Military

M113A3+/M113A4 Engineering Squad Vehicle (ESV)

The M113A3+ ESV is the only affordable solution that meets the Combat Engineer Squad requirements to transport an eight man engineer squad and all of their equipment while providing mobility and survivability equal to the maneuver force. The M113A3+ ESV supports the Engineer Squad in the performance of both offensive and defensive obstacle/counter-obstacle operations in support of the maneuver force. The vehicle can be adapted to fulfill other engineer mission objectives including: carrying the Volcano mine dispenser, the pathfinder marking system, and towing the MICLC trailer. 

Convertible for excess M113 assets, its basic configuration provides:

• Ballistic survivability equal to the M2A2 IFV
• 30% more volume under armor than the M113A3
• 30% more payload capacity
• 50% greater cross country mobility (equal to M1/M2)

The approved System Acquisition Strategy (SAS) calls for fielding 332 units to fill out Force Package I Engineer units. Depending on funding availability, First Unit Equipped (FUE) is projected for FY00.