In 1972 the US Army requested design proposal to meet a requirement for a mechanized infantry
fighting vehicle.
It was developed in response to the Soviet BMP-1 IFV.
A complex series of design submissions and changing specifications followed until a Fighting
Vehicle System appeared, comprising two vehicles, an IFV which became M2 Bradley and Cavalry
Fighting Vehicle which became the M3.
It was designed as a better armored replacement for the ageing M113 armored personnel carrier.
Deliveries of the M2 Bradley commenced in 1981 and have continued since with totals
over 4 600 vehicles.
Some 400 M2 IFV's have been exported to Saudi Arabia.
The M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has a welded aluminum armor hull.
Front arc has a spaced laminated aluminum and steel armor.
Initial production variant provided protection against 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds.
Front arc of the latest models provide protection against 30-mm armor-piercing rounds.
Also vehicle is fitted with explosive reactive armor and withstands hits from RPG rounds.
Bottom was reinforced with steel plates for improved protection against mines.
The M2 Bradley is also fitted with NBC protection system.
Vehicle is armed with a two-man turret, fitted with a 25-mm dual-fed Bushmaster chain gun.
At the time of its introduction the Bradley was the first IFV with a fully-stabilized
main gun.
The gun fires armor-piercing and HE-FRAG rounds.
Also there is a TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher loaded with two missiles.
There is also a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.
The Bradley IFV accommodates 6 dismounts.
Infantrymen enter and leave the vehicle via the rear doors.
Early models had firing ports with dedicated 5.56-mm assault rifles attached.
These were later removed to avoid compromising the side armor protection.
Original version of this infantry fighting vehicle was powered by a Cummins VTA-903T
turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp.
Engine is located at the front.
It is mated to an automatic transmission.
The M2 is amphibious with the use of swim barrier.
Swimming capabilities can be improved by the erection of inflatable buoyancy tanks.
On water the Bradely is propelled by spinning its tracks.
This IFV is air-transportable.
Throughout its service life the M2 Bradley IFV series has been the subject of numerous
enhancements to improve combat capabilities and survivability for the vehicle and occupants.
There were three main improvement programmes - the M2A1, M2A2 and M2A3.
M2A1, developed in 1986.
It was completed with TOW-2 anti-tank guided missiles of new generation.
Vehicle was also fitted with explosive reactive armor blocks and improved NBC protection system;
M2A2, developed in 1988.
This variant was fitted with uprated to 600 hp engine, strengthened suspension and improved
armor.
Interior was lined with spall-liner;
M2A3, developed in 1995.
Currently this variant is considered as a standard Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.
It is fitted with explosive reactive armor of new generation, navigation system and other
improvements.
Firing ports were removed from the hull sides due to the ERA panels.
Front arc of the M2A3 protects against 30-mm armor-piercing rounds.
All-round protection is likely to be against 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds.
Latest Bradley also has some degree of protection against RPG rounds.
Specifications:
Weight: 27.6 tonnes (30.4 short tons) Length: 6.55 m
Width: 3.6 m Height: 2.98 m
Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver) Passengers: 6 (7 in M2A2 ODS/M2A3)
Operational Range: 483 km
Speed: 56 km/h; 40 km/h off-road; 7.2 km/h in water