UNITED STATES ARMY POWER PROJECTION IN THE 21st CENTURY: THE CONVENTIONAL AIRBORNE FORCES MUST BE MODERNIZED TO MEET THE ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF'S STRATEGIC FORCE REQUIREMENTS AND THE NATION'S FUTURE THREATS.
MASTER OF MILITARY ART AND SCIENCE
Michael J. Kazmierski , Major, Infantry
APPENDIX B
REQUIREMENT FOR AIRBORNE AMPHIBIOUS INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLE (AAIFV)
The following list of recommended requirements for the AAIFV is provided to include as many capabilities as possible. If a serious research and development effort was undertaken the vast majority of the requirements could be met with today's technology. [Editor: Its called a M113A3]
1. Airdroppable fully combat loaded/topped off; No assembly after drop.
2. Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) capable.
3. Amphibious; Without any preparation or shrouds.
4. Transport eight personnel, crew of two and six passengers.
6. Weigh less than 11.5 tons fully loaded (1/3 of C-141 peacetime load)
7. No longer than 16 ft (allows for four 16 ft platforms on C-17).
8. Antitank missile mounted so height does not exceed 8 ft tip-off req.
9. Armor protection from 7.62mm weapons, artillery fragments 360 degrees all around
10. Multi-fuel; Fuel efficient; 300 mile range; Rapid refueling capable.
11. NBC filtration system with overpressure; EMP protected.
12. Thermal sights; Laser range finder; Night sights.
13. Optics, laser protected.
14. Built-in chemical alarm accessible from interior of vehicle.
15. On-board navigation system.
16. External telephones (right and left rear).
17. Chassis allows for many configurations (Arty, Mortars, Air defense).
18. Attaching points for helicopter airlift, built-in.
19. HF and VHF (AM and FM) secure radios mounted.
20. Can tow another fully loaded AAIFV; Tow cable & tow hookup built-in.
21. Smoke generation capability.
22. Boresighting of weapon systems/sights not required after airdrop.
23. Easy maintenance design; Easy access to engine and electronics.
24. All vehicles built with mechanical breaching equipment attachments.
25. Exhaust location does not preclude personnel from following directly behind or on either side of the vehicle.
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