A fitting display
Volume 11, No. 48, July 27, 2006

Track changes: Members of ALTC inspect recovery and fitters’ vehicles.

STUDENTS and instructors from ALTC have had a preview of the new M113AS4 Armoured Fitters (AF) and the M806AS4 Armoured Recovery Vehicle Light (ARVL) being delivered by the M113 Upgrade Project.

During a break in the Project Office’s test schedule last month, the fitters and ARVL were displayed at ALTC to give future users a sneak preview of the increased capability 1 Bde will receive when the vehicles enter service.

In addition to the new powerpack, driveline, and protection common to all seven variants, the AF features a new Hiab crane with a significantly enhanced 2.4-tonne lift at 4m, and the ARVL has a Sepson winch capable of a 13-tonne single line pull.

WO2 Dave Larkin, from the Project Office, said the demonstration provided a great opportunity for people at ALTC to have a close inspection of the new vehicles. Equally important, it provided an opportunity to show users that the M113 upgrade program was addressing the requirements of all users, and not just focusing on the APC.

“I think the RAEME soldiers will be particularly impressed by the power and performance of the new vehicles,” WO2 Larkin said.

“With three times the torque of the old M113A1 and a superior suspension system the new vehicles will fly across the battlefield, no matter how poor the terrain.”

The vehicles are undergoing final testing to ensure all aspects are completely suitable for service.

Thirty-eight AFs and 12 ARVLs will progressively enter service from 2007 as part of the 350 vehicle M113 Upgrade Project.