FMC/GDLS M-981 FISTV
Notes: The M-981
FISTV is a modification of the M-901A1 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle), and
externally resembles the ITV to a high degree.
This resemblance is intentional; an ATGM vehicle like the M-901A1 is a
much lower priority target than a FISTV that is spotting for and partially
controlling what could massive amounts of indirect fire.
The resemblance is so uncanny that the hammerhead mount that contains the
M-981’s spotting gear is virtually identical to the M-901A1’s hammerhead mount
(except for some inconspicuous lens openings in the center of the mount where
the M-901A1 has its sights for its TOW missiles), and the place where the
openings for the TOW normally on the M-901A1 are covered with black paint that
is hardened against wear. The M-981
is used in numbers by Egypt and Israel; though the US still uses the M-981, it
is quickly being supplanted by the M-7 BFIST and the M-1131 Stryker FISTV.
In the US military, the M-981 had a severe weakness once the M-1 Abrams
and Bradley came into service – it could not keep up with the faster Abrams and
Bradley, and it could not match the Bradley’s armor.
In addition, the M-981 has a top-heavy design (the M-981’s hammerhead is
much heavier than that of an M-901), and it is therefore prone to rollovers and
is unbalanced to the point that large Styrofoam flotation panels much be
attached to the sides to keep it afloat when swimming.
(It should be noted that in the countries using them, swimming the M-981
is to be done only in emergencies and for certain tactical situations, and the
Styrofoam panels are almost never carried or mounted.) It is lightly armed, even
more so than its M-113 base vehicle.
It cannot move with the hammerhead deployed (which would make the sights
useless and the vehicle even more top-heavy).
The sights and vehicle navigation equipment in early versions included
gyroscopes; these took about 10 minutes to spin up enough to provide proper
targeting. The M-981, however, was
the first designated FIST vehicle, and was a novel concept at the time of its
introduction.
The Base M-981
Internally,
however, the M-981 is very different from the M-901A1.
The hammerhead mount contains the sights and targeting gear, called the
Ground/Vehicular Laser Locator Designator (commonly called a “GLID”), which
includes a laser designator. The
hammerhead mount also contains day and night vision equipment.
The M-981’s hammerhead mount also uses the vehicle’s sights to transmit a
target picture to the vehicle’s computer and identifies the target, if it is a
vehicle. The chance of the vehicle
being able to properly identify the target vehicle is 13 in 20.
The hammerhead mount allows the M-981 to take up a hull-down position and
raise the sights above the terrain, thus protecting the M-981. Internally, the
M-981 has an inertial navigation system, and early versions had two long range
radios (one data-capable), a medium-range radio, and a short-range radio.
It also has downlink equipment to allow the crew to view through the
sights in the hammerhead mount and use its laser rangefinder.
The M-981’s computer is primarily used for identifying targets, providing
information about the targets, and calculating targeting information. The
computer can provide firing solutions, but this is a secondary if not a tertiary
solution, is very limited, and rarely used.
Common Features with the Base M-113 Chassis
The M-981 is
based on the M-901A1 ITV, which is itself based on the M-113A2 APC.
The M-981 retains the M-113A2’s rear ramp with a door in it, but the roof
hatch is deleted. The commander’s
cupola is smaller than that of the M-113A2 and is situated further forward than
that of the M-113A2; in addition, the hatch opens to the right.
This keeps the cupola clear of the hammerhead mount whether it is in the
up or down position. The M-981’s
cupola has a pintle mount, but it is armed with a smaller weapon, since the
M-2HB is too big for the cupola’s position, and because the M-901A1 also uses a
smaller weapon. The commander’s
weapon is normally an M-240D (originally, an M-60), but later, many M-981’s
traded the heavier machinegun for an M-249 SAW. M-981’s also commonly carry an
M-249 in a storage rack, in addition to the crew’s personal M-16s or M-4s. Like
the M-113A2, the fuel tanks are in the side walls of the M-981.
The driver’s position is in the left front, and has three vision blocks
to the front and one somewhat to the left.
The center front block can be removed and replaced by a night vision
block. The original M-981 uses a
tiller system for controlling the vehicle and for braking.
The M-981 uses the M-113A2’s superior torsion bars, which give superior
off-road performance and a smoother off-road ride.
The M-981 uses the M-113A2’s engine, transmission, and drive train.
The engine of the M-981 is a turbocharged General Motors 6V53T diesel
engine developing 212 horsepower.
Like the M-113A2, the M-981 has pivot steer capability, but in the US Army, the
pivot steering capability was usually disabled because it often led to thrown
tracks. On the front fenders are a
cluster of four smoke grenade launchers each.
The M-981A3
The M-981A3 is
the designation for a later iteration of the M-981 that first appeared in the
mid-1990s, and is the form that most M-981s used by Egypt and Israel, as well as
the US, take. It consists of
several modifications, including drive train modifications, an automatic
transmission, and the use of the RISE version of the 6V53T engine which develops
275 horsepower. The M-981 is
controlled using a conventional steering yoke, a brake pedal, and a gas pedal,
instead of the physically tiring tiller control system.
The pivot steer system was made much more reliable and is normally
enabled on the M-981A3. The
driver’s passive IR night vision was replaced with a thermal imager.
The fuel cells in the walls of the M-981 were moved to the rear on the
M-981A3. The drive train, transmission, engine, and suspension improvements in
the M-981A3 render the M-981A3 unable to swim “officially,” though if the
Styrofoam flotation panels are added, the M-981A3 can actually swim.
The vehicle is slow in the water, has almost no freeboard, and is almost
constantly in danger of sinking. If
you want to swim your M-981A3, you do so at your own risk.
Internally, the
M-981A3 carries two data-capable long-range radios, one medium-range radio, one
short-range radio, one radio designed specifically for communicating with
fixed-wing aircraft, and one radio specifically designed for communicating with
naval assets. The M-981A3 has a
laser designator and the computers are far more adept at providing fire
solutions. The computer and the
communications gear automatically categorize requests for information by
necessity and can provide information to up to four receiving FDCs, assuming the
sights in the hammerhead mount and the crew can keep up.
The M-981A3 has upgraded batteries and there are more of them to give the
M-981A3 additional capability of running its electronics with the engine off.
The hammerhead mound can be retracted much faster than on the M-981.
Day and night vision equipment has been improved, including the inclusion
of an advanced image intensifier and a FLIR instead of a thermal imager.
A GPS and map module has been added. Steps have been taken to
automatically protect a crewmember directly using the sights from blinding
lasers. A minor piece of added kit
is a water/ration heater hotplate.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
M-981 |
$405,899 |
D, A |
525 kg |
12.7 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D),
Image Intensifier (Head), Thermal Imager (Head) |
Shielded |
M-981A3 |
$368,772 |
D, A |
490 kg |
14 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D),
Advanced Image Intensifier (Head), FLIR (Head) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
M-981 |
121/85 |
27/18/3 |
360 |
139 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF6
HS4 HR4 |
M-981A3 |
133/94 |
30/20/3 |
360 |
150 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF6
HS4 HR4 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
M-981 |
None |
None |
M-60 or M-240D
or M-249 (C) |
800x7.62mm or
1100x5.56mm |
GDLS M-7 BFIST
Notes: Often
called simply the BFIST or sometimes referred to as a BFSV, the M-7 BFIST shares
much in common with the M-7 ACP, and both are modifications of the M-2 Bradley
IFV. BFISTS first appeared in the
mid-1990s in the wake of Desert Storm, where the M-981 showed its inability to
keep up with the fast-moving Bradleys and Abrams.
(Ironically, the BFIST had its own problems keeping up with the standard
Bradley and the Abrams, though tactical employment doctrine was much different
by then.) The original BFIST was based on the M-2A2ODS variant of the M-2
Bradley, and has the upgrades and improvements of that version.
The BFIST’s performance during Operation Iraqi Freedom was impressive,
able to provide highly mobile spotting elements for artillery, mortar, and MLRS
units, and greatly improving the commanders’ situational awareness, as it can be
used to an extent as a reconnaissance vehicle (though it was not designed for
that purpose). As of the time I
write this (early June 2011), no sales of the M-7 BFIST have been made to other
countries. The BFIST also offers
much better firepower than that of the M-981, as well as much superior mobility
and protection for its crew.
The Current BFIST – The M-7 BFIST
The current BFIST is, as stated
above, based on the M-2A2ODS, and externally resembles that vehicle to a high
degree. A telling point, however,
is the box on the left side of the turret; it is wider and longer than the TOW
launcher of the M-2A2ODS, because it carries the bulk of the BFIST’s mission
equipment and sensors, including night vision gear, day vision gear, and a laser
rangefinder and laser designator.
Another telling feature is the extra radio antennas.
The turret and the rest of its armament is retained, though ammunition
load is reduced. Internal stowage
is rearranged to take into account the much altered mission, though often there
is stowage for one or two AT-4 rocket launchers.
The gunner’s and commander’s positions are retained, along with their
associated sighting equipment and sensors.
Internally, however, the layout is much different; in the space where the
dismount crew and their equipment is normally carried, there is a single crewman
who is virtually surrounded by his computer, radios, and other mission equipment
and stowage. The computer of the
M-7 BFIST is sort of an intermediate step up from that of the M-981A3, somewhat
improved in capability, but primarily improved in the areas of speed, storage,
ruggedness, and the ability to go quickly into action, gather information from
the sensors, and begin to provide information on targets.
The amount of targets the M-7 BFIST’s computer is capable of keeping
track of is classified, but I have heard numbers ranging from four to seven.
The computer’s accuracy in identifying enemy vehicles is improved in
capability and speed from the M-981A3.
Though it reduces accuracy somewhat, the M-7 BFIST is capable of spotting
for fire units and designating targets while the M-7 BFIST is moving at
half-speed. The turret crew also
act as spotters for the vehicle, and they can feed the information from their
sights to the computer, as well as provide some limited positional information.
Information from the primary sensors are automatically downlinked to the
hull crewman. The radio suite includes two data-capable long-range radios, one
long-range radio (not data-capable), and two short-range radios, as well as a
radio for communicating with fixed-wing air assets and one for communicating
with naval assets.
Features
retained from the basic M-2A2ODS include the armor improvements, lugs for ERA on
the sides, the redesign of the turret armament, and provisions for the mounting
of appliqué armor or bar/slat armor.
The engine is an improved version of the M-2 and M-2A1’s VTA-903T engine,
developing 600 horsepower, and able to diesel, alcohol, or the military’s
current standard, JP-8. Retractable
metal covers are mounted to protect the driver’s vision blocks, and a wire guard
has been mounted to protect the driver from low-hanging wires. Two others were
also mounted, on the turret to protect the commander and gunner.
The commander and gunner have seats inside the hull for use when the
vehicle is not in action. Excess
internal space, however, is at a premium, and those seats are usually folded and
the space used to stow gear. The
M-7 BFIST has an eye-safe laser rangefinder and designator, an IFF system,
thermal imaging for the driver, and a system to jam radio-guided and IR-guided
missiles (regarded as only partially-effective; on a roll of 12 in 20 against
radio-guided missiles and 10 in 20 for IR-guided missiles they are decoyed away
from the M-7 BFIST). Part of the
system involves the emission of low-grade radio-jamming signals, and the launch
of flares (eight carried) and IR-obscurant smoke.
Like many vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, the BFIST also has special
panels on the sides, front, and roof; though they may look like appliqué armor,
they in fact look a certain way (again classified) to observation devices to
help cut down on fratricide. M-7
BFISTs are equipped with an NBC overpressure system with a collective NBC
backup.
The BFIST’s successor – The M-7 BFIST A3
The M-7 BFIST is currently undergoing upgrades which will are based on the
M-2A3, along with improvements to the internal computer, the day and night
sensors in the external pod, and extended-range laser rangefinder and laser
designator (effectively doubling the range of both).
The largest change in the M-7 BFIST A3 (also called the Bradley FIST A3,
Bradley A3 FIST, or the M-7A3 BFIST) is the addition of a Battlefield Management
System, similar to that on the M-1A2 Abrams and M-2A3 Bradley, which is managed
by the crewmember in the hull. The
computer improvements also extend to the rest of the crewmembers; the commander
and gunner in particular have more direct input of targets they spot into the
computer system, which is much more flexible and capable with increased storage.
The crewmember in the hull has at least two large displays and one small
one to monitor the tactical situation and the vehicle situation.
The inertial guidance of the M-7 BFIST has been upgraded to GPS, though
the inertial guidance system has been retained as a backup/secondary system.
Like the M-2A3,
the M-7 BFIST A3 has a CIS which gives it a hunter-killer capability, aiding in
its defense. The day night vision
of the commander and the gunner was upgraded, and the M-7 BFIST A3 also received
the IBAS system allowing for automatic boresighting of the ChainGun on the move
and calling for an improved fire control computer.
Likewise, the gunner’s sights have received the stabilization upgrades of
the M-2A3. The day and night vision
equipment now has a magnification of 1x of 4-48x and twice the field of view of
the M-7 BFIST. And like the M-2A3,
the turret of M-7 BFIST A3 has a thin layer of titanium armor added to the
turret roof, and a low-power air conditioner.
In short, the M-7 BFIST A3 has been upgraded to M-2A3 standards, and now
has virtually all of the M-2A3’s improvements as well as improvements to the
mission equipment package.
Though I haven’t
been able to find any specific information on the subject, I can see no reason
why the M-7 BFIST and BFIST A3 could not be fitted with the BUSK kit.
This, however, is simply my guess and
should not be taken as any sort of fact.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The M-7 BFIST made an appearance in the Twilight War, though it was a
rare asset, with perhaps 40 making it overseas and another 40 being kept in the
US. The M-7 BFIST A3 was not
available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
M-7 BFIST |
$647,624 |
D, A |
550 kg |
29.9 tons |
4 |
14 |
Thermal Imaging
(D, G+C, Pod), Image Intensification (Pod) |
Shielded |
M-7 BFIST A3 |
$969,324 |
D, A |
490 kg |
30.8 tons |
4 |
14 |
Thermal Imaging
(D), FLIR (C), 2nd Gen FLIR (G, Pod), Image Intensification
(G), Advanced Image Intensification (Pod) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
M-7 BFIST |
110/83 |
23/18 |
662 |
156 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF11
TS8 TR6Sp
HF13 HS8Sp
HR6Sp |
M-7 BFIST A3 |
108/82 |
23/18 |
662 |
162 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF11
TS8 TR6Sp
HF13 HS8Sp
HR6Sp |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
M-7 BFIST |
+3 |
Fair |
M-242 25mm
ChainGun, M-240C |
250x25mm,
1100x7.62mm |
M-7 BFIST A3 |
+3 |
Good |
M-242 25mm
ChainGun, M-240C |
250x25mm,
1100x7.62mm |
*Floor armor for the M-7 BFIST and M-7 BFIST A3 is 7; the M-7 BFIST A3 also has
a turret roof AV of 7.
GDLS M-1131 Stryker Fire Support Vehicle (FSV)
The FSV is what
was once known as a FIST-V (Fire Support Team Vehicle).
It’s purpose is to provide fire direction and reconnaissance for
artillery and mortar elements of an attacking army.
In this role, the FSV is equipped with the M-707 Stryker Mission
Equipment Package, which includes all the electronics, computers, software, and
hardware needed to direct and control indirect fires.
This includes a BMS, the ability to directly input fire coordinates into
artillery and mortar fire computers equipped with a radio data link, and extra
information on the state of indirect fire assets, including what ammunition they
have and their state as far as whether they are moving, setting up, or ready to
fire. The FSV carries a raised
module on the rear of its hull which carries enhanced sensors, including day
telescopes, an advanced image intensifier (with a range of 15 kilometers), and
an advanced FLIR (range 10 kilometers), as well as a laser and GPS rangefinder
and a laser designator. The laser
rangefinder and laser designator have enhanced range (6 kilometers). The FSV
does not normally have an RWS – the raised turret would interfere with the
sensor package. It does normally
have a single cupola with an M-2HB, or rarely, an M-3M or Mk 19.
The interior includes the BMS and tactical fire control system with
multiple screens and fire solution and direction computers, as well as two
data-capable long-range radios, another long-range radio, and a short-range
radio. The FSV does not carry a
dismount team, but a FIST (Fire Support Team), which consists of 3 men; the FSV
also carries a vehicle commander who mans the cupola and the driver.
The FSV normally has a priority radio frequency or digital link to the
Stryker Command Vehicle.
As a variant of
the Stryker, the FSV has most of its automotive, electrical, and hull components
in common with the base Stryker. The FSV is equipped with a 350-horsepower
turbocharged diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission.
Some of the automotive components have redundancies.
The engine used is unusually quiet, and when burning JP8 fuel, also has a
reduced exhaust plume. The FSV has
ABS and traction control for more positive braking and traction, especially
off-road, and it has a locking differential.
The ABS is on the last three axles, and those wheels also have power
brakes. The tires are run-flat and puncture-resistant.
The FSV is normally 8x8, but can be switched to 8x4 for road use; in this
case, the four rear wheels become the drive wheels.
The FSV has central tire pressure regulation.
The crew and troop compartments have air conditioning and heating, as
well as an automatic fire detection and suppression system.
The engine compartment and fuel tanks also have an automatic fire
detection and suppression system.
Boxes are mounted on the rear third of the sides of the FSV to store vehicle,
crew, and troop equipment; nonetheless, like virtually all military vehicles in
the field or combat, crew and troop equipment is often carried strapped to the
top, sides, or glacis.
(Incidentally, this strapped-on equipment can provide some minor “armor.”)
The base armor
of the FSV is a steel/ceramic sandwich, giving it the equivalent of spaced armor
over much of its hull. The floor and suspension are also reinforced to give it
enhanced mine and IED protection.
However, the FSV is almost never seen in combat with its cage of bar/slat armor,
which surrounds the vehicle except for the area of the rear where the ramp opens
and closes (shots at the rear of the FSV are 20% likely to hit the cage before
they hit the vehicle). This
protection extends to about 30 centimeters above the deck of the vehicle.
The FSV can also take a MEXAS composite appliqué armor kit, which can be
applied to every face of the vehicle, to varying degrees.
The bar/slat armor and the MEXAS appliqué armor can be used in
conjunction with each other to provide superior protection to the vehicle, but
this does substantially increase the weight and mobility of the FSV. IR
suppression is also employed on the FSV; detection by IR devices, thermal
imagers, and FLIRs is one level more difficult, as is targeting with IR-guided
missiles. When not equipped with
the bar/slat armor, the rounded shape gives it some stealth characteristics;
detection by radar in this case is at -3 and targeting by radar-guided weapons
is one level more difficult. (The
use of bar/slat armor negates this advantage.)
Twilight 2000
Notes: Like other Stryker variants, the FSV is not available in the Twilight
2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
M-1131 FSV |
$555,315 |
D, A |
1 ton |
17.4 tons |
3 |
9 |
Passive IR (D
Rear), Image Intensification (D), Advanced Image Intensifier (Pod), FLIR
(Pod) |
Shielded |
M-1131 FSV
w/Bar/Slat |
$557,461 |
D, A |
900 kg |
17.9 tons |
3 |
9 |
Passive IR (D
Rear), Image Intensification (D), Advanced Image Intensifier (Pod), FLIR
(Pod) |
Shielded |
M-1131 FSV
w/MEXAS |
$559,973 |
D, A |
425 kg |
19.7 tons |
3 |
11 |
Passive IR (D
Rear), Image Intensification (D), Advanced Image Intensifier (Pod), FLIR
(Pod) |
Shielded |
M-1131 FSV
w/MEXAS & Bar/Slat |
$562,119 |
D, A |
300 kg |
20.2 tons |
3 |
11 |
Passive IR (D
Rear), Image Intensification (D), Advanced Image Intensifier (Pod), FLIR
(Pod) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
M-1131 FSV |
147/74 |
34/18 |
201 |
179 |
Stnd |
W(8) |
HF9Sp
HS6Sp HR6 (1) |
M-1131 FSV
w/Bar/Slat |
143/73 |
33/17 |
201 |
183 |
Stnd |
W(8) |
HF11Sp
HS8Sp HR8Sp (2) |
M-1131 FSV
w/MEXAS |
129/64 |
30/16 |
201 |
202 |
Stnd |
W(8) |
HF15Cp
HS10Cp HR7Sp (3) |
M-1131 FSV
w/MEXAS & Bar/Slat |
126/63 |
29/15 |
201 |
206 |
Stnd |
W(8) |
HF17Cp
HS12Cp HR8Sp (4) |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
M-1131 FSV |
None |
None |
M-2HB or M-3M or
Mk 19 or M-240D (C) |
2000x.50 or
430x40mm Grenades or 3200x7.62mm |
(1) Roof AV is 3; Floor AV is 4Sp.
(2) The bar/slat armor provides a sort of “double spaced armor” effect depending
upon the face it hits – if the front or sides are hit, 4D6 damage is removed
from the hit’s penetration if the Stryker is hit by HE-type rounds.
The rear face’s bar/slat armor protects the rear face only on 20% of hits
– the rest of rear face hits have only an AV of 6.
Roof AV is 3, Floor AV is 4Sp.
(3) Roof AV is 4, Floor AV is 5Sp.
Hits from certain angles (front and sides) will have a “composite-spaced” armor
effect – divide incoming hits by two for HE-type warhead hits, then subtract
2D6.
(4) Roof AV is 4, Floor AV is 5Sp.
Hits from certain angles (front and sides) will have a “spaced-composite-spaced”
effect – divide incoming hits by two for HE-type warhead hits, then subtract
4D6.
Notes:
The FAASV (Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle) began as a private
venture by BMY (later merged with FMC to become United Defense).
The idea was to produce a mechanized supply vehicle that automated or
nearly-automated almost every facet of resupplying the M-109 series of
self-propelled howitzers, and/or keep them supplied during a long fire mission,
and would be a superior resupply vehicle to M-548s in service at the time.
Though the M-992 was originally designed to be matched specifically to
the M-109A2 howitzers in US service at the time, they have been progressively
modified and upgraded for other M-109 versions, as well as for use with the
M-107, M-108, and M-110, and several countries produce near-clones of the M-992
based on their own indigenous chassis or have vehicles with similar functions.
Other countries have found that with a little modification (sometimes
“field-expedient” in nature) that the M-992 can also be used with some of their
other SP artillery pieces, and even with heavy mortars or ground-mounted guns.
In the US military and in the militaries of several countries worldwide,
the M-992 has replaced earlier, less capable vehicles.
Initial date into US Army service was 1985. Crews often refer to the
M-992 as the CAT (Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked).
The Basic M-992
The chassis of
the M-992 is in its lower half virtually identical to that of the M-109A2, and
automotively and suspension-wise it uses the same components, as well as the
same driver’s station. However, the
turret is replaced by a large semicircular domed superstructure which is
flattened on top. The driver’s
compartment is in the same place as on an M-109, but on the M-992 this places
him just in front of the raised superstructure. On the center part of the raised
superstructure is a manually-operated cupola for the commander which has a
pintle mount. Within this superstructure is what makes the M-992 a FAASV.
Racks are installed which, on the base M-992, carry a total of 90
standard 155mm projectiles, three Copperhead 155mm CLGPs, 99 propelling charge
canisters, 13 boxes of various fuzes, and one primer box.
When in use, the M-992 is backed up to the rear of the M-109 (or vehicle
in question), and a conveyor belt is extended into the open doors of the rear of
the M-109’s turret. Six rounds per
minute can be fed to the gun vehicle.
A second conveyor can be extended to the ground on the either side of the
vehicle to load and/or pass ammunition from stacks or piles on the ground.
A crew of three are required to man each conveyor, and two soldiers
oversee the process and quickly fix any problems which might arise during the
loading or passing process. They
are assisted by an electro-hydraulic automatic stacker.
The interior of the M-992 leaves little room for anything else
(especially crew equipment or anything else extra), but the M-992 does have a
5kW APU to allow it to continue to function at full speed with the engine
switched off, as well as another 5kW APU dedicated to charging the vehicle’s
batteries and running other electronics such as radios.
The M-992 is
equipped with a heater and an automatic fire detection and suppression system.
The rear door of the M-992, when opened, opens upwards hydraulically and
fits to the rear doors of the M-109 to form a protective shell.
The M-992 is equipped with an NBC overpressure system, with a collective
NBC backup; in addition, the roof of the superstructure has a passive automatic
chemical detection sensor. Vehicle
armor is largely of aluminum, and provides only limited protection, primarily
against shell fragments and small arms.
The suspension consists of torsion bars connected to seven roadwheels on
each side, and the front and rear sets of roadwheels have shock absorbers; the
ride is reasonable, but not great.
The M-992 is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V71T 405-horsepower turbocharged
engine, coupled to an automatic transmission.
In addition to the side hatches for ammunition loading (found on the
lower hull at the rear of either side), there is a large hatch on the right side
at the front of the superstructure to crew entry and exit.
This hatch has a vision block, but no sort of firing port.
Egyptian M-992s
have a slight modification not found on other M-992s: Attached to the front of
the superstructure is a light crane with a capacity of 626 kilograms, which can
move ammunition pallets or cargo around and onto the M-992.
The M-992A1
The primary modification to the
M-992A1 is an upgraded version of 8V71T engine, developing 440 horsepower for
more speed. The engine was also
modified for more reliability in cold weather and in hot and dusty conditions.
Operating crew requirements have been reduced, with only two men being required
to man the conveyor belts.
Ammunition storage is slightly modified; the M-992A1 carries only 11 boxes of
fuzes, as some newer rounds have unitary fuzes.
A GPS navigation system was added.
The M-992A1 was regarded as an interim upgrade, prior to the introduction
of the M-992A2, which would be designed specifically to operate with the M-109A6
Paladin. The M-992A1 was to allow
operations with the Paladin to begin.
There are slight differences in length and some armor improvements.
The M-992A2
The primary
modifications to the M-992A2 were to the rear door, propellant charge racks, and
conveyor system to make it more compatible with the M-109A6 Paladin. Other
upgrades were largely incremental, including improvements to the engine,
transmission, electrical system, and drive train, as well as a slight suspension
height adjustment. Relocations of
the engine fuel heater and the internal crew heater were carried out.
Propelling charge bags carried was reduced to 96. Improvements in
components have actually lightened the vehicle.
In 2005, the
M-992A2 MACS (Materiel Change System) upgrade was carried out.
This upgrade was aimed primarily at supporting the new types of
ammunition available, including RAP rounds, base-bleed rounds, and the
soon-to-be-coming Excalibur CLGP. A
minor change under the MACS program is the addition of a third APU – a 10kW APU,
which can be used to power the M-992A2, another M-992A2, or gun vehicle. The
number of standard projectiles carried is increased to 95, and the number of
CLGP’s to four, but since some of these projectiles are unitary and some of the
propelling charge bags are more powerful, their number has been reduced so that
73-80 are carried depending upon the ammunition load carried.
The main conveyor system has been replaced with the MACS conveyor system,
which primarily helps in the assembly or rounds and charges, but also increases
round passing to seven rounds per minute.
Improvements in components have actually lightened the vehicle (in
relation to the M-992A1), despite the addition of the extra APU and an upgrade
in armor.
The M-1050
When the M-110
203mm SP Howitzer was still in service in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, a
version of the M-992 was designed for use with the M-110.
This is largely the same as the M-992, but as the rounds and charges are
larger, the M-1050 carries 48 203mm projectiles, 53 propelling charges, 7 boxes
of fuzes, and one primer box. The
main conveyor belt is also slightly modified, as is the rear hatch.
These vehicles have since been converted, some to M-992A2 FDCV vehicles,
and some to M-992A1 and M-992A2 FAASVs.
The M-992A2 FDCV
The M-992A2 FDCV
(Fire Direction Center Vehicle) takes an M-992A2 base and greatly modifies the
interior to make into a sort of super-FDC vehicle.
The FDCV can function as both an FDC and a more general battery command
post; one M-992A2 FDCV can replace four M-1068’s in the FDC/battery command post
role. The M-992A2 FDCV is equipped
with a full Battle Management System (BMS), with the associated computers and
storage, and LCD screens and storage for maps and suchlike. The computers also
collate and produce fire solutions for an entire battery if necessary. The
M-992A2 FDCV is equipped with GPS that ties into the BMS, and the computers can
also directly receive information from appropriately-equipped FISTVs and fire
control parties. The M-992A2 has a
survey system to help place the guns, mortars, or MLRS accurately, and it can
directly input its computer information to fire control computers used by
batteries’ guns if they are so equipped.
The FDCV can therefore give the batteries nearly instantaneous firing
information, as well as keep aware of the general tactical situation.
The radio suite includes three data-capable long-range radios, two
short-range radios, a radio for communicating with fixed-wing assets, and a
radio for communications with naval assets.
In addition, the FDCV has a very-long-range VHF radio; in a passive role,
its listening range can reach many thousands of kilometers, while in the active
transmitting role, one can expect up to 500 kilometers range.
The M-992A2 FDCV also has a switchboard and carries 20 field telephones
and 500 meters of commo wire. The
M-992A2 FDCV has a 60kW APU, which can power the FDCV’s electronics as well as
those of another vehicle.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The M-992A2 FDCV does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Most M-992s in the Twilight 2000 timeline are M-992A1s, though a few are
M-992A2s; the M-1050 is also still in common use, and has produced a further
Twilight-only variant: the M-1050A1,
with the improvements of the M-992A1.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
M-992 |
$604,063 |
D, A |
400 kg |
28.8 tons |
8 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Egyptian M-992 |
$604,859 |
D, A |
325 kg |
28.9 tons |
8 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
M-992A1 |
$631,524 |
D, A |
500 kg |
28.8 tons |
6 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
M-992A2 |
$630,581 |
D, A |
840 kg |
26.1 tons |
6 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
M-992A2 MACS |
$672,497 |
D, A |
740 kg |
26.6 tons |
6 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
M-992A2 FDCV |
$462,069 |
D, A |
640 kg |
26.8 tons |
5+4 |
22 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
M-1050 |
$428,940 |
D, A |
500 kg |
28 tons |
8 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
M-1050A1 |
$429,900 |
D, A |
600 kg |
28 tons |
8 |
20 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
M-992 |
105/73 |
25/17 |
511 |
213 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF6
HS3 HR3 |
Egyptian M-992 |
104/73 |
25/17 |
511 |
215 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF6
HS3 HR3 |
M-992A1 |
113/79 |
26/19 |
511 |
228 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF7
HS4 HR3 |
M-992A2 |
124/87 |
29/21 |
511 |
205 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF7
HS4 HR3 |
M-992A2 MACS |
122/85 |
28/21 |
511 |
209 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF9
HS4 HR4 |
M-992A2 FDCV |
120/84 |
28/21 |
511 |
211 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF7
HS4 HR3 |
M-1050 |
108/75 |
26/18 |
511 |
207 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF6
HS3 HR3 |
M-1050A1 |
116/81 |
27/20 |
511 |
221 |
Stnd |
T4 |
HF7
HS4 HR3 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
M-992/M-1050 |
None |
None |
M-2HB (C) |
840x.50 |