M3 Bradley

This page is about the American light tank M3 Bradley. For the other version, see M3A3 Bradley. For other uses, see M3 (Disambiguation).

M3 Bradley

M551

M3A3 Bradley

M3 Bradley

M551

M3A3 Bradley

USA

VI Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
8.3	8.3	8.3

Class:

Light tank

Research:160 000

Purchase:450 000

Description

The search for the ideal mechanized infantry combat vehicle (MICV) in the US military began as early as 1964, but design dissatisfaction and the Vietnam War complicated the procurement process while introducing new requests in what the US wants in their infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). A breakthrough to the final design was made when the FMC Corporation designed XM723 MICV was considered for the vehicle of choice for the IFV as the XM2 IFV, though the design was complicated again by having to also fit with the US Cavalry requirement as the XM3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (CFV). Following evaluations and criticism of the overall program, the XM2/3 was provided production approval in January 1980 as the M2 and M3 Bradley. Though both the infantry and cavalry variant shared similar exterior looks, the cavalry differed with the infantry seat area configured to contain more ammunition and missiles for the M242 chain gun and TOW launchers. As improvements were introduced into the design, the original M2/M3 variants were designated with an "A0" suffix. Though some A0s were sent before the onset of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 (both M2A0 and M3A0 consisted of 19% of all Bradleys in theater), the A0s were more intended as attrition spares while the improved A1 and A2 variants were sent into combat.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the M3 Bradley remains a relatively unique vehicle in the American lineup as an infantry fighting vehicle. Like in real-life, players would have to handle the Bradley's relatively large size alongside main battle tanks and its paper-thin armour against both kinetic and chemical shells. The mobility is nothing spectacular to write home about either aside from being able to get the Bradley from point A to point B in a suitable manner. That said, the variety of firepower it is able to dish out makes it a lethal machine. The APDS shells the autocannon armament fires can penetrate more than a few tanks from the side armour, not to mention being able to make mincemeat out of lightly armoured vehicles. However, when facing tanks or faraway targets, the TOW missiles are a great piece of tool to have to ensure a critical hit even from far out, the only downside being the long missile launcher deployment time from when the Bradley is moving to coming to a halt.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades

Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle

ESS

Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle

Armourfront / side / back

Hull38 / 44 / 44

Turret25 / 25 / 25

Crew3 people

Visibility117 %

Armour protection of the Bradley CFV (Cavalry Fighting Vehicle) is relatively weak, it does offer protection from machine guns and some lower penetrating autocannon fire from the front, but most autocannons will easily penetrate the sides of the vehicle damaging components, crew and often detonating ammo stored in the rear of the vehicle. As aside, the engine mounted in front of the vehicle will offer some protection from main guns on tanks by absorbing spalling, saving crew members and preventing ammo detonations. Getting your gunner shot out is common, however, the breech of the autocannon is very small and therefore does not generally get knocked out. Losing too many crew members is common, as there are only 3 in the tank.

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB74 / 16 km/h

RB and SB66 / 14 km/h

Number of gears6 forward

2 back

Weight22.3 t

Engine power

AB967 hp

RB and SB507 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB43.4 hp/t

RB and SB22.7 hp/t

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	74	16	22.3	786	967	35.25	43.36
Realistic	66	14		448	507	20.09	22.74

The M3 Bradley has a maximum speed forward of 66 km/h or 49 km/h in battlefield conditions as well as -12 km/h in reverse. The transmission features 6 forward gears, 2 reverse as well as neutral steering. The vehicle is quite nimble and really only struggles to neutral steer in thick mud. Its lightweight allows it to traverse steep inclines with ease. It should be noted that the vehicles TOW missile launcher will automatically retract when the vehicle reaches speeds in excess of 10km/h.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 917 → 5 066

RB3 297 → 5 726

SB4 024 → 6 989

Total cost of modifications133 200

221 400

Talisman cost2 400

Crew training130 000

Experts450 000

Aces2 000

Research Aces890 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

120 / 170 / 210 %

214 / 214 / 214 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 Suspension Research: 5 300 Cost: 8 400 290 Brake System Research: 5 300 Cost: 8 400 290 Filters Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 Transmission Research: 7 700 Cost: 12 000 420 Engine Research: 7 700 Cost: 12 000 420	Improved Parts Research: 2 100 Cost: 11 000 390 Improved FPE Research: 1 600 Cost: 8 400 290 Crew Replenishment Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 ESS Research: 7 700 Cost: 12 000 420	Horizontal Drive Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 25mm_M242_HE_ammo_pack Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 Adjustment of Fire Research: 5 300 Cost: 8 400 290 Airstrike Research: 5 300 Cost: 8 400 290 Scout UAV Research: 5 300 Cost: 8 400 290 Elevation Mechanism Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 Smoke grenade Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 25mm_M242_APDS_ammo_pack Research: 7 100 Cost: 11 000 390 Artillery Support Research: 7 700 Cost: 12 000 420 Improved optics Research: 7 700 Cost: 12 000 420 NVD Research: 7 700 Cost: 12 000 420

Armaments

Night vision device

Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Thermal imager

Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

25 mm M242 cannon

Two-plane stabilizer

Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving

Ammunition1 500 rounds

Belt capacity300 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

0.3 → 0.2 s

Fire rate201 shots/min

Vertical guidance-9° / 59°

25 mm M242						Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	1,500 (300)	201	-9°/+59°	±180°	Two-plane	57.1	79.1	96.0	106.2	112.9	0.26	0.23	0.21	0.20
Realistic						35.7	42.0	51.0	56.4	60.0

Ammunition

• Default: APDS · HEI-T*
• M792: HEI-T* · HEI-T* · HEI-T* · APDS
• M791: APDS · APDS · APDS · HEI-T*

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
	10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
APDS	81	80	74	67	61	56
HEI-T*	7	6	4	3	3	3

Shell details
Ammunition	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)	Ricochet
						0%	50%	100%
APDS	1,345	0.13	-	-	-	75°	78°	80°
HEI-T*	1,100	0.19	0.1	0.1	54.4	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M3 Bradley. Racks outlined in red are 25 mm clips.

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
5	4 (+1)	3 (+2)	2 (+3)	1 (+4)	No

Additional armament

BGM-71A TOW ATGM

Ammunition12 rounds

Belt capacity2 rounds

Fire rate120 shots/min

Vertical guidance-19° / 29°

Fire on the moveup to 6 km/h

The M3 Bradley comes equipped with a BGM-71B TOW ATGM launcher. The launcher contains two TOW missiles, which can be fired one after another in quick succession. Then, they are reloaded. Before you can fire, though, you have to be either stopped or moving at very low speeds, around 5 km/h. At higher speeds, the launcher folds up against the turret. When you stop, it takes time for the launcher to unfold before you can fire. This is where cruise control can be important. The first cruise control setting for forward and reverse speed is the "battle" setting. This controls the speed of the vehicle to where it is slow enough that you can fire the TOW missiles on the move. As before stated, this speed is very low, only about 5 km/h, so you should probably not drive in this mode of cruise control for the whole battle.

BGM-71A TOW missile
Capacity (Belt)	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer
12 (2)	-19°/+29°	N/A	N/A

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
		10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
TOW	ATGM	430	430	430	430	430	430

Missile details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Range (m)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
								0%	50%	100%
TOW	ATGM	299	3,000	18.82	0.05	0.1	3.75	80°	82°	90°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M3 Bradley. Racks outlined in green are ATGMs.

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
12	10 (+2)	8 (+4)	6 (+6)	4 (+8)	2 (+10)	Yes

Machine guns

7.62 mm M240 machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition4 400 rounds

Belt capacity200 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

10.4 → 8.0 s

Fire rate941 shots/min

7.62 mm M240
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	4,400 (200)	941	N/A	N/A

Usage in battles

One way the Bradley can be played is as an ambush vehicle. Find a good location where you have sufficient protective cover to secure your position, but where you can see at least one lane of attack that the enemy is likely to use. Since you will be sitting still, your TOW launcher will be deployed, and you can fire TOW missiles whenever you need to. The best way to use the TOW missiles is to hit the enemy in the side. Two TOW missiles to the side should almost always kill a tank if well aimed.

Another way to use the Bradley is to get hull down, at long range and use the TOW launcher to deadly effect. Since you do not have to calculate for drop for ATGMs, you should be able to reliably hit your target and do major damage. Because you are firing at such long-range, it is likely the enemy will not spot you in time to shoot at you, or they will miss at least their first shot.

The Bradley can also be used effectively in urban combat. If you pick a side street to set up, when the enemy goes past, hopefully without seeing you, you will be able to hit them in the side with the TOW launcher.

In arcade mode, the Bradley can be used very effectively as an anti-aircraft vehicle. Since in arcade you get a lead indicator, you should be able to accurately hit planes and helicopters. When using the HEI-T* ammunition one to two hits is usually fatal for an aircraft. TOW missiles can be used to great effect against helicopters as well, but it is probably smarter to save the ATGMs for ground targets. Also, it can be hard to hit a moving helicopter with an ATGM for someone who's inexperienced with ATGMs.

One last note: the TOW missiles should be your primary weapon, not your autocannon. Firing the autocannon will likely give away your position instantly, so unless you have already been seen, or if you know you can kill the target quickly, do not use the autocannon. The autocannon can not effectively destroy tanks but is mostly just effective against SPAA's and light tanks. Those targets can also kill you very easily though, so it is almost always better to use the TOW missiles, in order to destroy the enemy tank quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, if an enemy tank is at close range, and has spotted you, you can often use the autocannon to damage or destroy their gun barrel with multiple, well-aimed, shots, to buy yourself more time.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excels at urban combat, as the gun can be effective when engaging MBTs, except for the Russian MBTs
• Outclasses stock 35 mm autocannon tanks which use API or APHE as long as long-range (about 1.1 km) and moderate front armour angle is kept, can even sustain low calibre APDS and HVAP hits from spaded light tanks if it has the high ground
• Can fire missiles at "combat" cruise control, albeit only at about 5 km/h (can be considered as a downgrade after M551, but still usable when compared to its peers)
• 25 mm autocannon can easily tear through light vehicles and is useful for engaging helicopters
• TOW missiles capable of penetrating many tanks from the front with ease
• Has a fast turret traverse and two-plane stabilizer, allowing for quick reaction times and accurate fire on the move
• Slow ATGM allows for easier aiming onto target
• Has access to first generation gunner thermals
• Can fire two missiles in a row before reloading

Cons:

• Additional side armour plates and turret frontal slope protect against 12.7 machine guns, but will always set off APHE, so caution is required
• Low fire rate on the autocannon; faster than the British 30 mm RARDEN but slower than the Russian 30 mm 2A42 and most SPAA autocannons
• Survivability is poor as with other IFVs; its autocannon belt is easy to hit and the vehicle is prone to overpressure
• Relatively slow, especially in reverse
• Large size makes it easy to spot
• Engine, transmission, and driver at front of the vehicle are very prone to damage
• Only has access to basic TOW missiles; struggles against later tanks with composite and explosive reactive armor
• Cannot fire missiles on the move and must raise the launcher before firing
• Low thermal sight resolution in comparison to the Warrior
• Loud and noticeable engine sound
• Default and M792 belts perform poorly against heavier targets
• Prone to overpressure; explosive rounds with enough filler hitting the turret will usually knock it out
• Does not have access to a laser rangefinder

History

Development of the Bradley began in the late 1950s when the U.S. Army began seeking a replacement for the ageing M113 APC. However, despite beginning development relatively early, the successor to the M113 wouldn't enter service with the Army in the following two decades.

The reason behind this was the constantly changing specifications, requirements and doctrines around which the new vehicle would be designed. The constantly changing requirements, on the other hand, were driven by various technical and political problems arising during development.

Eventually, in 1979, the final design was presented to the Army and production was approved shortly afterwards in 1980. The Bradley, named after WW2 Army General Omar Bradley, was split into two versions, both closely resembling each other, but featuring minor differences and intended for different roles.

While the M2 Bradley was intended as an IFV, capable of transporting and supporting infantry units in combat, the M3 Bradley CFV (Cavalry Fighting Vehicle) is intended to perform scouting and reconnaissance work, ditching its infantry-carrying ability in favour of improved communications systems and increased ammunition capacity.

The Bradley entered service with the U.S. Army in 1981 and saw extensive combat use during the Gulf War as well as subsequent conflicts. Despite several (unsuccessful) efforts being made to replace the Bradley with a newer design, the vehicle still remains in active service with U.S. armed forces today, with over 6,500 units produced.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the M3 Bradley from live.warthunder.com.

Images

• 

  M3 Bradley hit by enemy fire

• 

  M3 Bradley hit by enemy fire

Videos

M3(A3) Bradley Ultimate Review - Bob Dickinson

Best IFVs discusses the M3 Bradley at 1:24 - War Thunder Official Channel

M3 Bradley - I Expected More - Napalmratte

The Shooting Range #126 - Pages of History section at 05:52 discusses the M3 Bradley.

See also

Similar IFVs of other nations

• Begleitpanzer 57
• BMP-2
• Warrior
• Type 89

External links

• [Devblog] M3 Bradley: The Modern Workhorse

Food Machinery Corporation (FMC)
Amphibious AFVs	LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
IFVs	M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley