Friday, July 19, 2013

Brazil's Fleet Marine Force receives its first M113MB1's


via Forte.Jor.Br
On June 14, at the Technology Center of the Marine Corps (CTecCFN), located in Rio de Janeiro, the Material Command Marine delivered the Fleet Marine Force seven Special About Armoured Vehicles Caterpillars "M113MB1" that were modernized Brazil. The vehicles provide high mobility to Reverse Splits Operating Marines, and provide for protection through its armor.
Decisive in peace processes in communities of Rio de Janeiro, as the Complexo do Alemao and Rocinha, the Cars "M113MB1" are ready to be employed in support of expeditionary operations - vocation of the Marine Corps - as well as in time where required demonstration of strength and deterrence, such as the Safety Conference Rio +20.
The seven tanks are part of a first batch of 30 Armoured Vehicles Special About Caterpillars "M113MB1" being modernized by the Marine Corps, using Israeli technology. The modernization project includes a new configuration of their systems, from the replacement of old components with more modern, electronic and automated with latest technology. The significant increase in their levels of performance, measured during tests conducted at the Center for the Evaluation of the Brazilian Army, enable the "M113MB1" modernized to accomplish their tasks in the best conditions of employment. The car prototype was assembled and tested by the company "Israel Military Industries' (IMI), Israel, and the pilot car, almost simultaneously, was modernized in the premises of CTecCFN.
Nicely done.

Side Note:  Before you say that the M113MB1 is simply a modernized M113 that has been in service since the Vietnam War, let me add this.  No offense to Brazil but they are a BRIC country.  Additionally in their Marine Corps they are getting the VBTPR, they already have in service Piranha IIICs, and they also have AAVs.  So that means that the M113MB1 is simply a surrogate vehicle until they can get their wheeled armored personnel carrier into service which will be augmented with additional AAVs.  The reality of the situation is this.  The Brazilians have a nice stop gap in place.  The USMC does not.

3 comments :

  1. An M113 can last forever, and who ever designed it was a genius in my book. You can reconfigure it in so many ways, that the design is unlimited. The US should keep some in stock as APC or armoured transport.

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  2. I like how neatly they are parked. Ramp down on the sidewalk. Casual but professional.

    I think the M113 has got some bad press on the Web due to one or two nut jobs.

    As a light compact, I would say more protected than armoured transport it takes some beating. In the UK we have bought twin hull vehicles in this weight class that are bigger than our own superb CRV(T), but sometimes I think one hull is better especially for "fire support".

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    1. That's why the M-113 is the best APC on the block. You can modify it so much to meet your needs for current and future wars. It's basic enough for Troop transport to the front lines. Even for some frontier states like Montana, Maine and Alaska, they make a perfect APC for state police.

      If I needed an Infantry squad carrier, I would take an M-113 just for basic patrols.

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