US Army Vehicles: Types and Size Comparison

The US Army is a massive and complex organization, and its vehicle fleet is no exception. From light armored vehicles to main battle tanks, the Army uses a wide variety of vehicles to carry out its missions. This knowledge base provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of vehicles used by the US Army, categorized by their purpose and size.

Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs)

Light armored vehicles are designed to provide protection for troops and equipment while being relatively light and mobile. They are often used in reconnaissance, patrol, and combat support roles. Some examples of LAVs used by the US Army include:

• M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV): The Stryker is a wheeled armored vehicle that can carry up to nine soldiers. It is armed with a 30mm cannon and a .50 caliber machine gun.
• M1131 Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV): The Stryker RV is a specialized reconnaissance vehicle that is equipped with sensors and communications equipment. It can also be armed with a 30mm cannon.
• M1132 Stryker Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV): The Stryker ESV is equipped with a variety of engineering tools, such as a bulldozer blade and a crane. It can be used to clear obstacles and provide support to infantry units.

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles

MRAPs are designed to provide protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other threats. They are typically larger and heavier than LAVs, and they are often used in combat zones. Some examples of MRAPs used by the US Army include:

• M-ATV (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle): The M-ATV is a highly mobile MRAP that can be used in a variety of terrain. It is armed with a .50 caliber machine gun.
• Buffalo (Mine Protected Vehicle): The Buffalo is a heavy MRAP that is designed to clear mines and other obstacles. It is equipped with a remote-controlled robotic arm and a variety of other tools.
• Cougar (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle): The Cougar is a medium-sized MRAP that is often used for troop transport and combat support. It can be armed with a variety of weapons, including a .50 caliber machine gun.

Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs)

APCs are designed to transport troops into combat. They typically have a larger capacity than LAVs and are often equipped with heavier armor. Some examples of APCs used by the US Army include:

• M113 Armored Personnel Carrier: The M113 is a tracked APC that has been in service with the US Army since the 1960s. It is armed with a .50 caliber machine gun and can carry up to 11 soldiers.
• Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV): The Bradley is a tracked APC that is armed with a 25mm cannon and a TOW anti-tank missile launcher. It can carry up to six soldiers.

Stryker Family Vehicles

The Stryker family of vehicles is a group of eight different vehicles that are all based on the same chassis. They are designed to provide a balance of mobility, protection, and firepower. In addition to the Stryker ICV, RV, and ESV mentioned above, the Stryker family also includes:

• M1127 Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV): The Stryker RV is a specialized reconnaissance vehicle that is equipped with sensors and communications equipment. It can also be armed with a 30mm cannon.
• M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS): The Stryker MGS is a direct-fire support vehicle that is armed with a 105mm cannon.
• M1129 Stryker Mortar Carrier (MC): The Stryker MC is equipped with a 120mm mortar. It provides indirect fire support to infantry units.
• M1130 Stryker Command Vehicle (CV): The Stryker CV is a command and control vehicle that is equipped with communications and computer systems.
• M1133 Stryker Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV): The Stryker MEV is a medical evacuation vehicle that is equipped with medical equipment and supplies.

Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs)

IFVs are designed to provide direct fire support to infantry units. They typically have a heavier armament than APCs and are often equipped with advanced fire control systems. The US Army currently uses only one IFV:

• Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV): The Bradley is a tracked IFV that is armed with a 25mm cannon and a TOW anti-tank missile launcher. It can carry up to six soldiers.

Armored Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs)

ACSVs are designed to provide support to combat units, such as engineering, logistics, and medical support. They are typically armored and equipped with specialized equipment. Some examples of ACSVs used by the US Army include:

• M997 Humvee (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck): The Humvee is a light truck that is often used for transport and combat support. It can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including a .50 caliber machine gun.
• M109 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer: The Paladin is a self-propelled artillery piece that is designed to provide indirect fire support to combat units. It is armed with a 155mm howitzer.
• M110 First Sergeant (Self-Propelled Howitzer): The First Sergeant is a self-propelled artillery piece that is designed to provide indirect fire support to combat units. It is armed with an 8-inch howitzer.

Self-Propelled Artillery

Self-propelled artillery is designed to provide indirect fire support to combat units. It is typically mounted on a tracked or wheeled chassis and is armed with a large-caliber cannon. In addition to the Paladin and First Sergeant mentioned above, the US Army also uses a number of other self-propelled artillery pieces, including:

• M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS): The MLRS is a tracked vehicle that is equipped with a launcher for multiple rockets. It can be used to provide long-range fire support.
• M107 175mm Self-Propelled Gun: The M107 is a tracked vehicle that is armed with a 175mm cannon. It is designed to provide long-range fire support.

Anti-Aircraft Systems

Anti-aircraft systems are designed to defend against enemy aircraft. They are typically equipped with missiles or guns. Some examples of anti-aircraft systems used by the US Army include:

• Avenger Air Defense System: The Avenger is a tracked vehicle that is equipped with a Stinger missile launcher and a .50 caliber machine gun. It can be used to defend against low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
• Patriot Missile System: The Patriot is a ground-based missile system that is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and aircraft. It is often deployed to defend against air attacks.
• THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) Missile System: The THAAD is a ground-based missile system that is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in their terminal phase of flight.

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)

MBTs are the heaviest and most powerful armored vehicles in the US Army's inventory. They are designed for direct combat with enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. The US Army's primary MBT is the:

• M1 Abrams: The M1 Abrams is a tracked MBT that is armed with a 120mm cannon and a .50 caliber machine gun. It is one of the most advanced tanks in the world.

Prototypes

The US Army is constantly developing new and innovative vehicles. Some of the latest prototypes include:

• Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV): The GCV is a tracked vehicle that is designed to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. It is armed with a 30mm cannon and a .50 caliber machine gun.
• Future Combat Systems (FCS): FCS was a program to develop a new family of combat vehicles. The program was canceled in 2009, but some of the technologies developed for FCS are being incorporated into other programs.

Visual Comparison of US Army Vehicles

The following table provides a visual comparison of the different types of vehicles used by the US Army:

Vehicle Type	Image	Purpose	Size
Light Armored Vehicle (LAV)	[Image of LAV]	Reconnaissance, patrol, combat support	Small
Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle	[Image of MRAP]	Protection against IEDs and other threats	Medium to large
Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)	[Image of APC]	Troop transport	Medium
Stryker Family Vehicle	[Image of Stryker]	Mobility, protection, firepower	Medium
Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)	[Image of IFV]	Direct fire support to infantry units	Medium
Armored Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV)	[Image of ACSV]	Support to combat units	Small to medium
Self-Propelled Artillery	[Image of Self-Propelled Artillery]	Indirect fire support to combat units	Large
Anti-Aircraft System	[Image of Anti-Aircraft System]	Defense against enemy aircraft	Medium to large
Main Battle Tank (MBT)	[Image of MBT]	Direct combat with enemy tanks and other armored vehicles	Large

This knowledge base provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of vehicles used by the US Army. It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the Army uses a wide variety of other vehicles, including trucks, helicopters, and aircraft. However, this knowledge base provides a good starting point for understanding the different types of vehicles that the Army uses to carry out its missions.