AFV Club AF35023 1/35 Australian Army M113A1 MRV (Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle)

Features:

•  - Brand new Australian Army M113A1 MRV dedicated barrel.
•  - Brand new Australian Army M113A1 MRV dedicated gun mantlet.
•  - Brand new Periscopes of Commander and Loader.
•  - Co-axial gun has 3 versions could be changed.
•  - Dedicated photo-etched parts of M113A1 MRV.
•  - Brand new decal and painting instruction of Australian Army M113A1 MRV.

* This is a plastic model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. So glue, model paints and other basic modelling tools are additionally required.

Historical Overview:

The M113 Armored 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. A second batch of FSVs, later designated as Medium Reconnaissance Vehicles (MRVs), used the turret of a FV101 Scorpion on a M113A1 chassis, with production approved in 1978.

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