Up-gunning the M113
Since it was delivered to the Australian Army in early 1965, the M113 has been all things to all men. It has been used in a variety of roles including reconnaissance, armoured personnel carrier, mechanised infantry and associated fire support and as a logistics vehicle.
During the Vietnam conflict it became apparent that the firepower of the M113A1 was inadequate. In Sepember 1966 joint US-Australian trials with a 7.62mm Minigun were conducted but the rate of fire, which was roughly equivalent to concentrating six M60 machine guns, was considered an overkill and the plan was abandoned.
Capability enhancement through improved firepower was subsequently achieved through the installation of a 76mm cannon initially in the Saladin turret and subsequently the Scorpion turret with some 48 M113s configured in this manner.
In 2000 project approval for a significant upgrade to the M113 was achieved and 350 of an initial fleet of over 700 (approx 540 in service) have been identified for upgrade which addresses mobility, protection, firepower and capacity deficiencies. The extent of the firepower upgrade is to provide a more accurate mount for a single 12.7mm machine gun linked to a sight and operated within the protection of a replacement one man turret.
As part of the upgrade, a number of the M113A1s will be stretched with the provision of an extra road wheel. This modification will improve mobility and provide increased capacity through increased internal volume of the cargo or troop compartment.
Two likely tasks for mechanised infantry include the assault of an enemy position and patrolling. In both instances the 12.7mm machine gun may be lacking in accuracy and lethality through the spectrum of likely engagement ranges and the natures of the targets. Inclusion of a fire support vehicle fitted with a 25mm cannon and a thermal surveillance, target acquisition and gun sighting system, may well provide the battle winning advantage over the 12.7mm in supporting an assault or the protection of a mounted patrol or convoy.
The intrusion of the two man turret basket on internal volume is an issue but only a portion of the fleet needs to be roled as a fire support platform. An advantage of the two-man turret is the protection provided to the platoon leader and the enhanced situation awareness available through the turret optics.
At the dismount line the platoon commander is able to dismount and the weapon system is available to the second turret crewman to engage in support of the assault. Four fire support vehicles per Mechanised Company would provide integral fire support to a sub-unit commander and significantly enhance his flexibility of operations and reduce risks.
By Tom Muir, Canberra