BRADLEY PLATOON REFERENCE GUIDEخصائص المركبة البرادلى

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BRADLEY PLATOON REFERENCE GUIDETo succeed in combat, infantrymen must know theirequipment and be experts in employing their organic andsupporting weapons.

B-1. CHARACTERISTICS

A detailed list of characteristics for each model of the Bradley is in Table B-1.


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B-2. CREW AND TROOP COMPARTMENTS

The BFV carries nine soldiers. The BC and the gunner ride in the turret. The driver occupies the left frontstation. The fire team rides in the rear (troop compartment). The soldiers can view a portion of the battlefieldthrough the vision blocks. The BC and the gunner can operate all the turret weapons. Soldiers can mount ordismount the vehicle through six points: commander's hatch, gunner's hatch, driver's hatch, cargo hatch,

ramp access door, and ramp (Figure B-1).

B-3. MOBILITY

The BFV has excellent acceleration, agility, and cross-country speed of 48 kilometers per hour, with acruising range of 483 kilometers. The BFV's mobility provides an ability to move quickly on the battlefieldand work in concert with the M1 main battle tank.

B-4. ARMOR PROTECTION

Through the use of special armorplate materials, surface slope, and a unique laminate armor system, theBFV has excellent armor protection for its weight. Even though the BFV's armor does not compare to that ofa tank, the BFV can withstand 14.5-mm projectiles on all sides; the M2A2 Bradley can withstand projectilesup to 30-mm.


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B-5. ORGANIC WEAPONS

The Bradley platoon has mounted and dismounted organic weapons.

a. Mounted Weapons. The vehicle's main armament is a 25-mm fully automatic, externally powered gun.The BFV's armament also includes a two-tube antitank missile launcher (TOW), a 7.62-mm coaxiallymounted machine gun, and 5.56-mm firing port weapons. The all-electric, fully stabilized turret permits

accurate fire even when the vehicle is moving over rough terrain. The turret can also be operated manually(see TM 9-2350-252-10-2 and TM 9-2350-284-10-2).

(1) M242 25-mm gun. The 25-mm gun has three rates of fire--singleshot, low rate, and high rate. It accurately delivers both armor-piercingand high-explosive rounds. The 25-mm gun using APDS-T roundscan destroy lightly armored vehicles (BMP, BTR, BRDM). Using HEI-Trounds, it can destroy unarmored vehicles (trucks, jeeps) andsuppress enemy troops in the open, in built-up areas, or in dug-inpositions.

(a) The 25-mm APDS-T round can penetrate lightly armoredvehicles. Flank shots increase the probability of penetration.Maximum effective range/tracer burnout is about 1,700meters, but effective fire using sabot rounds can be achieved

by using burst-on-target techniques if impact of the roundcan be observed.

(b) The 25-mm APFSDS-T is a fixed-type, percussion primedround. It consists of a sabot encapsulated projectile crimpedto a steel cartridge case. Basic operation of this kineticenergy round is the same as APDS-T with an increase invelocity to about 1,420 meters per second. This round hasincreased penetration capabilities as well as tracer burn time,which allows engagement of targets at longer ranges andwith greater potential to defeat a BMP-2.

(c) The HEI-T is excellent for suppressing antitank guidedmissile crews and crew-served weapons out to 3,000 meters.Tracer burnout is 2,000 meters, but effective fire can beplaced on targets at further ranges if impact of the round canbe observed. HEI-T has a 5-meter bursting radius thatenables this ammunition to be used in both point and areatarget engagements.

(d) The BFV can carry onboard 900 rounds of 25-mmammunition; only 300 can be loaded in the 25-mmammunition cans. Uploading the weapons system for the 25-mm takes about 15 minutes. All leaders and gunners mustbe aware of the operational impact of using all of theammunition in the ammunition cans. As ammunition is fired,15-round belts can be linked and loaded in the twoammunition cans in just minutes. If all ammunition is used,reloading takes 12 minutes because the new ammunition

must be fed directly into the gun. This is difficult to do whilethe vehicle is moving.

DANGER

TO PREVENT FRATRICIDE, APDS-T AMMUNITION IS NEVER FIRED WHILE DISMOUNTED SOLDIERSARE WITHIN A GUN ARC OF 10 DEGREES AND WITHIN 400 METERS UNLESS OVERHEAD COVERIS AVAILABLE. PIECES OF METAL OR PLASTIC THAT FALL OFF THE ROUND COULD INJURE ORKILL SOLDIERS.


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(2) TOW launcher. The TOW missile is an accurate antitank weaponfrom 65 to 3,750 meters. Two TOW missiles are loaded in the turret-mounted launcher. There is internal space for stowing five missiles,either TOW missiles or Dragons or a mix. The TOW is best fired at theflank or rear of tanks at ranges between 1,500 and 2,500 meters toreduce the flight time of the missile and provide the best attack profileof the vehicle. Frontal shots should be avoided against tanks. Against

lightly armored vehicles, the range and the target aspect are not ascritical (Table B-2).

DANGER

THE BFV MUST BE LEVEL AND STATIONARY FOR THE TOW TO BE FIRED. BEFORE FIRING THETOW, THE DRIVER, GUNNER, AND BC MUST CHECK THE SLOPE INDICATORS AT THEIRSTATIONS. SOLDIERS COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED, EQUIPMENT COULD BE DAMAGED, ANDTHE MISSILE COULD BE LOST.


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(a) The TOW missile can destroy targets at a minimum rangeof 65 meters up to a maximum range of 3,750 meters.

I-TOW, an improved TOW missile (BGM-71C), has a 5-inchwarhead that includes an extended probe to providedetonation at a greater standoff distance from the target,which increases penetration.


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TOW 2 (BGM-71D) has a 6-inch full-caliber warhead thatalso includes an extensible probe to enhance penetration,including applique armor.

TOW 2A (BGM-71E) has all the capabilities of the TOW 2missile; however, it contains an explosive charge in the tip ofthe probe to defeat reactive armor to allow main warheadpenetration.

TOW 2B (BGM-71F) provides a flyover shoot-down (top

attack) capability that attacks the most vulnerable part of anarmored vehicle.

The basic TOW, practice (BTM-71A), has an inert warheadand is the standard training round.

(b) The improvement of Threat vehicle armor protection hasresulted in improved TOW missiles. Table B-3 recommendsthe best TOW missile to use against various type targets. Inall cases, flank shots increase the probability of a single shotkill and minimize detection or engagement from the Threatarmor.


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(c) The perception of standoff to mean "engage armorvehicles beyond 2,000 meters to maximum range (3,750meters)" is not always tactically feasible for the followingreasons:

Tracking time beyond 2,000 meters increases the likelihoodof gunner error and provides the enemy additional reactiontime to maneuver against the position.

The probabilities of hit at extended ranges are significantlylower, especially through thermal sights and obscuration.

Ranges beyond 2,000 meters decrease the probability offlank shot hits due to extended tracking time, increasedspeed capability of modern vehicles, and terrain restrictions.

(3) M240C 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun. The 7.62-mm coaxialmachine gun is an accurate and reliable weapon. The main use of this


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weapon is against dismounted forces. It can also be used to suppresscrew-served weapons and engage unarmored vehicles and aircraftout to 900 meters (tracer burnout). The BFV can carry 2,200 rounds of7.62-mm coax ammunition--1,400 stowed and 800 ready.

DANGER

BEFORE FIRING THE FPWs, THE BFV CREW SHOULD ENSURE SERVICEABILITY AND OPERATIONOF EXHAUST HOSE AND FANS TO REMOVE POISONOUS GASES FROM THE TROOPCOMPARTMENT.

(4) M231 5.56-mm firing port weapons. The basic BFV and M2A1have six M231 5.56-mm FPWs--two on each side, two in the ramp.(Figure B-2.) The M2A2 has only the two ramp FPWs. Theseweapons provide close-in protection and suppression out to 300meters. The M2A1 carries 4,200 rounds of ammunition for the FPWs;the M2A2 carries 2,520 rounds.

b. Dismounted Weapons. The weapons for the two squads are two Dragons, six M249 machine guns, sixgrenade launchers, six rifles (one M24 sniper weapon can be provided by the company), one AT4,grenades, and mines. The vehicle has stowage space for 2,520 rounds of 5.56-mm ammunition for the riflesand machine guns. This figure does not include the ammunition the soldiers may carry in the LBE. Allleaders must know how to employ these weapons effectively (Table B-4).


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B-6. COMMUNICATIONS

The BFV's communication system provides for control of mounted and dismounted operations. Tables B-5and B-6 and Figures B-3 through B-5, depict the arrangement of communication equipment and the radionet configuration within the platoon. As units update their communication system, they will have the single-channel ground/airborne radio system (SINCGARS) as shown in Table B-6.


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B-7. PLATOON EARLY WARNING SYSTEM


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The AN/TRS-2 platoon early warning system (PEWS) is a remote sensor system (REMS). The PEWS isorganic to mechanized infantry rifle platoons. The system has 10 ground-implanted sensors. They transmit asignal (by radio or wire) to a receiving set that indicates movement in the area and which sensor is reporting.PEWS also differentiates between foot and vehicular movement. This device is ideal for monitoring avenuesof approach masked by terrain or poor visibility. They should be employed along avenues of approach andin dead spaces or gaps forward of or between units. Each sensor can detect targets up to 15 meters fromthe sensor location. Its signals can be transmitted up to 1,500 meters.

B-8. WATER-CROSSING CAPABILITY

The BFV can ford up to 3.5 feet of water. With its water barrier erected, the BFV can swim water obstacleswith currents up to 6.4 kilometers per hour. It has a maximum speed of 7.25 kilometers per hour whileswimming. Erection of the swim barrier takes about 15 minutes for the M2A1 BFV and about 25 minutes forthe M2A2. The BFV requires an exit bank slope not greater than 17 percent and can fire both its 25-mm and7.62-mm systems while swimming, though care must be taken not to hit the trim vane or water barrier(cannot fire below +7 degrees). The 25-mm can be fired in any direction while swimming; however, the turretshould not be traversed because it may upset the balance of the vehicle. (See Chapter 6 for moreinformation.)

B-9. SMOKE CAPABILITY

The BFV has onboard smoke capability. It has an onboard smoke generator and two smoke grenade

launchers (four tubes each). The smoke grenade launchers are fired at the same time, and they produce adense cloud of smoke around the vehicle. The launchers are loaded from the outside. Both the onboardsmoke generator and smoke grenade launcher can be used for obscuring air- or ground-launched guidedmissiles. The onboard smoke generator is not effective if the fuel is JP8, and the temperature is higher than40 degrees Fahrenheit.

B-10. LIMITED VISIBILITY CAPABILITY

Using the integrated sight unit in the thermal mode, the BC and gunner can detect and engage targetsduring any visibility condition, day or night. The daysight has normal optics. The nightsight uses thermalimagery that enables the gunner to see through most limited visibility conditions. This includes darkness,light, smoke, light foliage, camouflage, light fog, snow, and mist. Thermal sights should remain on duringcombat operations. They should be turned off periodically to prevent them from burning out.

a. The driver has excellent viewing capability using the AN/VVS-2 driver's night viewer. This viewer is an

image intensification device that allows the driver to see clearly to his front. Therefore, the driver can handlehis vehicle well on the roughest terrain. Also, during darkness, he can use the viewer to assist the BC andgunner in sensing rounds fired to the front. It is, however, prone to whiteout (fadeout) if light is shineddirectly at it (for example, spotlights, oncoming headlights, flashlights, sunlight). When installed, it obscuresthe speedometer/odometer. It can be battery powered (6 hours) or run directly off the vehicle power.

b. The BC can monitor the vehicle's night movement by wearing the AN/PVS-7 night vision goggles.

c. The gunner can assist and observe using the thermal sight while scanning the sector.

d. The platoon has several types of night vision devices available for dismount infantry operations. (Table B-7.)

NOTE: The Bradley commander normally navigates from the open hatch position, because the AN/VVS-2 is

too narrow to navigate effectively.


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B-11. SUPPORTING WEAPONS

Supporting weapons provide the platoon and squad leaders additional firepower. Leaders must know how toeffectively integrate the fires of these weapons with the fires of their organic weapons. (Tables B-8, B-9, andB-10.)


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BRADLEY PLATOON REFERENCE GUIDEخصائص المركبة البرادلى