| M577 command post carrier | |
| Origin: | United States |
| Type: | Armored personnel carrier |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Service: | 1963–present |
| Used By: | See Operators |
| Wars: | |
| Designer: | FMC Corporation |
| Design Date: | 1962 |
| Manufacturer: | BAE Systems (from 2005) |
| Number: | over 7300[2] |
| Variants: | see Variants |
| Length: | 194inches[3] |
| Width: | 105.8inches |
| Height: | 106.5inches |
| Weight: | see Basic versions |
| Crew: | 2 (driver + commander) |
| Passengers: | 3 operators |
| Armour: | 5083 aluminum alloy 38mm45mm[4] [5] |
| Drive: | tracked |
| Engine: | see Basic versions |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1200NaN0 |
| Steering: | hydrostatic, integrated with transmission |
| Suspension: | torsion bar, 5 road wheels |
| Speed: | see Basic versions |
| Transmission: | see Basic versions |
| Vehicle Range: | see Basic versions |
The M577 command post carrier, also known as the M577 command post vehicle or armored command post vehicle, is a variant of the M113 armored personnel carrier that was developed and produced by the FMC Corporation to function on the battlefield as a mobile command post i.e. a tactical operations centre, usually at the battalion level. In U.S. military service its official designation is Carrier, Command Post, Light Tracked M577.[6] [7]
Introduced to the U.S. Army in 1962 it soon saw operational service in the Vietnam War and more recently in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It is used by many armies around the world and has been adapted for further uses such as an armored ambulance, emergency medical treatment vehicle and fire control vehicle. It is also used by various police forces and law enforcement agencies as a tactical response vehicle.[8]
The M577 is easily distinguished from the M113 upon which it is based by its raised upper hull and roof-mounted auxiliary power unit (APU). Vehicles are generally unarmed.
The experience gained by the U.S. Army in the Second World War showed that close co-operation between infantry and armored forces is a necessity for combined-arms mechanized mobile warfare. Mobile warfare increases both the scope and size of the theatre of operations, and mobile command and control posts are necessary to co-ordinate operations at the divisional, brigade and battalion levels.[8]
Whereas tanks and armored cars offered a level of protection against weapons fire, they usually did not provide sufficient internal room to permit the extra personnel needed to operate all the radio sets. Lightly or unarmed vehicles could be used to transport temporary structures (e.g. tents) that gave greater work space, but these structures lacked protection from direct and indirect weapons fire, and advancing front line units could exceed the communication range the command post, necessitating the dismantling and removal of the structure to a new location. Experience gained in the snow and mud in the Korean War showed the advantage of tracked over wheeled vehicles.
In 1960, no such vehicle existed in the U.S. Army inventory that was able to satisfy all of these requirements.[8] [9]
The first four prototypes were built in February 1962 by United Defense Industries at the U.S. Army's Detroit Arsenal. They were designated the XM577, and were conversions of M113 APCs. Upon completion in March 1962 the first vehicle was shipped to the Aberdeen Proving Ground for engineering tests, while the remaining three vehicles were shipped to the Armour, Infantry and Artillery Boards for evaluation tests.[9]
The results of all tests were generally positive, and the vehicle went into immediate production. The first batch of 270 vehicles were accepted into U.S. Army service between in December 1962 and March 1963. In March 1963 under Standard A Acceptance the XM577 was redesignated as the M577, indicating official status as a regular production vehicle. Production began on a second batch of 674 vehicles in November 1963, all of which entered service by the middle of 1964.[7] [9] [10]
The M577 shares the chassis, lower hull and running gear from the M113 upon which it is based. The hull sides from the engine firewall to the rear cargo ramp were extended by 25.250NaN0 for a maximum headroom in the rear compartment of 74.750NaN0, allowing operators to perform duties standing up. On the roof, the commander's cupola of the M113 APC has been replaced with circular hatch similar to the driver's hatch, and the large rectangular hatch over the troop compartment was removed. There is no external weapons stations fitted to the M577, although most vehicles were fitted with an internal rifle rack.[6]
Mounted to the front of the raised upper hull, centrally located to the right of the driver's hatch, is a 4.2 kW 28V 150A gasoline auxiliary power unit generator, that provides power to the M577/M1068's auxiliary equipment, dependent upon variant as specified below, without the vehicle's main engine running. The unit can be used to power two vehicles, and can be removed from its mounting basket using a lifting davit located on the vehicle's roof and operated from within or alongside the vehicle using a 502NaN2 extension cable.[6]
As part of the A3 upgrade, a more powerful 5.0 kW unit was fitted. Unlike the previous gasoline-fuelled unit, the new unit operates on diesel fuel, providing more hours of operation on an equivalent fuel load.[5]
The single 80 gallon internal fuel tank of the M113, located at the rear left, is replaced by two 60 gallon tanks, located each side near the rear, providing a greater operating range than a M113. They also serve as the base for fold-out tables. Radios are usually fitted along the left wall, as well as the front of the right wall. Map boards are usually fitted along the walls, along with additional storage facilities for maps and code books etc.[6]
Overhead dome lights were fitted within the rear compartment. A personal heater is located at the front right of the compartment, which serves as an equipment heater in Arctic and winter operations.[6]
A 5-man bench seat could be fitted to either or both sides of the rear compartment, although in some vehicles no seating was fitted whatsoever. The rearward-facing seat on the commander's station was removed. For the M1068, inward-facing individual seats for two operators replaced the bench seat. Further folding tables and chairs are often carried, stowed while the vehicle is in transit.[6]
Equipment fitted within the rear compartment of the M577/M1068 varies according to the vehicle's purpose.
Vehicles are equipped with additional radio sets as found in a standard M113 APC, to provide command and control facilities across the unit (e.g. battalion) and coordinate with other units and higher levels of command (e.g. regimental HQ). Removable antenna masts are usually carried and attached to the vehicle's roof.
In U.S. Army service, each vehicle usually carries three of four different communications suites (radio sets), each providing a specific communication network according to the communications roles they were assigned e.g. to divisional headquarters, across all vehicles within the unit (battalion), etc. The suites operated over amplitude modulation (AM), continuous wave (CW) and frequency modulation (FM), with the frequencies and number of channels, and transmission and reception range determined by the set. Communication suites were originally analogue, but with the introduction of the M577A3 and A4, have mostly been upgraded to digital. Analogue radio sets fitted to the M577 in U.S. service include:[2] [8]
It must be recognized that there was no such thing as a standardized M577 medical vehicle. Vehicles were configured according to the country operating them and internal configuration and equipment varied accordingly, which was also defined as to whether they were used as an emergency evacuation (ambulance) or treatment vehicles.[4] [11]
In U.S. service it appears that M577s were only used as emergency evacuation vehicles very early in their operation careers, i.e. in the early years of the Vietnam War. This role was soon provided solely by M113 "armored ambulances", and the M577 was then only used as emergency treatment vehicles (e.g. battalion aid stations).[11]
When configured as an ambulance, compared to a M113 which could be fitted with up to four litters, the extra room inside the M577 allowed it to carry two additional litters i.e. up to a maximum of six.[4] [10]
Vehicles configured for other roles were configured with specialized equipment accordingly e.g. M577 Fire Control Vehicles were often fitted with TACFIRE artillery control consoles.[10]
A tent extension attaches to the rear of the vehicle above and around the rear cargo ramp, increasing the workspace available to operators, and in the case of the emergency treatment vehicles, to function as a field dressing station or hospital. The tent is erected over collapsible steel tubing, which is carried in brackets on the rear of the vehicle. The tent can be connected to up to four vehicles parked in a cross, to provide a common work area.[6]
With the introduction of the M1068 SICPS Carrier, the M577-specific tent was replaced with a Modular Command Post System (MCPS) tent, which attaches to the rear of the vehicle by a "bootwall" that covers the rear of the vehicle but still has an entrance to the vehicle's interior. The MCPS tent has the advantage of being quicker and easier to erect and dismantle, provides overhead lighting and power sockets for electrical equipment, and the modular design of MCPS allows more tents to be easily connected.[12]
Ownership of title for and production of the M577 has changed many times over the vehicle's history due to corporate buy-outs and take-overs. Originally produced by FMC's combat vehicles division United Defense Industries (UDI), in 1995 UDI was purchased by Harsco Corporation to become United Defense (UD). In 2005 UD was then purchased by BAE Systems (BAE). As of February 2020, the M577 is within the company's Global Combat Systems Ground Vehicles portfolio of current products in the subsidiary BAE Systems Platforms & Services.[13]
The M577 is produced or remanufactured locally in several countries under licence from or in partnership with BAE. This includes:
In total, more than 7,300 vehicles have been built, of which around 3,900 were M577A1, making the M577 the most numerous single variant of the M113 family after the APC.[2]
The M577 has followed a similar upgrade path to the M113 upon which it is based, resulting in the following basic versions:
The original version based upon the M113 chassis. Specifications and performance are as follows:[4] [5]
| Engine | Chrysler 75M 5.9L V8 4-stroke gasoline 209hp @4000rpm | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Allison TX-200-2A 4 forward, 1 reverse gears | |
| Weight (combat load) | 10.8 t | |
| Power/weight | 19.4 hp/t | |
| Ground pressure | 0.53 kg/cm² | |
| Maximum speed | road: 640NaN0 water: 61NaN1 | |
| Average cross-country speed | not available | |
| Acceleration 0-20 mph | 12.0 seconds | |
| Operating range | 3200NaN0 |
The initial upgraded version based upon the M113A1, introduced in 1964. The gasoline engine was replaced with a more powerful diesel engine, providing better fuel economy and a greater operating range, as well as the reducing the fire hazard of gasoline fuel. Specifications and performance are as follows:[4] [5]
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 5.2L V6 2-stroke diesel 212hp @2800rpm | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Allison TX-100-1 3 forward, 1 reverse gears | |
| Weight (combat load) | 11.1 t | |
| Power/weight | 19.1 hp/t | |
| Ground pressure | 0.55 kg/cm² | |
| Maximum speed | road: 610NaN0 water: 61NaN1 | |
| Average cross-country speed | not available | |
| Acceleration 0-20 mph | 10.5 seconds | |
| Operating range | 4800NaN0 |
In 1979, further upgrades were introduced based on the M113A2. Engine cooling was improved by switching the locations of the fan and radiator. Higher-strength torsion bars increased ground clearance, and shock absorbers reduced the effects of ground strikes. Increased weight affected the vehicle's freeboard when afloat, and it was no longer required to be amphibious. Four-tube smoke grenade launchers were added on each side of the trimvane on the front of the vehicle.
Specifications and performance are as follows:[4] [5]
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53 5.2L V6 2-stroke diesel 212hp @2800rpm | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Allison TX-100-1 3 forward, 1 reverse gears | |
| Weight (combat load) | 11.5 t | |
| Power/weight | 18.4 hp/t | |
| Ground pressure | 0.57 kg/cm² | |
| Maximum speed | road: 610NaN0 water: 61NaN1 | |
| Average cross-country speed | 270NaN0 | |
| Acceleration 0-20 mph | 11.7 seconds | |
| Operating range | 4800NaN0 |
In 1987, further improvements were introduced based upon the Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) package fitted to the M113A3. This included a yoke for steering instead of laterals (tillers), a more powerful turbocharged engine with a larger alternator increasing output from 100A to 200A, and internal spall liners for improved fragmentation protection for occupants. Weight increased again, and some vehicles were fitted with the larger trimvane from the M113A3 to offset the freeboard issues first encountered with the M577A2.
Specifications and performance are as follows:[4] [5]
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V-53T 5.2L V6 2-stroke turbodiesel 275hp @2800rpm | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Allison TX-200-4A 4 forward, 2 reverse gears | |
| Weight (combat load) | 12.5 t | |
| Power/weight | 22.0 hp/t | |
| Ground pressure | 0.61 kg/cm² | |
| Maximum speed | road: 660NaN0 water: 61NaN1 | |
| Average cross-country speed | 350NaN0 | |
| Acceleration 0-20 mph | 8.1 seconds | |
| Operating range | 4550NaN0 |
The A4 is the next generation modernized version of the M577 command post vehicle production version developed by BAE Systems and in partnership with FNSS. Fitted with upgraded digital systems and communications suites, applique armor and external armored fuel tanks similar to those fitted to the M113A3 on both sides of the rear ramp, freeing up more internal space. An improved version of the 6V53T turbo-diesel engine with power increased to 3500NaN0 is installed, along with an improved '4B' version of the TX-400 automatic transmission. The new vehicle has a maximum capacity of seven personnel: driver, vehicle commander and up to five staff officers or system operators, and can be configured as a Fire Direction Centre Vehicle. Limited in numbers and used as the basis for the M577A4 armored treatment vehicle.[14]
Like the M113 upon which it is based, there are many variants of the M577 in service, many specific to a particular country's army.
See also: M113 armored personnel carriers in Australian service.
In Australian service the M577A1 ACV was originally fitted with both U.S. and British radio sets, reflecting the dual origins of their pieces of major equipment. Vehicles would normally carry up to five sets e.g. three AN/GRC-125, one AN/VRC-49 and one AN/GRC-106. AS-1729/VRC antennae were mounted on the vehicle's roof, and an RC-292 antenna could be set up outside the vehicle when it was static to provided significantly more range for the vehicle's radios.[2]
Commencing in 2002 as part of the Land 106 program, the M113 major upgrade project saw 43 M577A1 ACVs upgraded to local AS3 standard and redesignated as the M113AS3 ACV. The upgrade package consisted of:[15] [16]
Vehicles received further upgrades under the Nutzungsdauerverlängerung (NDV) program consisting of:
The M112GA2 is distinguished from U.S. and other NATO M577s stationed in Germany by the following external features:[4]
recent upgrade to the M577A3 Emergency Medical Treatment Vehicle. Limited numbers.
Afghanistan: in 2005 the Afghan National Army received 15 second-hand M577A2 vehicles from the U.S.
Argentina: in 1967 the Argentine Army received 10 10 M577A1 command post vehicles, and a further 10 in 1992.
Australia: the Australian Army operated a fleet of up to 70 M577A1s used as command post vehicles and armored ambulances. For those mechanized/motorized units whereby the M113A1 APC and other variants have been replaced by the ASLAV family of vehicles, the M577A1 has been replaced by the ASLAV armored command vehicle. Between June 2002 and September 2012, under the M113 major upgrade project, 43 M577A1 armored command vehicles and 15 M577A1 armored ambulances were upgraded and re-designated the M113AS3 armored command vehicles and M113AS3 armored ambulances respectively. These vehicles are due to be replaced from 2025 with the equivalent variant(s) of a new infantry fighting vehicle under Phase 3 of the Land 400 program.[20]
Bahrain: operates three (3) M577A1 sourced from the Netherlands and fifteen (15) M577A2 sourced from the U.S.
Brazil: in 2015 Brazil negotiated with the U.S. through the Foreign Military Sales program the purchase of up to 200 surplus M577A2 vehicles.[21] As at October 2018, 124 vehicles have been delivered. In September 2020, the U.S. donated a further 20 vehicles.[22] The vehicles will operate in the roles of ambulance, command centre and communications.
Canada: as at 2015 the Canadian Army were operating 33 M577A3 command post vehicles which are scheduled to be replaced by the LAV 6.0 armoured combat support vehicle between 2020 and 2025.[23]
Egypt: between 1980 and 2002 the Egyptian Army purchased 280 M577s from the U.S.
Greece: the Hellenic Army operates 249 M577A2 command post vehicles. Many units were purchased second-hand from the U.S.[24]
Jordan: in February 2018 Jordan received 180 surplus M577A3 command post vehicles donated by the U.S. Army[25]
Kuwait: the Kuwait Army operates 30 M577 command post vehicles, mostly M577A1s. Following the 1991 Gulf War a number of M577A3s were purchased from the U.S. to replace vehicles destroyed by Iraqis forces.[4]
Lebanon: the Lebanese Army and the Republican Guard operate the M577A1. Some of these vehicles may have been captured from Israel during the 1982 and 2006 wars.[26]
Lithuania: in 2016 the Lithuanian Land Forces purchased 168 second-hand M577s from Germany. The vehicles are used in the roles of command, indirect fire support, medical evacuation and training.[27]
Portugal: the Portuguese Army has received a total of 68 M577A2 vehicles of which 49 are in service; 46 command post vehicles and 3 ambulances.
Saudi Arabia: in 1984 the Royal Saudi Land Forces purchased an unknown number of M57712 command post vehicles from the U.S., followed by an additional purchase of M577A3 versions in 1994. Commencing 2015, all vehicles were upgraded to A4 specification as part of a modernisation program for their entire fleet of M113-derived vehicles. As at June 2017, an unknown number of these vehicles remained in service.[30] [31] [32]
Ukraine: Portugal has given two M577 vehicles to Ukraine.[33] Lithuania donate M577 armored personnel carrier to Ukraine [34]
United States: the U.S. Army operates large numbers and many variants of the M577, most upgraded to A3 specification. Commencing September 2020, these vehicles are scheduled for replaced by equivalent variants of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.[35]
Yemen: as of 2015, the Republic of Yemen Armed Forces operated six M577A1 command post vehicles, with one vehicle assigned to each of its six mechanized brigades. With the on-going war in that country, the current status of these vehicles is unknown.[36] [37]
Germany: commencing 2011, all M577GA2 vehicles were phased out of service, replaced by the command variant of the Boxer wheeled AFV. Many of these surplus vehicles were later sold to Lithuania.[27]
Italy: the Italian Army operated an unknown number of M577s, mostly command vehicles as well as some ambulances. Most were locally built (by OTO Melara) and early production units featured two-piece hull sides.[7] All vehicles have been replaced by command variants of the Freccia IFV.
Netherlands: operated the M577A1 command post vehicle where it was nicknamed Bakkerskar (baker's car).[38] Replaced by the command and control variant of the CV90. A small number of these surplus vehicles were sold to Bahrain.
New Zealand: M577A1 command post vehicle replaced by the command and control variant of the Pinzgauer High-Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle.
Spain: in the 1970s the Spanish Army equipped numerous battlegroups (e.g. CWSP-05, CWSP-06, etc) within its armored and cavalry brigades with M577A1 command post vehicles. Although some of these vehicles were replaced with the BMR-PC Armored Command Vehicle in the mid 1980s, as at 2003 an unknown number of these vehicles remained in service. However, it appears that by 2010 all remaining vehicles had been retired from service.[39]The M577 has been adopted by various police forces and law enforcement agencies (mostly in the U.S.) as a tactical response or hostage rescue vehicle. Agencies that use the vehicle in this role include:[40]
Between 1994 and 1997, NASA (who operated four M113A2 Armored Rescue Vehicles up to the end of the Space Shuttle program) trialled the eXperimental HAZMAT Response Vehicle (XHRV-1), a modified M577A3 specifically designed for dealing with HAZMAT incidents i.e. emergency incidents involving hazardous materials. The vehicle, on loan from FMC, was a collaboration between NASA and the Ames Research Center, and featured an extended 6-axle chassis similar to that of the M577A2E2, as well as external fuel tanks similar to those fitted to the M113A3.[41]
At the front was a manipulator arm for use with the hazardous materials. The driver's hatch was replaced with a transparent polycarbonate dome, and the vehicle was hermetically sealed and fitted with an overpressure air conditioning system. The APU, normally attached to the front of the upper hull to the right of the driver, was removed. At the rear the cargo ramp was replaced with two sealed "suit ports", attached to each was a HAZMAT suit so that personnel could enter and exit the vehicle without being exposed to the hazardous materials. In addition to the vehicle's driver and commander, the rear cargo/personnel area was fitted with seating and workstations for four operators. On the roof of the upper hull was a "robotic miniature helicopter" (i.e. a drone) fitted with stereoscopic cameras and environmental sensors, which was remotely controlled from inside the vehicle. In conceptual artwork the roof featured another transparent polycarbonate dome to provide external visual access to the operators, but this was not implemented on the actual vehicle.[41] [42]
Only one prototype vehicle was built and is now on public display (repainted as a military ambulance) at Eagle Field in California.[41] [43]