and the first one upgraded with ECP2 will begin fielding in 2018.
Other uses of Bradley chassis
The Bradley series has been heavily modified. Its chassis is the basis for the M270 Double Launcher Launcher System, B4 C2V battlefield command post, M6 Bradley Linebacker air defense vehicle. Armed with a Quad surface-to-air missile launcher in place of TOW anti-tank missiles, but maintaining a 25 mm autocannon, the M6 ​​Bradley Linebacker Air Defense Vehicle (no longer in operation) has a unique role in the US Army, providing air defense very mobile on the front line.
The Bradley suspension system has also been used on an upgraded version of the US Assault Amphibious Vehicle.
Operator
Current operator
- Ã, Lebanon - 32 orders, 16 shipped per February 2018. Saudi Arabia - 400
- United States
Potential operator
- Iraq
- Greek
See also
- List of modern armored fighting vehicles
- Mechanical infantry
- M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle - US Army infantry fighter vehicle
- GCV Infantry Battle Vehicle - US Army development program for future IFV
- MICV-65 - US Army Project leading to the development of M2 Bradley
- Development of BMP - contemporary Soviet project
- Soldiers track armored vehicles - contemporary British IFV
- Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle - Bradley APC
- M242 Bushmaster
References
Further reading
- Halberstadt, Hans (2001). Bradley Company . Europa Militaria No. 30. Wiltshire: The Crowood Press. ISBN: 1-86126-425-9.
External links
- US. Army fact files on M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
- M2 Bradley - Armored Vehicles
- Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Upgrade to A3
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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