US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle
While developing a combat vehicle for mechanized infantry units under the MICV (Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle) program, the United States also developed an armored reconnaissance vehicle under the ARSV (Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle) program. In spring 1977, both programs merged into FVS (Fighting Vehicle Systems), creating the unified Bradley Fighting Vehicle platform. The concept included two variants: the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and the M3 Bradley cavalry fighting vehicle, crewed by three soldiers plus two scouts. The M3 Bradley retained the same primary armament as the IFV* but carried more ammunition—1,500 rounds for the automatic cannon, 4,300 rounds for the machine gun, and 10 TOW anti-tank missiles for heavy armored targets. Equipment included a portable ground surveillance radar, specialized radios, night vision devices, and space in the modified troop compartment for a motorcycle. The M3 Bradley later underwent upgrades to enhance protection and improve firepower.