combatreform.org/AIR_MECH_STRIKE

1. Air-Mech-Strike M113A3 Gavins Possible Now via CH-47 Chinook
Empty Weight CH-47D No Fuel…..26,000 Lbs.
1/2 tank of fuel (50 Km radius)…… 3,000 Lbs.
M113A3 with 11 Troops……….…...22,000 Lbs.
Total Gross Weight = ………….…..55,000 Lbs.
Peace Time Limit is 50,000 pound Max GWT
war Time = 55,000 Pounds i.e. Desert Storm
Lightweight “Gavin” M113A3 Weighs 22,000 Lbs.
“Gavin”
with 11 Troops and without Soldiers 19,000 Lbs.
Making M113A3-based Air-Mech-Strike Medium
Vehicle practical under most conditions.
Current CH-47D Helicopters can only lift an M113A3 without troops a very short distance
and only under ideal temperature and low-altitude conditions. This is only a practical
option for river-crossings etc. However, with a modest low-cost weight reduction
program applied to the standard M113A3, creates a CH-47-M113A3 airmechanized capability.
Already developed “Band Tracks” from United Defense along with kevlar doors
and hatches replacing heavier metal ramps could reduce the vehicle weight up to 4,000
pounds without rebuilding the basic drive train. This reduction also results in two M113A3
Gavins carried in a C-130 STOL aircraft vice only one. Band Tracks also improve road speed,
reduces noise and crew fatigue by reduced vibration. The lightweight M113A3 “Gavin”
Fighting Vehicle (GFV) in this edition is defined as an Air-Mech-Strike “Medium” class vehicle.