The Bradley Fighting Vehicle - Brief Article

THE BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE has been modernized in response to emerging Force XXI doctrine. Over the next few years, two upgraded versions of the Bradley will be fielded to all six heavy divisions in the Active Army.

The first phase of the modernization effort is the M2A2 Operation Desert Storm (ODS) Bradley. and the second phase is the M2A3 Bradley.

The M2A2 ODS emerged from a plan designed to include needed improvements noted during Operation Desert Storm and to implement lessons learned from ten years of experience.

ODS improvements consist of off-the-shelf technology that provides capabilities required for Force XXI operations. They increase system lethality over the M2A2 by providing an eyesafe laser range finder that allows rapid, accurate calls for fire. The vehicle crew is also more survivable because of the improved ability to integrate the battlefield combat identification system (BCIS) and the missile countermeasure device. Finally, each ODS will eventually be equipped with Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below (FBCB2) to support improved command and control and situational awareness.

The M2A3 Bradley emerged as a result of a threat and capabilities assessment, designed to ensure that the Infantry can overmatch the threat on the future battlefield.

The A3 is the first IFV that is technologically equal to the Abrams tank; and it integrates the Army's horizontal technical integration initiatives such as second generation forward looking infrared (FLIR).

The M2A3 insures overmatch by increasing the ability to acquire, identify, and engage over the A2 ODS, in both day and night operations. It allows the crew to acquire more targets faster by adding a second sight for the commander. The improved Bradley acquisition system allows the crew to engage targets faster and more accurately by enabling first burst on target, eliminating the need for a sensing round. The positive navigation system improves the crew's navigational capability.

Fielding of the M2A3 to the 1st Cavalry Division will begin in the summer of 2001, followed by the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment and the remainder of the 4th Infantry Division.

COPYRIGHT 2000 U.S. Army Infantry School
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group