AF35313 AFV Club. M113A1 LRV. Australian Army. Scale 1:35

M113A1 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle (LRV). Australian Army, 1:35 scale

AFV35313 - AFV Club

The M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) series, which includes the M113A1 variant, has been an integral part of the Australian Army since its debut during the Vietnam War. A need for enhanced crew protection led to several Australian-specific modifications, beginning in August 1965 with the installation of armoured shields to protect the M113A1's machine gun operator.

In the pursuit of full-round protection, 19 M113A1s were temporarily fitted with Model 74C turrets between September and November 1966. However, due to issues such as rapid wear-out of traverse mechanisms, these turrets were phased out by December 1968. The T50 turret was introduced as the standard, arriving in South Vietnam in August 1968. Though this turret increased protection, it was critiqued for its cramped interior, slow rotation, and challenges in maintaining aim on the move.

Combat experience brought about improvements against land mines. From July 1969, an armoured plate was added to the sides of all Australian M113s, and from May 1970, shock-absorbing footrests were fitted for the drivers. In August 1970, a thick aluminium armoured plate was installed under all M113s, significantly reducing casualties from mine explosions despite adding 680 kilograms of weight.

Several experimental initiatives were pursued, such as the fitting of a 7.62 mm GAU-2B/A Minigun to a M113A1 in 1967 and the modification of three M113A1s into dedicated mine clearance vehicles in 1969. These mine clearance vehicles, nicknamed Flint, Steele, and George, successfully cleared a large barrier minefield.

The need for enhanced fire support led to the development of M113A1 Fire Support Vehicles (FSVs) fitted with turrets from Alvis Saladin armoured cars. After three years of trials beginning in 1967, 15 FSVs were produced. 

The development of a second tranche of FSVs began in 1972, when a requirement for further such AFVs was issued. It was decided that the new AFV would use the turret of a FV101 Scorpion fitted to the chassis of a M113A1 APC. This turret was armed with a 76 mm L23A1 gun. Buoyancy aids were also installed on the sides and front of the hull so that the vehicles remained amphibious. The prototype vehicles began to be constructed by the Ordnance Factory in Maribyrnong, Victoria, during 1974; three were completed in mid-1975. The design was approved for production in 1978, and another 45 FSVs were eventually completed by converting newly acquired M113A1s. The type was later designated the Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle (MRV).

In summary, the Australian M113A1 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle is a product of ongoing adaptations and enhancements aimed at improving the vehicle's protection, firepower, and operational versatility.

Model Kit Highlights:

• New Australian Army M113A1 LRV
• Brand new rear oil drum rack has 3 interchangeable versions
• 2 versions of rear taillights for Australian Army
• Brand new roof mounted ammunition box rack
• Dedicated photo-etched parts of M113A1 LRV
• new decal and painting instruction of Australian Army M113A1 LRV
• Full colour gloss instructional manual 
  

Paint and glue are required and not included.