M2 IFV and M3 CFV differences.
M2A1/M3A1 improvements:
During 1986, FMC began production of an improved variant of the Bradley designated the M2A1/M3A1. This improved model was based on Research and Development (R & D) work carried out by FMC’s Ground Systems Divisions, the Army Tank Automotive command (TACOM), field reports and intelligence data.
The most significant improvement in the new variant was the installation of an improved TOW-2 missile system. In addition to the new TOW system, there was a number of external changes to the M2A1/M3A1. The rear turret stowage basket was redesign. On the M3A1, the firing ports were deleted and replaced with solid armor on the sides and rear. The M3A1 also has a redesigned rear upper hatch with four periscopes (which replaced the rear periscopes of the M2A1). The scout’s seats were also relocated under the hatch to make it easier for the scouts to use them.
Other changes included the removal of the grenade ammunition boxes from the front of the turret, improved flotation screen brackets and improved auto-interrupter to prevent the 25mm gun from damaging various hull fittings.
M2A2/M3A2 improvements:
There were further changes to the turret and hull with the uparmored M2A2/M3A2 version as well. Introduced in 1988, the A2 received an improved 600 horsepower (447 kW) engine with an HMPT-500-3 Hydromechanical transmission and improved armor (both passive and the ability to mount explosive reactive armor). The new armor protects the Bradley against 30 mm APDS rounds and RPGs (or similar anti-armor weapons). The new armor also eliminated the trim vane that made the Bradley amphibious and covered up the side firing ports. Spaced laminate armor was installed to the hull rear and spaced laminate track skirts protected the lower hull. A semicircular shield was attached to the turret rear to add more stowage space as well as act as spaced armor. Kevlar liners were added to critical areas. The troop carrying number was reduced to six, eliminating the periscope position behind the driver.
