Bradley (tracked platform)

Background

The experience of the Vietnam War, which became a kind of testing ground for various American innovations in armaments and military equipment, showed that the M114 armored personnel carrier, an experimental batch of which was sent to Vietnam in the early 1960s, was declared unsuitable for service by the military because of the negative buoyancy and low cross -country terrain. Between April and November 1964, the M114 was replaced with M113 armored personnel carriers in Vietnam, but continued to be in service with American forces in Europe and continental states (in 1973, the Chief of Staff of the US Army, General Creighton Abrams, ordered them to be completely removed from service). ^[3] To replace the troops in the M113, a competition was held to develop a new generation combat vehicle for mechanized infantry units (Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, MICV), with the prospect of creating a military vehicle for various purposes on its base, in which Paccar and Chrysler Corporation participated and FMC Corporation . EF-em-si presented an experienced XM734 BMP for eleven people (infantry unit), which even outwardly practically did not differ from the M113 and, in fact, was its modified model, armed with a paired 20-mm automatic gun in a rotating turret. In parallel with this, to replace the M114 in the military since 1966, a competition was held to create an armored reconnaissance vehicle (Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle, ARSV) under the symbol XM800 , to which five companies offered their projects: Allison (a division of General Motors Corporation ), , , FMC Corporation, (subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation ). Following the results of the qualifying round, the last two bidders, FMC and Lockheed, entered into the finals of the competition, with whom contracts were signed for the development of prototype machines. ^[4] The prototypes of these two candidates radically differed from each other in all respects, including the chassis and layout, - Lockheed produced a four - wheel - drive, all - wheel drive, all - terrain, articulated layout with two wheels in the front half and four in the rear half of the chassis (which was modified model of an earlier project vosmikolosnoy BRM "Twister" ), while the "TF-MC" presented to the leadership contest tracked vehicle traditional layout XM800T nine chelov to, their appearance resembles a tank "Stewart" since the Second World War, with aluminum alloy casing (which later became the subject of proceedings in the US Congress for the reliability of this type of armor), reduces combat vehicle weight by 20% compared with a steel body, and a tank turret with a 20mm automatic cannon. None of the machines was eventually put into service, but the developments gained during the work on both projects were taken as the basis for the creation of the “Bradley”, since 1975 work has gone in the direction of creating a hybrid of machines developed under the MICV and ARSV. ^[5] In March 1977, this program received a new name - Fighting Vechicle Systems (FVS). The FMC was joined by General Electric Corporation , which won the contract to provide the machines with a HMPT-500 hydromechanical transmission , overtaking its main competitor, the aforementioned Allison , in this matter. ^[6]

Design and production

"Bradley" was created as a means of dealing with enemy light armored vehicles, its 25-mm cannon and M791 cartridge with an armor-piercing sabot projectile were designed to defeat the frontal armor of the Soviet BMP-1 from any directional meeting angle, as well as onboard? (70 and 80 mm) and aft armor of T-72 tanks (later, during the Gulf War , the absolute majority of armored vehicles ^{[ what? ]} Iraqi armies were destroyed by the fire of the Bradley BMP). ^[eight]

The car was created ^{[ when? ]} engineersexperimental design laboratory ground equipment units FMC ’s Santa Clara , Calif.-based defense industry group , and produced a light-tracked armored vehicle factory in San Jose, located a few miles away. There was also carried out the installation of fire control systems and other onboard equipment of armored vehicles, debugging of finished samples. In the mid -1980s , 7.5 thousand people were employed in the production of the Bradley machines, the peak of production was passed at the same time, in 1986, and the number of workers involved was gradually reduced to 2,700 people in 1992 . The minimum load of production capacity to maintain the normal functioning of the enterprise was 330 units of armored vehicles of the Bradley type per year, otherwise, the assembly line and all related departments (development, engineering, assembly and assembly, onboard armament and equipment, etc. .) would have to be closed for unprofitability, and the restart of the line cost, according to FMC representatives, half a billion dollars in 1992 prices. The auxiliary assembly line was located at the plant in York , Pennsylvania (where the main production was later relocated). ^[9] Tracked track production FMC Corporation’s steelmaking division in Anniston , Alabama , in conjunction with Goodyear’s rubber plant in St. Marys , Ohio , which was an FMC partner in rubber coatings that greatly increased the durability of tracks on hard soils. ^[10] FMC facilities in Aiken , South Carolina , and in Arlington , Virginia , were also involved in the production. ^[eleven]

In terms of a feasibility study on the preparation and organization of the mass production of FMC machines, 59 production and technical proposals were submitted to the US Army Armored Directorate Administration, of which 49 were considered, 10 were withdrawn by the submitting party. Of the 49 reviewed, 33 (67%) were approved for further implementation in the production process and the supply of machines to the customer ^[12] .

After the FMC sold its military production (by the time it was withdrawn to a structural branch under the name of ) to BAE Systems , the enterprises where the main components and assemblies are manufactured were transferred to new corporate governance. The main focus for modernizing Bradley at the present stage is the Main Armored Directorate of the United States Army in Texarkana , Texas .

Structures involved

In addition to the general contractor, the following commercial structures participated in providing separate units, units and devices: ^[11]

As of May 2000, 6,724 M2 units and 2,083 M3 units were produced for the American Army. The total cost of the program was $ 5.7 billion, and the average unit cost was $ 3.2 million in 2000 prices. ^[13]

Arrangement

The first military unit equipped with "Bradley" machines was the 1st Battalion of the 41st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Armored Division . ^[14]

Decommissioning

The development work towards the planned replacement of the Bradley combat vehicles and the Abrams tanks began in the second half of the 1980s, however, first the collapse of the Warsaw Pact , then the defeat of the Iraqi Armed Forces during the Gulf and The disintegration of the Soviet Union that followed soon, which removed the main likely adversary of NATO in the foreseeable future, became the three main factors due to which many and various rearmament programs being harassed by the US military command in favor of Bradley’s modernization and life extension programs. ^[15]

One of the main qualities of the “Bradley”, especially emphasized by the manufacturer in order to speed up the process of adopting the machine for service and lobbying its launch into mass production, was its positive buoyancy and ability to overcome water obstacles. , but the fact that overcoming water barriers required preliminary preparation and special means to ensure buoyancy was kept silent. As the congressional hearings in 1982 showed, not all congressmen even from the members of the US House of Representatives Committee on Armed Forces had reliable information regarding the purpose and maneuvering capabilities of the machine adopted at that time — in this context, the dialogue between co-chairmen of the committee and the head of the military hardware division under the control of the deputy chief of staff of the US Army for Research and Development Major General James Maloney , who built his rhetoric in the spirit of describing the strengths of the machine: ^[16]

- This thing is used mainly for amphibious operations, isn't it?
- No, sir.
- To deliver troops to the shore and then they dismount?
“No, sir, even though she can swim, she cannot be considered an amphibious vehicle.” It can swim through the [shallow] river or lake, if the river is not too strong, it can move [on the water] at considerable speeds by swimming, about five kilometers per hour. It does not have amphibious ability or ability to overcome [full-flowing] rivers by swimming. But she has a much higher level of protection than the one hundred and thirteenth [M113]. She has higher speed and she discourages interest in the tank as such from the Soviets and forces them to pay attention to this vehicle, which can destroy tanks and armored vehicles similar to [Soviet] BMP, and in general it is a very formidable combat vehicle in itself. Troops equipped with "Bradley", are much more impressive force compared with the "one hundred and thirteenth."
- I just do not understand [this] doctrine: you need to have a tank in order to protect another tank and for this first to be filled with infantry.

Original Text (Eng.)

Mr. Stratton. This thing has been used for amphibious operations, hasn't it?

General Maloney. No sir.
Mr. Stratton. Getting troops ashore and then they get out?
General Maloney. It is not a sir, although it is not considered an amphibious surf crossing. It is a swim in the water. It does have amphibious capability or river crossing capability. It means that it doesn’t make it possible to use it. , and is a very formidable fighting machine in itself. When compared with the 113th, it is much more formidable.

Mr. Stratton. I love you. It is my understanding of what tank warfare is.

Congressmen were explained that the term “buoyancy” refers to the ability of a machine to overcome shallow rivers and other natural and artificial reservoirs after a five-minute preparation for the construction of a waterproof casing, and that the capabilities of the machine at the stage of commissioning were somewhat exaggerated, and that it has “Some ability” to overcome water obstacles at the landing angle of the machine is not more than 40 ° (flat coast) and when the water surface is rough no more than one foot. However, FMC Factory Test Manager Henry Boisver challenged this assertion, referring to the results of tests conducted by him in the closed trial basin of a corporation in San Jose, in completely still water, and stated on this occasion that the machine «плавает как камень» (за что впоследствии он был уволен с формулировкой «за разглашение сведений, составляющих коммерческую тайну»). По его словам, это обстоятельство было обусловлено чересчур высокими корпоративными требованиями к времени сборки, ввиду чего заводские сварщики, занимавшиеся сваркой корпусов в условиях цейтнота , за отсутствием времени заделывали пазы и швы примитивной замазкой, что и приводило к образованию течи при преодолении машиной водных преград. ^[17]

По этому поводу в апреле 1987 года состоялись специальные слушания в Конгрессе США, так и названные "Плавучесть боевой машины «Брэдли», в ходе которых были преданы огласке статистические данные, согласно которым, на семь тысяч случаев преодоления водных преград в ходе занятий по вождению и учений приходилось одиннадцать затонувших машин (правда, обошлось без погибших). ^[18]

M2 Bradley

Боевая машина пехоты M2, основной представитель линейки. Вооружена нарезной автоматической 25-мм пушкой M242 Bushmaster (патрон 25 × 137 мм )

M3 Bradley

M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle — боевая разведывательная машина . Внешне отличается заглушенными крышками амбразурами, отсутствием смотровых блоков по правому борту и дополнительными антеннами. М3 обладает увеличенным боекомплектом и радиолокационными станциями обнаружения наземных объектов. Одна из РЛС — AN/PPS-15 является переносной.

M4 Command and Control Vehicle (C2V)

Использовано то же модифицированное шасси M993, что и для M270 MLRS — защищенный автоматизированный тактический командный пост (для замены M577A2 Command Post Carrier). Всего изготовлено 25 машин. ^[nineteen]

M6 Linebacker

Модификация машины для ПВО , представляет собой M2A2 ODS , в котором ПТРК « TOW » заменён на четырёхтрубную пусковую установку ЗРК FIM-92 Stinger . Планируется снятие с вооружения Армии США (2005) ^[20] .

M7 Bradley Fire Support Vehicle (B-FiST)

Модификация для замены M981 FISTV — машина разведки, наблюдения и целеуказания (наведения и корректировки огня в том числе артиллерийского при стрельбе с закрытых позиций ). Блок ПТУР TOW заменен на приборный комплекс, интегрированный с системой целеуказания ISU. Включает в себя лазерный целеуказатель G/VLLD (Ground/Vehicular Laser Locator Designator — Наземный/Подвижный Лазерный Локатор-Целеуказатель, произносится как «Глид»), выносное оборудование для наблюдения, GPS / инерциальную систему топопривязки и подсистему ПУО . Экипаж 4 человека.

Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle (BSFV)

Специальная модификация для отделения ПЗРК Stinger . Концепция применения ПЗРК (ближнего радиуса) непосредственно в боевых порядках со спешиванием была признана опасной, и ее сменила модификация M6 Linebacker, в комплектацию которой также входят переносные ТПУ , расширяющие боевые возможности комплекса. счет из трёх человек: командир установки, наводчик и механик-водитель.

Bradley Engineer Squad Vehicle (BESV)

Машина оперативной инженерной поддержки и разминирования, имеет оборудование для нейтрализации различного вида угроз передовым механизированным частям в ходе наступления.

Bradley Battle Command Vehicle (BBCV)

Машина командира бригады — оснащена улучшенным коммуникационным комплексом, включая цифровые линии связи, для сохранения управления войсками и контакта с Тактическим Оперативным Центром (TOC) даже в отрыве от базового КП (в передовых порядках подразделения).

M993/M270 MLRS

В 1983 году на вооружения была принята универсальная пусковая установка использующаяся в качестве РСЗО и установки для запуска тактических ракет. Пусковая установка смонтирована на гусеничной базе боевой машины пехоты M2 Bradley. В кабине размещается боевой расчёт из трёх человек: командир установки, наводчик и механик-водитель.

Bradley AMPV

The US Army has deployed Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle to replace the M113 tracked armored personnel carrier. The company BAE Systems has proposed a version of the Bradley without a tower. Compared with the original Bradley, it reinforced armor, more internal space. In order to increase survivability and increase the effective volume of the hull, the internal fuel tanks will be replaced by armored external tanks in the rear part of the vehicle. It also upgraded the 600-horsepower Cummins V903 diesel engine, combined with an L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems HMPT-500 transmission and electronics ^[21] . The bottom became V-shaped. Bradley AMPV has a modular roof for different tasks. A hybrid electric engine ^{[22] [23]} . There will also be installed a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, and, with the exception of the self-propelled mortar version, an air conditioner in an external installation at the rear of the hull. Aluminum armored housing is enhanced by the installation of additional hinged steel armor, it is also possible to install additional dynamic protection modules. In order to enhance mine protection, the bottom is also reinforced with steel armor, in addition, the innovative floating floor system developed by BAE Systems has been introduced. Due to the excess fleet of available infantry fighting vehicles in the US Army, the program provides for the conversion of M2 and M3 into armored personnel carriers ^[21] .

In accordance with the requirements of the program, the M2-based armored personnel carrier has the following types ^[24] :

• Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) - multipurpose armored personnel carrier ; ^[25]
• Bradley Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicle (AMEV) - Ambulance; ^[26]
• Bradley Armored Medical Treatment Vehicle (AMTV) - an armored medical vehicle ; ^[27]
• Bradley Mortar Vehicle (BMV) - self - propelled mortar ;
• Bradley Command Post (BCP) - command and staff machine ^[28] .

According to BAE Systems, the company's capabilities make it possible to build up to eight Bradley armored personnel carriers per day, just like a BMP during the start of its mass production. Since the former production lines remained in their plant in York (Pennsylvania) in cooperation with the Red River Army Depot army arsenal in Texarkana ( Texas ) ^[29] . A self-propelled mortar can be converted from the original Bradley in 40 days ^[30] . Explosion tests have shown that the Bradley AMPV meets the requirements for survivability ^[31] . According to BAE Systems, the Bradley AMPV has similar operating costs with the M113 and is cheaper than the BMP version, since there is no tower - the most expensive component of the platform. In addition, the unification of the BMP and BTR platform greatly simplifies the logistics and training of crews ^[32] . The serial production of the family in the amount of 2,907 cars is scheduled from 2019 at a rate of 180 cars per year. ^[33]

Black Knight

The prototype of a remotely operated ( Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle (UGCV) ) BMP developed by BAE Systems . To reduce the cost of the components used Bradley Combat Systems. It is possible to control both from the command post, and actually from the console of the dismounted infantry commander, which reduces the risk to personnel in conditions, for example, when solving reconnaissance tasks, or conducting reconnaissance on a particularly dangerous - contaminated and / or mined area.

In the US Army , the Bradley-based vehicles are in service with US Army tank brigades . ^[34] The total number of tank brigades for 2019, according to the reform , reaches 11 formations ^[35] .

• Hunnicutt, RP Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles . - Novato, Calif .: Presidio Press, 1999. - 470 p. - ISBN 0-89141-694-3 .
• Haworth, W. Blair . The Bradley and the Got that way: Technology, Institutions, and the United States Army . - Westport, Conn .: Greenwood Press , 1999. - 199 p. - (Contributions in Military Studies; 180) - ISSN 0883-6884 - ISBN 0-313-30974-4 .

• ASCOD is a tracked platform for General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems, a European division of General Dynamics Corporation.
• Kurganets-25 - tracked platform concern Tractor Plants .
• Dardo is the tracked platform of the Iveco - Oto Melara consortium .
• Warrior - tracked platform British unit BAE Systems.
• CV90 - tracked platform BAE Systems AV - Swedish unit BAE Systems .