M3 Amphibious Rig

Infobox Weapon
name= M3 Amphibious Rig


caption=M3 in land mode, with pontoons folded and chassis lowered
origin=Germany
type=Amphibious Bridging Vehicle
is_vehicle=yes
service=1999 [http://www.global-defence.com/2000/pages/ewk.html Global Defence - EWK] ]
used_by=See "Operators"
wars=Operation Telic
designer=Eisenwerke Kaiserslautern (now General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems)
design_date=1982-1990s
manufacturer=General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems
unit_cost=US$3.5 million (approx)
production_date=1994-present
number=
variants=
weight=26 tonnes
length=convert|13.03|m|in|abbr=on(side pontoons folded), convert|6.57|m|in|abbr=on(side pontoons unfolded)
width= convert|3.35|m|in|abbr=on
height= convert|3.97|m|in|abbr=on
crew= 3
engine=Diesel
engine_power=298kW
transmission=
fuel_capacity=
pw_ratio=
suspension=
clearance=
vehicle_range=convert|750|km|mi|abbr=on (internal fuel)
speed=convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on(on land), convert|14|km/h|mph|abbr=on(on water)The M3 Amphibious Rig is a self-propelled amphibious bridging vehicle that is used for the projection of tanks and vehicles across water obstacles.

Development and service

Originally developed by the German firm Eisenwerke Kaiserslautern [http://www.global-defence.com/2000/pages/ewk.html Global Defence - EWK] ] (EWK, since 2002 acquired by General Dynamics European Land Systems), it succeeded the conceptually similar M2 made by the same company. Like its predecessor, the M3 traverses roads on its four wheels, deploying two large aluminium pontoons for buoyancy on water.

Development of the M3 began in 1982, with the final prototype being delivered 10 years later in 1992. [http://www.amphibiousvehicle.net/amphi/D_E.html The Amphiclophy] ] A first order of 64 serial vehicles was made in 1994, and it entered service with the British and German armies in 1996. Since then, the M3 has also been adopted by the armies of the Republic of China(Taiwan) and Singapore. [http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/apr/24apr07_nr/24apr07_fs.html MINDEF Singapore M3 Factsheet] ]

An upgraded version, known in some circles as the M3G, is in service with the ROC and Singapore armies. This version features an armoured cabin, NBC protection, an air conditioning system and a special tropical kit.

Operating concept

The M3 is self-deployable by road, operating as a 4x4 wheeled vehicle with a maximum road speed of 80km/h. It is driven into the water for amphibious operation, for which it deploys two large aluminium pontoons, unfolding them along the length of its hull. In water, the M3 is propelled and steered by 2 fully traversible pump jets at speeds of up to 14km/h. [http://www.gdsbs.de/fileadmin/pdf/prospekt_m3.pdf General Dynamics Land Systems' brochure for the M3] ]

Multiple rigs may be joined by long connectors called "ramps", 4 of which are carried on each vehicle, to form a bridge across a water obstacle. 8 M3 Rigs will bridge a 100m water gap this way, and can be traversed by vehicles up to and including the heaviest 60+ ton main battle tank like the Leopard 2A6 and Challenger 2. Alternatively, just 2 Rigs may be joined to create a ferry capable of carrying a similar load across much wider water gaps. 3 Rigs joined together may carry up to the equivalent of 2 such MBTs.

Combat history

Operation Telic

The M3 saw its first combat actions in Operation Telic, Britain's military contribution to the US-led Operation Iraqi Freedom. From 25 March 2003, M3 Rigs of 3 Troop, 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron, 28 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers ferried elements of 3 Commando Brigade across the Shatt Al-Basrah waterway, [http://www.britains-smallwars.com/gulf2/Weapon.html Britain's Small Wars: British Weapons and Vehicles] ] enabling their continued advance on the Iraqi city of Basra. [http://www.onceamarinealwaysamarine.co.uk/539telic.htm 3 Commando Brigade Op Telic] ] A subsequent riverine crossing at the Rumallah oil fields was also undertaken by the M3 Rigs of 1 Troop. This action transported three AS90 self-propelled howitzers in support of 16 Air Assault Brigade of the British Army.

Operators

*GER — Bundeswehr
*GBR — British Army
*ROC-TW — Republic of China Army
*SIN — Singapore Army

References

External links

* [http://www.gdsbs.de/index.php?id=14&L=1 General Dynamics European Land Systems - M3 Amphibian]