Description

The M2A3 Bradley, is the upgrade of the M2A2 Bradley IFV. The A3 Bradley incorporates the Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem (IBAS) and the Commander’s Independent Viewer (CIV). The A3’s fire control software (FCSW) is similar to the M1A2 Abrams, it combines laser range, environmental readings, ammunition type, and turret control inputs to automatically elevate the gun for range and to automatically generate a kinematic lead solution if a target is in movement. The FCSW allow to keep track and switch between two targets at the same time.

As the M2A2, the M2A3 have the same aluminum and steel base composite armor and can mount BUSK kits (Bradley Urban Survival Kit) to improve their survivability in urban environments. The M2A3 has a crew of three: a commander, a gunner and a driver, and can carry up to six fully equipped soldiers however just as in M2A2, seventh seat is available in space behind driver.

The M2A3 with BUSK III kit, received extended protection, front hull upper plate received new ERA modules that are thicker and contain more reactive layers, also hull sides received additional ERA modules extending protection to the lower part of the hull, thus increasing survivability against EFP (Explosively Formed Penetrators) used in some types of IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices) and mines.

The main armament of M2A2 is 25mm M242 automatic cannon, which is able to fire various ammunition types,

these ammunition types are:

• APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) M919.
• APDS (Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot) M791.
• HEI (High Explosive Incendiary) M792.
• Total ammunition storage for the main armament is 900 rounds.

Secondary armament is coaxial M240 7,62mm machine gun, with 800 ready 7,62x51mm rounds and 1400 stored. For anti tank defense and to engage better protected targets, M2A2 is also armed with BGM-71 TOW missile system, with a maximum range of 3750m, currently used TOW ATGM types are BGM-71D TOW-2, BGM-71E TOW-2A and BGM-71F TOW-B for anti armor roles, and BGM-71H TOW-BB for “bunker buster” role. There are always 2 ATGM’s ready in launcher with 5 more stored inside vehicle.

Fire Control System

The FCS includes a rangefinder that displays the distance to the target in the crosshair. The key N switch to night vision (first image) and thermal vision (second image), in positive and negative modes. Zoom can be activated with + and deactivate with -. There's also a scale below the crosshair to measure distances comparing to a human height.

Optics

The gunner primary sight use both day and thermal channel with two zoom levels.

• Day channel – 3x and 12x zoom.
• Thermal channel – 3x, 12x zoom.
• Commander at the moment uses panoramic sight with only day channel.
• Day channel – variable zoom.
• Night Vision channel – variable zoom.
• Thermal channel – variable zoom.

*Note, at the moment M2A3’s sights and FCS is not fully and properly modeled, current status should be considered as Work in Progress.