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There is a distinctive space between the first three and last three road wheels on this M2 Bradley. The 7.62mm coaxial machine gun protrudes from the turret to the right of the 25mm chain gun, and the twin TOW missile launcher is positioned on the left side of the turret. The weapons' sights are contained in the armored box on the turret roof. The driver is seated in the front left, with the engine to his right, and both are behind the large folding trim vane. It was necessary to include vision slots in the trim vane so that the driver could see where he was going when the device was erected. The Bradley was also used by Cavalry units for reconnaissance as the M3, and some scouts were displeased with the vehicle's large size, which is illustrated here compared to this M1 Abrams tank. (Picture taken 1 Jan 1983 by Steve Catlin; available from the Defense Visual Information Center.)
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The side firing ports are clearly visible on this vehicle. The rear cargo hatch is open, allowing the soldiers to wave to the crowd watching the parade. The guard for the external fire extinguisher handle for the engine compartment is located below the panel labeled with the driver's name. (Picture taken 8 Jun 1991 by LCPL Contreras; available from the Defense Visual Information Center.)
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The water barrier is erected on this vehicle, and it has just completed crossing Victory Pond. The rear cargo hatch on the vehicle is open. (Picture taken 13 Jun 1983 by SPC5 Bobby Mathis; available from the Defense Visual Information Center.)
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The rear ramp is lowered on this vehicle, allowing the dismounts to exit and permitting a glimpse into the troop compartment. There were seven troops in the passenger compartment, and each had their own seat. One sat facing inboard in the vehicle's left rear corner, two pairs of soldiers sat back-to-back in the vehicle's right rear corner, and two soldiers sat back-to-back to the left of the turret. The stowage boxes on either side of this vehicle's rear ramp are missing their covers, and appear damaged. The periscopes behind the rear cargo hatch can also be seen. (Picture taken 27 Jan 1986 by William U. Rosemund; available from the Defense Visual Information Center.)
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The spaced laminate armor is apparent on the front and sides of this M2A2, and the attachment points for the applique armor tiles pockmark the surface of the vehicle. The trim vane on the hull front slope has been deleted, and the engine access hatch is now visible. The guns are not mounted, but if they were the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun would not have the barrel shroud like the M2 example above. (Picture courtesy Armor Foto.)
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© Copyright 2001 Chris Conners