Bradley

Bradley line art

Soliders by the side of Bradley tank traveling down a road Bradley tank moving across the sand
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Mission

Provides protected transport of an infantry squad on the battlefield and overwatching fires to support the dismounted infantry; is employed to suppress and defeat enemy tanks, reconnaissance vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, bunkers, dismounted infantry and attack helicoptors; and performs cavalry scout and other essential (Bradley-equipped fire support and Stinger teams) missions in the 21st century. The infantry version (M2) is used most often to close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver. The primary tasks performed by the cavalry version (M3) as part of a troop and/or squadron are reconnaissance, security and flank guard missions.

Entered Army Service

1981

Description and Specifications

The Bradley M2A3 Infantry / M3A3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle is configured as follows:

  • Length: 21 ft 2 in
  • Width: 11.83 ft with armor tiles; 10.75 ft without armor tiles
  • Height: 11.8 ft
  • Weight: 50,000 lbs unloaded; 67,000 lbs combat loaded
  • Power Train: 600 hp Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine with GM-Allison HMPT-500-3SEC hydro-mechanical automatic transmission
  • Cruising Range: 250 miles
  • Crew: M2A3: 9 (3 crew; 6 dismounts); M3A3: 5 (3 crew; 2 dismounts)
  • Armament: 25-mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, TOW II missile system, 7.62 mm M240C machine gun

Vehicle features: Two second generation forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors in the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) and Commander’s Independent Sight (CIV) provide "Hunter-Killer target handoff" capability with a ballistic fire control system; embedded diagnostics; integrated combat command and control (IC3) digital communications suite hosting Force XXI Battle Command Brigade-and-Below package with digital maps, messages and friend/foe situational awareness; position navigation system with GPS and inertial navigation system; and enhanced squad situational awareness with squad leader display integrated into vehicle digital images and Ic#.

Manufacturer

United Defense, L.P. (San Jose, CA; Fayette, PA; York, PA; Arlington, VA)