M6 Bradley Linebacker
Overview
M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker in use in Iraq in 2005.
Source: US Army (Spc Darrick Fritz) -
© public domain
Description
Introduction
A total of 100 M2A2 ODS were converted into an air defense vehicle by replacing the two round TOW launcher with a four round Stinger launcher. The vehicle was renamed M6 Bradley Linebacker. It served as an interim solution and is now out of service. In 2005 and 2006 the remaining 88 vehicles were converted back to M2A2 ODS.
Design
The M6 Bradley Linebacker is a conversion of existing M2A2 ODS Bradley mechanized infantry combat vehicles. The two round BGM-71 TOW launcher is replaced by a larger square launcher for four FIM-92 Stinger surface to air missiles. Additional modification entails the fitting of a modified fire control system, optical tracker and navigation system. Internally the stowage is modified for additional Stinger missiles and a gripstock launcher for use away from the vehicle.
Firepower
The main anti-aircraft armament of the Linebacker is the FIM-92 Stinger surface to air missile. This is a small infrared guided surface to air missile which can also fired using a man portable gripstock launcher. Four missiles are ready to fire and an additional six missiles are carried inside. The 25mm M242 autocannon in the turret is retained. This can be used against ground targets and slow moving aerial targets, such as hovering helicopters. A 7.62mm M240 coaxial machine gun is fitted as coaxial armament.
Protection
The Bradley has spaced aluminum armor which protects the crew from small arms five and shell splinters all around and heavy machine gun rounds over the frontal arc. The appliqué side armor protects from 14.5mm rounds. Furthermore, ERA can be added to the front and sides and provides a degree of protection against 30mm APDS and RPG-7 rounds. An NBC system and 2x4 smoke grenade launchers are present as well.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides the Bradley Linebacker with a good all terrain performance. The M2A2 chassis featured the more powerful Cummins 600 hp diesel engine. The maximum road speed is 61 km/h and the cruising range is 400 km. With proper preparation the Bradley is amphibious.
Users
The M6 Bradley Linebacker was converted from existing Bradleys to meet a US Army requirement. A total of 99 vehicles entered service from 1997 onward and were in service less than a decade. The remaining 88 vehicles were converted back to M2A2 ODS in 2005 and 2006.
Media
M6 Bradley Linebacker
US Army M6 Bradley Linebacker self-propelled SAM system with launcher in elevated position.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M6 Bradley Linebacker
US Army M6 Bradley Linebacker self-propelled SAM system in the field.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M6 Bradley Linebacker
US Army M6 Bradley Linebacker self-propelled SAM system with additional explosive reactive armor.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
Details
Subcomponents
FIM-92 Stinger
Bradley Linebacker has four FIM-92 Stinger missiles ready to fire.
25mm Bushmaster
The main armament of all Bradley variants is the 25mm M242 Bushmaster autocannon.
7.62mm M240C
A 7.62mm M240 machine gun is fitted as coaxial armament.