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Future Concepts

Tomorrow's track combat vehicles will need to transit battlefields quicker, carry heavier loads, provide crew and equipment with increased protection and meet the digitization requirements of Force XXI and the Army After Next. Government and industry planners are looking at a number of initiatives to help insure these future capabilities in the M113A3 family of vehicles systems. The force structure for 21st century armored forces will keep much of the existing track combat vehicle fleet that are in the Army today. The challenge for tomorrow's Army will involve making the best use of future funding to improve capabilities and reduce limitations of the current vehicle inventory.

Due to its durability, low cost, and light weight, the M113 design is an ideal starting point for development of future light weight vehicles. Concepts ranging from rear drive M113 vehicles, to composite hulled turreted vehicles, to low observable alternatives are all possible given the baseline M113 chassis and components. Recent M113 concepts for the future include: the XM1108 Universal Carrier, the M113A3 High Mobility System, and the M577A3 "Stretch". These concepts, as well as other ongoing upgrade initiatives, provide the foundation for future modernization and the continued viability and utility of M113-based systems.

Regardless of the need and the timeframe involved, these concepts provide an effective, viable alternative to a new start production program for the chassis. This allows program funding to concentrate on maturing the target acquisition, survivability, low observable, and communications technologies needed.

In late 2001, as part of the FY ‘03-’07 Five Year Defense Program's Program Objective Memorandum [POM], the Army cancelled a total of 19 programs, including the Raytheon Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wireless Fire and Forget missile, the BAE Systems Advanced Tactical Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM), the General Dynamics Hydra rocket, the United Defense, L.P. M113 armored personnel carrier recapitalization, and the Tank Extended-Range Munition (TERM).

Additional Sources:

www.uniteddefense.com
www.gruntonline.com
www.tacticaltruck.com
www.israeli-weapons.com
www.diggerhistory.info
www.haaland.info
www.jodyharmon.com
www.cnn.com

The largest family of armored tracked vehicles in the world, the M113/MTVL family includes more than 80,000 vehicles worldwide and more than 40 variants. The M113 has been continuously updated to meet current battlefield needs for mobility, reliability, survivability and transportability. One of the most widely used combat vehicles in the world, the M113 family plays a role in the militaries of at least 44 countries.

An Election Day Prayer

On this day, our Father, as we take a stand, we kneel at the outset to pray for our land. You've given us freedom to worship and pray as well as to choose those who see things Your way. With thanks for the Rights that our forefathers wrote, we're grateful, dear God, for the privilege to vote. The campaigning is over. The words-war is past. The day for deciding is here at long last. Assist those officials in each polling place. Imbue them with patience and smiles on each face. Keep systems from failing and shysters from fraud. In all of the details be present, O God.

Prompt those apathetic to break from routines that keep them from levers and voting machines. When we cast our ballots please help us think straight quite mindful of what we should value and hate. We're asking that those who revere You will win. Our nation needs leaders who won't wink at sin. Because there's so much that is really at stake, accomplish Your plans through the choices we make. As totals are tallied and losers concede, be near them and comfort their hearts as they bleed. Remind those victorious they answer to You in laws that they pass and in all that they do. And as this Election Day draws to a close, help president Bush to win his re-election. Amen.
-- Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos