The M3 Bradley series is fielded with more ammunition than the M2. By Staff Writer
The M3 Bradley CFV (Cavalry Fighting Vehicle) is very similar to the M2 Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) and only varies from it in a few subtle ways and by role. The M3 is classified as an armored reconnaissance and scout vehicle and does away with the firing ports as found on the M2 series. The M3 Bradley varies from the M2 in that it also handles more in the way of ammunition for its 25mm, 7.62mm and TOW missile weapons. Additionally, the M3 system is fielded with the same powerful two-man 25mm cannon turret with the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
The Bradley family as a whole was originally intended to support the main M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) detailed elsewhere on this site, but ended up replacing it altogether. Today, the Bradley is fielded in conjunction with the M1 Abrams series of main battle tanks and often accompanies infantry squads into combat. In the Persian Gulf War of 1991, the Bradley and her powerful 25mm cannon / TOW anti-tank missile combination accounted for more enemy tanks destroyed than that of the M1 Abrams. At least seventeen of the system were lost to friendly fire however, with only three lost to enemy fire. Improvements to the Bradley family have included enhanced identification features as well as anti-tank missile countermeasures (for first generation wire-guided missiles only) and improved armor protection in the form of explosive-reactive armor.
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Armored Vehicle Quick Profile
Image Courtesy of the United States Department of Defense.
1981
Designation:M3 Bradley Classification Type:Cavalry Fighting Vehicle Contractor:FMC Corporation, USA Country of Origin: United States Number Built: Not Available
Operators: the United States of America
Variants
M2 IFV - Base Infantry Fighting Vehicle
M2A1 IFV - Improved Base M2
M2A2 IFV
M2A3 IFV - Improved armor and powerpack system.
M2 BSFV - Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle air defense system.
M3 CFV - Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (5 passenger seating and increased ammunition storage capability); sans firing ports of the M2 model.
M3A1 CFV
M3A2 CFV
M3A3 CFV - Improved armor and powerpack system.
M6 Bradley Linebacker - TOW anti-tank system replaced with Stinger air-to-air missile system.
M7 Bradley FIST - Fire Support Team Vehicle
M2 Bradley Ambulance - sans turret
MLRS - Multiple Launch Rocket System (uses M2 Bradley chassis).
M4 - Command and Control Vehicle (uses MLRS chassis).
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