REAR DRIVE M113 CONVERSION METHOD

Abstract: A method of rear drive conversion of the M113 family of vehicles to provide a light, mobile and tactical hybrid vehicle. The method includes stripping an M113 to a base aluminum hull (10) and providing modified or newly fabricated parts (24, 25, 26, 28) to produce a converted rear drive vehicle (30). Using the rear drive conversion process, critical operations parameters such as volume under armor, mobility, air transportability and vehicle performance efficiency per unit weight are significantly increased.

Description: REAR DRIVE M113 CONVERSION METHOD The present invention provides a method for converting a family of the Ml 13 vehicles to develop a low cost and light vehicle for use in scouting and other tactical missions. The present invention is primarily concerned with the modernization of Ml 13 family of vehicles to provide a cost effective, light and tactical vehicle. This family of vehicles has undergone various changes over the years. The present invention is distinguished in that minimal changes are made to significantly improve the operational and functional features of the Ml 13 vehicles. Figure 1 a perspective drawing of an Ml 13 structure with the driver's station shown in its original position. Figure 2A is an explosion view of an Ml 13 structure with the rear portion removed and the rear sponson area indicated. Figure 2B is an explosion view of an Ml 13 structure with a new rear stowage area and a new front plate the major parts indicated. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modified Ml 13 structure. The present invention provides a method of modifying and converting an Ml 13 vehicle to develop a low cost and light tactical vehicle for use in scouting, reconnaissance and other missions. Figure 1 shows a perspective drawing of an Ml 13 structure 10 with the driver's station shown in its original position. Figure 2 A is an exploded view of structure 10. Rear plate 12 is disposed between lower hull 14 and top plate 16. Further, upper hull 18 is attached to lower hull 14. Figure 2A shows an exploded view of an Ml 13 structure. Rear plate 12 and top plate 16 are disengaged from upper hull 18 and lower hull 14. Figure 2B is an explosion view of a modified Ml 13 vehicle. New stowage area 24 and modified lower hull 26 are matched to new front plate 28. Figure 3 shows an assembly 30 of a modified rear drive Ml 13 vehicle. The discussion hereinabove relates to the most significant structural and component organizations of the rear drive Ml 13 conversion. The method of conversion, disclosed in the present invention, under a best mode scenario is discussed hereinbelow. Referring to Figures 1, 2A, 2B and 3, the conversion process includes starting with an Ml 13 type vehicle. The process starts with the removal of a rear portion (not shown) of the Ml 13 vehicle. Lower hull 14 is modified to new lower hull 26. In the rear sponson areas new suspension mounting pads 25 are added. Further, new stowage area 24 and front plate 28 are mounted on upper hull 18 and new lower hull 26. The resulting structure, rear drive Ml 13 structure 30, is shown in Figure 3. The modified M 1 13 provides a new driver station 27 as compared to the old driver station 17 (See Figure 1). Functionally all of the power station (not shown) installations such as the cooling system, exhaust, powertrain, air cleaners, etc., remain unchanged. Suspension mounting pads 25 are mounted at the rear sponson. The gear (not shown) is reversed in the transmission to convert to a rear drive. Accordingly, the rear drive Ml 13 conversion method of the present invention is initiated by starting with a 'thick skinned' Ml 13 which include the families of M901, M981, M577, M1059, M106, M125 and the like vehicles. All the components are removed and the vehicle is stripped to a bare aluminum hull. Top plate 16 and rear plate 12 are removed and front plate 28 is added. A new stowage area 24 is fabricated and installed as shown. The suspension components are refurbished, suspension mounting pads 25 installed and the reverse gearset (not shown) and the transmission are set in place to provide conversion to a rear drive . Further, the powertrain (not shown) is installed, the driver's station is relocated at new location 27. Finally, the vehicle is assembled to provide new rear drive Ml 13 structure 30. Through the conversion method disclosed herein, a capable and effective scout vehicle can be built. The rear drive Ml 13 of the present invention enables heavy machine gun protection, modular applique armor, high performance suspension and powertrain. Further, it utilizes spare parts common to fielded Ml 13 vehicle fleet and thereby enables cost effective maintenance. The final product is a light, compact and efficient tactical vehicle. The rear drive Ml 13 is designed to be roll-on/ roll-off C-130 transportable and air dropable. Because of the light weight and efficient use of space volume, two rear drive Ml 13 vehicles are transportable on a single C-130. While a preferred embodiment of the rear drive Ml 13 appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: We claim: 1. An overhaul and rear drive conversion method of M 1 13 vehicle family characaterized by the steps of: providing an armored vehicle of the Ml 13 type; stripping said vehicle to a base aluminum hull; removing a rear portion of said vehicle; modifying a lower hull; adding suspension mounting pads to each side in rear sponson area; adding a new rear stowage area; adding a new front plate to said lower hull; and welding and joining together said modified lower hull, said top plate, said new rear stowage area and said new front plate. 2. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that said conversion method includes relocating a driver's station. 3. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that said new front plate includes fabricating a plate to provide oblique and aerodynamic shapes. 4. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that said conversion method includes extending said vehicle by adding said new rear stowage area. 5. An overhaul and rear drive conversion method of Ml 13 vehicle family to develop a low cost light tactical vehicle characterized by the steps of: providing a vehicle of the Ml 13 type; removing a rear portion of said vehicle; removing and modifying a lower hull; removing a top plate; removing a rear portion of said vehicle; fabricating a combined new top and front plate; adding suspension mounting pads to each side in rear sponson area; fabricating and adding a new rear stowage area; and welding and joining together said modified lower hull, said top plate, said rear stowage area and said combined new top and front plate. 6. The method according to claim 5 characterized in that said step of fabricating a combined new top and front plate includes placing a driver's station centrally. 7. The method according to claim 5 characterized in that said step of fabricating a combined new top and front plate includes forming a combination of substantially horizontal and oblique surfaces.

Inventors: RIDDLE MATHEW GUY, RIDDLE, MATHEW, GUY
Applicants: UNITED DEFENSE LP, UNITED DEFENSE, L.P.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B21K21
IPC codes: B62D21, B62D29, B62D65, F41H7