M113: Versatile Platform

The M113 armored personnel carrier became a hallmark of the American defense industry in the 20th century. World War 2 and the Korean war provided ample opportunities to gain experience with armored transport vehicles, and soon the FMC Corporation created a true miracle of mass production which was reliable, relatively inexpensive, and simple to service. Aluminum armor allowed the engineers to meet the requirements for mass and protection levels. Thanks to its reliable design, the M113 could do much more than carry troops: it also became a platform for a large number of armaments, from autocannons to missile launchers.