M113AS UPGRADE BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA
AS A PRIME CONTRACTOR FOR PROJECT LAND 106, BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UPGRADE OF 433 AUSTRALIAN ARMY M113A1 VEHICLES TO AS4 STANDARDS, ENABLING ACTIVE SERVICE TO 2020 AND BEYOND.
M113 UPGRADE PROJECT OVERVIEW
The decade long project to upgrade 433 M113 vehicles began in 2002, with the first completed vehicle delivered to the customer in January 2007. Over the life of the project, more than 1000 people were involved in the project at three sites and in two states – at Bandiana and Williamstown in Victoria and Wingfield in South Australia. More than a million hours went into the project which included cutting and stretching the hulls and the design and integration of new sub-systems into the seven M113 vehicle variants. (The M113 is effectively zero lifed with new MTU power pack, ZF transmission, cooling system, drive, suspension, steering, brakes and tracks). At its peak, BAE Systems delivered on average three vehicles per week. The project was supported by military vehicle sub-system suppliers from BAE Systems’ Australian subcontractor base of over 1700 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and German firm FFG was chosen as the major technology partner. The final vehicle was completed three months ahead of the contracted December 2012 deadline.
M113 AS4 VEHICLE
The integrated vehicle system designed, developed and delivered by BAE Systems allows the M113 to be in active service for many years to come. While the upgraded M113s look similar to how they would have in the 1970’s, they are ‘a generational leap ahead’ with improved firepower, protection and habitability from the original M113 A1 vehicle. The finished vehicles are also more reliable and faster following the upgrade. The AS4 standard applies to seven ‘six-roadvehicle station’ variants and uses modified existing M113A1 hulls. Around 40 per cent of the vehicles are fitted with the BAE Systems Turret, providing a highly effective weapon system. The turret features electric drives and weapon mounts for either M2HBQCB .50 cal or MAG58 7.62mm machine guns. Ammunition loading is from a 250 ready round bin. Dual-mode electric drives offer single-handed operation in powered mode and reversionary mode is maintained via manual hand cranks. For enhanced protection and safety, crew commanders can maintain excellent vision of supporting dismounted infantry. All-round vision under armour is provided as standard, with a magnified day channel and night channel through the crew commander’s Image Intensifier sight. An automatic fumeextraction system and fire-inhibit zones are also incorporated.
In terms of comfort and ease of use, the crew commander’s environment is ergonomically structured to recognised international military and Australian standards, with all turret instrumentation within the commander’s primary field of vision zone. The stretched hull, utilising the chassisextension approach developed by FFG, enables: • Same sponson shape and height, allowing common internal fit-outs • Increased usable space in the crew compartment (the engine bulkhead does not intrude into the compartment) • Shared standard components such as torsion bars, engine and cooling system. The Armoured Logistics Vehicle also offers a unique capability in the global M113 market. It allows logistics elements to have the same mobility and protection characteristics as the combat variants.
AT A GLANCE • • • • •
10 YEAR PROJECT REQUIRED MORE THAN ONE MILLION HOURS IN EXCESS OF 6000 INDIVIDUAL CUTS 45000 KG OF WELDING WIRE USED BANDIANA ASSEMBLED 305 VEHICLES, WINGFIELD ASSEMBLED 128 VEHICLES AND WILLIAMSTOWN STRETCHED 108 HULLS
ENHANCING CAPABILITIES, BUILDING STRENGTH Full Designation
Abbreviation
Upgrade
Armoured Personnel Carrier
M113AS4 APC
New turret and enhanced protection/mobility
Armoured Fitters
M113AS4 AF
New crane capacity and reach. New capacity to carry power pack
Armoured Mortar
M125AS3 AM
Enhanced protection and mobility
Armoured Ambulance
M113AS4 AA
New capability based on variant of the AF
Armoured Command Vehicle
M113AS4 ACV
New capability based on the variant of the AF
Armoured Recovery Vehicle Light
M806AS4 ARVL
New winch capacity to suit upgraded fleet
Armoured Logistics Vehicle
M113AS4 ALV
New logistics capability with crew under armour
EURO III four-stroke DaimlerChrylser-MTU engine, 6V199TE, 261kW (350bhp). New powerpack common to all variants ZF LSG 1000 R transmission with 6 forward gears, 2 reverse
Improved seating and external stowage layouts
Appliqué armour and spall curtains added
T50 Turrett replaced with BAE Systems Turret
Cooling system capable of operating in 440C ambient conditions Fuel tanks relocated outside vehicle (except ARVL, ALV) New suspension Hull reinforcement to improve mine-blast protection
Yoke steering with true pivot turn and natural steering input in reverse
AS4 vehicle hull stretched; extra road-wheel added Twin-caliper large disk brakes with dual hydraulic circuit; separate parking brake
M113AS4 APC(S) DATA SUMMARY Mass • Unladen: 11,600kg • Max loading 18,000kg Dimensions • Length: 6,000 mm • Width: 2,620 mm Bridge Classification • 18t Final Drive • Manufacturer: FFG Electrical System 24V • No. of batteries: Four SLAB • Terminal grounded: Negative • Radio suppression: MIL-STD-461D • Alternator: 205A • Regulator: SLAB compatible, temperaturecompensated Fuel • Type: Diesel (two external tanks) • Capacity: 360 lt Performance • Range: approx. 500 kms under specified conditions • Speed: max 65km/hr
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: BAE Systems Taranaki Road Edinburgh Parks EDINBURGH SA 5111 PO Box 1068 Salisbury SA 5108 Telephone +61 (0)8 8480 8888 Fax +61 (0)8 8480 8800 www.baesystems.com.au/australia
This document gives only a general description of the product(s) or services except where expressly provided otherwise shall not form part of any contract. From time to time, changes may be made in the products or the conditions of supply. © BAE Systems 2013 All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be sought from BAE Systems Australia. Permission will usually be given, provided the source is acknowledged.
