M2/M3 Series Bradley Fighting Vehicle

The M2 and M3 Bradley fighting vehicles are designed to operate in combat with the same speed as the M1A1 Abrams and with a greater degree of protection than the M113 armored personnel carrier. The M2 provides infantry squads with a light armored fighting vehicle. The M3 provides scout and armored cavalry units with a vehicle for reconnaissance, screening, and security missions. The infantry version has firing ports for modified M16 rifles. Other modifications include enhanced armor. In addition to the M2 and M3 configurations, the A1 and A2 versions of both models were deployed to Southwest Asia.

CHARACTERISTICS Length: 20.5 feet Width: 10.5 feet Height: 9.7 feet Weight: 24.8 tons (M2) 24.7 tons (M3) Speed: 41 miles per hour Range: 300 miles Crew: 3 Passengers: 6 (M2) 2 (M3) ARMAMENT Primary: 25-mm. cannon Secondary: 7.62-mm. machine gun TOW missiles (two launch tubes)

page created 11 June 2001

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