Built by FMC in San Jose, California, the Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle – AIFV – was developed out of a new US government contract in 1971 to expand and improve upon the widely used M113 series armored personal carrier. Utilizing a number the same design principles, hardware, and components as the M113, the AIFV came to fruition with a new body design, upgraded crew comforts, and boasted a single man offensive turret. Ultimately the United States would not widely adopt the AIFV as FMC had also produced the M3 Bradley fighting vehicle – a work horse of the US Army. Presently, the newest variant of the AIFV is in service in more than a dozen countries and has seen combat action all across the globe.
Similar to the US Army Bradley Fighting vehicle, the AIFV was equipped with a 25MM Bushmaster canon and a co-axial M240 7.62MM Machine Gun.
Built by United Defense in San Jose, CA, the vehicle operates on the same power plant as the M113 series vehicle - Detroit Diesel Allison 6VT-53T (270 HP). The whole vehicle weighs in at 17 tons with a top speed of 58 MPH.
Like most fighting vehicles around the world, the AIFV was designed to be operated by smaller crew - driver and commander/gunner. The AIFV also had room in the back for 8 troops.
The Eagle Field Foundation is a California based 501C3 non-profit, all volunteer organization with a focus in education through the restoration and preservation of military artifacts, vehicles, and stories from the early 1900’s to Present Day.
