- Yes
- No
- (independent) BeNeLux tree
- France: BeNeLux subtree
- other
- no/negative
TL;DR: The Belgian version of the YPR-765, with a 25 mm cannon
History
History
Despite the success of the battlefield taxi M-113 during the Vietnam War, the US realized that the vehicle was unsuitable for the modern European battlefield. A new type of vehicle was needed—one that was faster, better armored than the APC, and capable of allowing infantry to fire from within. This new type was designated as the MICV (Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle). Under the US Army’s MICV-65 program at the end of the 1960s, the XM701 prototype from PACCAR and the XM765 prototype from FMC were developed. The latter was based on the M-113 and was equipped with a 20mm autocannon, the M139 (HS 820 by Hispano-Suiza), mounted in an unmanned turret. The crew compartment was redesigned with sloped side walls, four firing ports, and periscopes on each side.
FMC further developed the XM765 into the PI M113A1 (Product Improved M113A1) starting in 1970, with stronger armor and a more powerful engine, but only two firing ports on either side. It also featured an additional cupola for the commander, which was oddly positioned behind the turret. The vehicle was later improved again, with a new turret model repositioned further to the right to create space for the commander’s cupola, located behind the driver. This version was designated the Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) and entered mass production in 1977, but only for export; the US ultimately selected the M2/M3 Bradley as its new MICV.
The AIFV was produced under license by several countries, including the Netherlands (YPR-765 by DAF), Turkey (FNSS), and Belgium (Cockerill/BMF).
The chassis is very similar to the M-113 (about 85% of the parts are identical), but the hull now features five firing ports and additional laminated steel armor. Polyurethane foam is embedded in the side walls to maintain amphibious capabilities. The one-man turret, EWS (Enclosed Weapon Station), by FMC houses the full armament, four M27 periscopes, and a day/night sight, such as those made by Philips or the M36. The primary armament is typically the 25mm KBA-B02 cannon by Oerlikon.
In July 1979, Belgium ordered 525 M-113A1s and 514 AIFVs to replace its aging M-75 and AMX-13 VTT vehicles. Licensed production continued in Belgium at BMF (Aubange-Athus), Asco (Zaventem), and NV Henschel (Antwerp). The first AIFV-B was delivered to the Belgian army in September 1985. The Belgian AIFV-B is almost identical to the original model but features components from the M113A1-B, including an NBC filtration system, the reinforced suspension from the M113A2, a Halon fire suppression system, and modifications to meet Belgian and German road regulations.
The Belgian Army also ordered the YPR-765 with small modifications, such as the addition of smoke grenade launchers. On April 28, 1980, a contract was signed for 1,189 vehicles, 514 of which were in the infantry fighting vehicle version. Much of the work on the vehicle was done in Belgium by Cockerill, and deliveries took place during the 1980s.
As a result of the post-Cold War restructuring, Belgium took some of its fleet out of service, and starting in 2006, a number of vehicles were sold through SABIEX to countries such as Chile and Lebanon. With an also more recent donation by the Belgian government through IOP and Cockerill to Ukraine.
SIPRI Arms Transfers Database for the M113 and AIFV:
Recipient Supplier Year of order Number ordered Weapon designation Weapon description Number delivered Year(s) of delivery status Comments Belgium United States 1979 514 AIFV IFV 514 ? 1982; 1983; 1984; 1985; 1986; 1987; 1988 New Incl production under licence in Belgium Belgium United States 1979 525 M-113 APC 525 ? 1982; 1983; 1984; 1985; 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989 New M-113A1B version; incl ambulance; command post; anti-tank; ARV and AEV version; produced under licence in Belgium
Specifications
Dimensions: L/W/H: 5,26 m / 2,82 m / 2,54 m
Weight: 13,6 tons
Engine: Detroit Diesel Allison 6V-53T (267 hp at 2800 rpm)
Speed: 61 km/h (on-road); 6 km/h (on-water)Crew: 3-5 (Driver, Loader, Gunner/Commander with 2 optional Loaders/Gunners)
Armament Gun Oerlikon Contraves 25mm KBA-B02 Munition M935 APFSDS Ammunition 332 Protection system 2 x 6 76 mm smoke grenades Coax 7,62 mm FN MAG (1840 rounds) Ammunition details
Designation Gun Caliber Type Velocity Weight Penetration Notes Fire rate M935 KBA / M242 / M811 25 mm APFSDS 1440 m/s 130 g >40 mm at 60° at 1000 m >30 mm at 2000 m 200 rpm
Place in War Thunder
The AIFV-B-C25 would be a very recognisable IFV to represent Belgium, and might also prove to be a bit more tactical, as its sister vehicle, the Dutch YPR-765 lacks any smoke grenades for its first modifications.
Regarding nations
BeNeLux
As the BeNeLux subtree for France has now been confirmed, France has the highest chance of recieving Belgian equipment. However an independent BeNeLux would also be very possible. For further info please go to: BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg) Ground Forces.
Pictures
On the field
AIFV in Brasschaat armour Museum
AIFV in the 2000sInfantry Fighting Vehicle AIFV CA-25 of the 1st Battalion Ardennes Hunter Regiment passing in front of the royal stand during the parade of troops and civil rescue services, Place des Palais, on July 21, 1989, in Brussels.
Sources
Sources
- NAMU. (n.d.) AIFV. AIFV - NamuWiki
- Belgian Army 1992. (n.d.). Belgian Army
- Sukerumodera. (2024, November 29). NATO AIFV-B Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle - Sukērumoderā. Sukērumoderā. NATO AIFV-B Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle - Sukērumoderā
- File:1989 Jul 21 - AIFV CA-25 - 1 bn chasseur ardennais.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. (1989, July 21). File:1989 Jul 21 - AIFV CA-25 - 1 bn chasseur ardennais.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
- Bocquelet, D. (n.d.). YPR-765 APC - IFV 1975. YPR-765 APC - IFV 1975
- SIPRI Arms Transfers Database. (n.d.). SIPRI. SIPRI Arms Transfers Database | SIPRI
- Notre Histoire | Fraternelle Royale des Chasseurs Ardennais. (n.d.). Fraternelle Royale Des Chasseurs Ardennais. Notre Histoire | Fraternelle Royale des Chasseurs Ardennais
