APC Development and related topics.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

While getting the pictures for the ADF M1A1 AIM SA, I noticed along with the exercise they were in were a bunch of pictures of the M113AS4 the current M113 variant being used by the ADF. Curious about the AUSCAM(O) for them and remembering that I thought I had submitted it in the "old" format of "Hey here's a piece of equipment not in the game, it'd normally have it's own post and Don would get it in the game (See this Thread Pg. 5 Post #45 dated 5/21/2010 if you want.) that being said it got by us and it wasn't until later that year I started to use the current format and realized I missed it again after I checked the AUS OOB last night. So Ref. 1 shows an article where the last M113A1 chassis variants were used in their final live fire exercise in JUN 2010. I have not been able to identify the type pictured in the article though it says they were the last unit to operate them in the exercise.
http://digital.realviewtechnologies....ge=page0000030

As for M113AS4 it was developed under the Land 106 Program that started in 1992 and would be completed with the final delivery of the M113AS4 by DEC 2012. The first 4 units would be delivered on NOV 15, 2007 and the ADF (7th Batt.) would get 16 by the end of that year being fully operational.
So I'm thinking JAN. 2008 start date for them.
Ref. 2 covers this in detail as the DID site normally would. Ref. 3 was the original one I used from the first para. Highlights of the M113AS4 are...
Firepower: A new Australian designed and built electrical turret, with improvements designed to lessen the battering its occupant takes. It will host a new .50 caliber weapon that sports a quick change barrel and day/night sights.

Protection: Add-on external armor kits to protect against weapons up to 14.5mm; internal spall liners; hull reinforcement to improve mine protection; fuel tanks moved from inside to outside. The change in configuration also allowed the introduction of stealth characteristics into the design by decreasing the overall turret profile, and reducing the vehicle’s radar cross-section and infra-red signature.
It should be noted that a 14.5mm would make Swiss Cheese of normal M113 or at the very least hurt badly. -FBT

Internal: Compartment improvements like heat mitigation measures and better stowage of equipment externally where it isn't so much in the way. New electrical and fuel systems; a land navigation system that combines GPS and INS.
All above from DID.

Types looking to add in AUSCAM are...
Armoured Personnel Carrier (M113-AS4 APC). Most common variant.
Armoured Command Vehicle (M113-AS4 ACV) (?)
Armoured Logistic Vehicle (M113-AS4 ALV) Ordnance Carrier.
Armoured Mortar (M125-AS3 AM)
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...pgrades-05133/
http://www.military-today.com/apc/m113as4.htm

Well my times up, reminder is done and will end with pics:




Regards,
Pat