M2 Bradley


First generation Bradley | M3 Bradley


Overview


M2 Bradley

An original US Army M2 Bradley during the Reforger 85 excersize.
Source: US Army (photographer unknown) - © public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Entered service
1981 for M2
1986 for M2A1
Status
In service
Development
1972 - 1979
Developer
United States - FMC Corporation
Production
1981 - 1995 (including M2)
Producer
United States - FMC Corporation (subsequently United Defense, now BAe Systems)
Unit cost
$ 3.166 million average unit cost
Number produced
6.785 of all Bradley versions, including export sales
Designations
CFV | Cavalry Fighting Vehicle
Notable users
United States

Description


Introduction

The Bradley is a late Cold War era mechanized infantry combat vehicle of US origin. It was developed in the 1970's and entered service in 1981 to fulfill a variety of roles. The M2 is the standard infantry fighting vehicle and the M3 is a cavalry fighting and reconnaissance version. Over time the Bradley has been continuously improved with better armor and systems. These updated vehicles can be found in a separate article.

Design

The design of the Bradley is a further development of the AIFV. The Bradley uses a tracked chassis with the engine and drivetrain located at the front, on the right of the driver. The two man turret is located in the middle. The troop compartment is at the rear and may be accessed by the large rear ramp which also has a door in it. Compared to the AIFV the Bradley is larger, and has a larger two men turret.

Firepower

The main armament is the 25mm Bushmaster autocannon which has 300 rounds ready to fire It fires semi-automatic or at 100 or 200 rpm. The Bushmaster can be used to engage targets out to 2.5 km. A 7.62mm M240C (FN MAG) machine gun is fitted as a coaxial weapon. The armament is fully stabilized and may be fired on the move. Tanks and fortified positions are engaged using the two round TOW missile launcher that is fitted on the left side of the turret. The TOW missiles have a range of 3.75 km and may only be fired while stationary.

Protection

The Bradley has spaced aluminum armor which protects the crew from small arms five and shell splinters all around and 20mm and heavy machine gun rounds over the frontal arc. From the A2 model (described separately) applique armor was introduced increasing the side protection, and at a later stage also frontal protection. All models feature an NBC system and 2x4 smoke grenade launchers.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides the Bradley with a good all terrain performance. The Cummins 500 hp diesel engine was present on the M2 and M2A1 models. This was replaced from the M2A2 model onward by a turbocharged 600 hp variant. The maximum road speed for the early generation is 66 km/h and the cruising range is 480 km. With proper preparation the Bradley is amphibious. The preparation includes raising the trim vane and floatation screen all around the hull top.

Users

The main user of the Bradley is the US army with over 6.300 vehicles M2 and M3 versions acquired. Bradley's of the second generation were also exported to Saudi Arabia. During several conflict such as the 1991 and 2001 Gulf Wars the Bradley proved to be very capable. The vast majority has been upgraded to M2A2 and later standards, with a few older models in long term storage.

Variants


Variants of the early generation Bradley fighting vehicle

M2 Bradley

The M2 Bradley is the original and most common version of the Bradley. The M2 is used to carry and accompany a section of infantry into combat. Over time the M2 was improved to increase the level of protection, mobility and digital systems. The first generation consists of: M2 Bradley: Original production version with 500 hp engine. M2A1 Bradley: M2 with the ability to fire TOW 2 missiles and improved NBC system.

M3 Bradley

The M3 Bradley is the cavalry fighting vehicle (CFV) version of the M3 Bradley. Instead of an infantry section it transports two scouts and carries more ammunition as it is meant to support the M1 Abrams in combat. Over time the M3 has been improved in similar ways as the M2. The early generation consists of: M3 Bradley: Original production version with 500 hp engine. M3A1 Bradley: M3 with the ability to fire TOW 2 missiles and improved NBC system.

Details


Facts M2 Bradley M3 Bradley
General
Origin
United States
Type
Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew
3 + 6 (commander, driver, gunner, 6 infantry)
Dimensions
Weight
22.8 t combat load
Length
6.45 m
Width
3.20 m
Height
2.97 m overall
Main armament
Type
25mm M242 autocannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
900 rounds, 300 ready to fire
Elevation
-9 to +59°, powered
Elevation rate
60°/s
Traverse
360°, powered
Traverse rate
60°/s
Stabilizer
Yes
Coaxial armament
Type
7.62mm M240C machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
2.200 rounds, 600 ready to fire
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Secondary armament
Type
BGM-71 TOW missile
TOW-2 capability on M2A1
Mount
Retractable launcher on left side of turret
Ammunition
7 missiles, 2 ready to fire
Elevation
-19 to +29°, powered
Elevation rate
15°/s
Traverse
360°, powered
Traverse rate
60°/s
Stabilizer
No, cannot fire on the move
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.53 m
Track on ground
3.91 m
Ground pressure
0.55 kg/cm²
Tread
2.40 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
Cummins VTA-903
Engine type
8-cylinder diesel
Power output
500 hp at 2.600 rpm
Torque
1.390 Nm at 2.350 rpm
Transmission
HMPT-500 hydromechanical
Fuel
746 L
Mobility
Speed
66 km/h on road
7 km/h afloat
Range
480 km on road
Turn radius
Pivot
Power to weight ratio
21.9 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.46 m
Wall
0.9 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
40 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Aluminum
Protection level
Versus small arms fire and shell splinters all around
Versus 20mm autocannon fire over frontal arc
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
Yes, thermal for gunner
Radio
Yes
Firing ports
Yes, both sides and rear for M231 Firing Port Weapon

Armament


25mm Bushmaster

The 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun is the main armament of the Bradley.

FN MAG Coaxial

The 7.62mm M240C machine gun is mounted as a coaxial machine gun.

BGM-71 TOW

When stationary the two TOW missiles can be launched. The M2A1 and M3A1 added the ability to launch the TOW-2 missile.

Media


Related articles


BMP-2

The Soviet BMP-2 was introduced only a year earlier than the Bradley. The BMP-2 is the Soviet counterpart to the Bradley, armed with a 30mm autocannon and a wire-guided anti-tank missile.