INTRO TO M2/M3 BFV - OD0456 - LESSON 1/TASK 1
steel armor applique.
Crew protection is enhanced by the use of spaced
laminate armor on the vertical sides and rear and a steel mine applique on
the bottom of the vehicle. Recent technical advances have resulted in the
development of spaced laminate armor or "sandwich" armor.
Thin type of
armor has two layers of metal, with a layer of material between them that
will deflect and break up projectiles. Several design features of the BFV
also provide "stand-off" for the armor, such as side armor overhanging the
suspension system or the trim vane over the front slope. Stand-off allows
lighter armor to be used, since it causes a premature detonation of shaped
charge armor defeating rounds.
(2) Concealment.
Concealment is another way in which the crew of the
BFV is afforded protection. The BFV can provide its own concealment by the
use of two M257 four-tube smoke grenade launchers that are mounted on the
front of the turret. These smoke grenade launchers are capable of firing 8
L8A1 smoke grenades simultaneously. There is also a smoke screen generator
built into tie exhaust system. This allows the BFV to lay a smoke screen to
cover either its retreat from the battlefield or its entry onto the
battlefield.
f.
Fire Suppression System.
The fire suppression system on the BFV
consists of four sensors located throughout the hull. Two fire extinguisher
bottles, filled with Halon 1301, are located in the crew compartment; there
is also a bottle in the driver's compartment. In addition to the already
mentioned fixed firefighting extinguishers on board, a portable fire bottle
is located in the crew's compartment.
(1) Fire Suppression System Function.
The fire suppression system on
the BFV is designed to function automatically if a fire occurs in the crew's
compartment. However, if a fire occurs in the engine compartment, the fire
suppression system must be activated manually. When any of the four sensors
detect light and heat, the two fire bottles in the crew compartment are
activated simultaneously.
These Halon-filled bottles are capable of
extinguishing a fire in 6/l0ths of a second. Under normal conditions, the
crew would vacate the vehicle immediately. However, in the event that the
vehicle is engaged in combat, the crew can remain safely in the vehicle for
up to
5
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