Under The Microscope: M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier

Soldiers on top of an M113, courtesy of Militaryphotos.net

Overview: The M113 is a light armored personnel carrier that provides troop protection and mobility. While its main function is to safely transport soldiers, the Army has also used it move supplies in and out of the battlefield.

Inventory: 133* as of 2010 (3).

Cost: US$300,000 per vehicle in 2003** (2).

Specifications: Capacity 2 crews, 11 soldiers Combat Weight 27,180 lbs. Maximum Weight 31,000 lbs. Net Weight 23,880 lbs. Air Drop Weight 22,128 lbs. Fuel Capacity 360 liters (95 gal.) Performance Speed on Land 66km/h (41m/h) Speed in Water 5.8km/h (3.6m/h) Cruising Range 483km (300 miles) Turning Radius Pivot to infinite Slope 60% Side Slope 40% Vertical Climbing 24 in. Braking 40 ft. Engine Make and Model Detroit Diesel 6V53T Displacement 5.2L Fuel Diesel Rated Horsepower 275 hp Gross HP to Weight Ratio 20.2hp/ton Transmission Make and Model Allison X200-AB Type Hydrokinetic Steering Hydrostatic Brake Type Multiple wet plate Suspension: Torsion Bar Shock Absorbers: 3 per side Generator Amperes 200, 300 optional Volts, dc 28 Batteries 4 Armament: 50 cal MG 2,000 ready rounds Armor Basic Hull 5083 Aluminum Bolt-on Armor kit Steel Armor Mine Armor Steel Armor Gun Shield Kit Steel Armor Spall Suppresant Composite Panel

Notes:
*Operational, unknown.
**the Philippines benefits from the FMS program, thus the sticker price may not reflect the actual price paid by the Philippine Government.
**add US$100,000 to US$500,000 to upgrade communications system with digitized instruments (US$ in 2003) (2).

Sources:
(1) M113 Specs
(2) M113 Cost
(3) Stockholm International Peace Institute Database