combatreform.org/m113combat.htm

1. M113 Flexibility
• GENERAL:
– 85,000 produced, more than 60 mission variants
– Used by 186 sheriff’s offices and 40+ countries for interoperability
– 10 active U. S. Army variants
• DESIGN:
– The chassis doubles as the armor. It is a rigid box.
• Infinite number of hard points to secure mission equipment.
• Flat sides (including top) to facilitate mission equipment.
• More space under armor than any other vehicle shape.
• Hull is over-designed. It cannot wear out. Age is NOT a factor.
– Use of aluminum virtually eliminates corrosion.
• Weight parameters permit air transport (C-130, CH-47, etc.) and air-drop.
• Capable of swimming (A Philippine variant crosses Subic Bay).
– Tracked
• Zero turning radius. All-terrain mobility. Low ground pressure.
• Low Profile for survivability. Top access for situational awareness.
It is the combat vehicle designer’s “Easy Button”.