The weapon is mounted on a modified M113 vehicle (the M741 carrier). The system was designed to complement the M48 Chaparral missile system. The M163 uses a small, range-only radar, the AN/VPS-2, and an M61 optical lead-calculating sight. The system is suitable for night operations with the use of AN/PVS series night vision sights that can be mounted to the right side of the primary sight.
The gun fires at 3,000 rounds per minute in short bursts of 10, 30, 60, or 100 rounds, or it can fire in continuous fire mode at a rate of 1,000 rounds per minute.[2] A linkless feed system is used.
Performanceedit
The M163 had a fairly limited range from the start. Its 20x102mm round gave it a low effective range of only 1,200 meters (3,900 ft), and its standard air-defense load of HEI-T rounds would self-destruct at approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 ft), a hard limit on range. Additionally, the radar was a range-only set incapable of finding targets.
In US and Israeli service, the VADS has rarely been needed in its intended purpose of providing defense against aerial threats—consequently, the Vulcan gun system was in use throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s primarily as a ground support weapon. For example, VADS guns were used to support American ground assault troops in Panama in 1989 during Operation Just Cause. One Vulcan of B Battery, 2/62 ADA sank a PDF patrol boat.[3] The last combat action the VADS participated in was Operation Desert Storm.
Upgrades and replacementedit
In order to provide effective battlefield air defense against helicopters equipped with anti-tank missiles that could be fired accurately from ranges of several kilometers, the VADS was slated to be replaced by the M247 Sergeant York DIVADS (Divisional Air Defense System), but that system was canceled due to cost overruns, technical problems, and generally poor performance.[4]
In 1984 the improved PIVADS (Product-Improved VADS) system was introduced, providing improvements in the ease of use and accuracy of fire, but the limitations of the 20x102 mm caliber remained. In 1988, the fourth crewmember was issued a Stinger launcher and two rounds.[5]
Eventually, the M163 was replaced in US service by the M1097 Avenger and the M6 Linebacker, an M2 Bradley with FIM-92 Stinger missiles instead of the standard TOWanti-tank guided missiles: the Stinger missile providing the necessary range to deal with helicopters with anti-tank missiles far out-ranging the 20 mm gun, as well as considerably extending the reach against fixed-wing targets. The final US Army VADS-equipped unit at Fort Riley Kansas completed turn-in of its Vulcans in 1994.
Ammunitionedit
While a large number of 20x102mm rounds have been developed, not all were issued to M163 units. M246 HEI-T-SD was developed alongside the system and was the primary anti-air round, with M56 HEI being used for ground support. PIVADS units could use Mk 149 APDS rounds, which greatly increase maximum effective range due to their higher velocity and lack of a self-destruct. M940 may have been issued for use prior to withdrawal from service, though sources are unclear.
Designation
Type
Projectile Weight (g)
Bursting charge (g)
Muzzle Velocity (m/s)
Description
M56A3/A4
HEI
102
9 g HE (RDX/wax/Al) and 1.5 g incendiary
1,030
Nose fuzed round, no tracer.
M246/A1
HEI-T-SD
102
8.0 g HE
1,030
M56 series derived tracer round, M246 using the same loading as M56A3 and M246A1 being derived from M56A4. Tracer burnout triggers the self-destruct after 3–7 seconds of flight time, roughly 1,800 meters (5,900 ft)
M940
MPT-SD
105
9 g A-4/RDX/wax
1,050
Multi-purpose fuzeless round for ground-based air defence, naval and helicopter applications. The HE charge is initiated by the incendiary charge on the nose on impact. Self-destruct due to tracer burn-through. Penetration: 12.5 mm (0.49 in) RHA at 0-degree impact at 518 m (1,700 ft) range, 6.3 mm (0.25 in) at 60 degrees and 940 m (3,080 ft).
Mk 149
APDS
projectile: 93 penetrator 70
none
1,120
Spin-stabilized finless sub-caliber round with a 12 mm (0.47 in) depleted uranium penetrator. Penetration: 23 mm (0.91 in) armor at 45 degrees at 1,000 m (3,300 ft) and 19 mm (0.75 in) at 45 degrees at 2,000 m (6,600 ft)[6]
An M163 during the Persian Gulf War's Operation Desert Shield.An M163 Vulcan anti-aircraft gun system vehicle returns to the vehicle staging area after an exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.A close-up of the 20 mm Vulcan cannon on the M163 VADS.
Armour layout:
front: 38 mm (1.5 in)
sides: 45 to 32 mm (1.8 to 1.3 in)
rear/top: 38 mm (1.5 in)
bottom: 29 mm (1.1 in)
M168 gun on the M163:
Effective range:
M246 (air targets): 1,200 m (3,900 ft)
Mk149 (air targets): 2,500 m (8,200 ft)
M56 (ground targets): 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
Maximum firing range: M246: 1,800 m (5,900 ft) self-destruct
Maximum rate of fire: 1,000 rpm unlimited, 3,000 rpm in burst of 10,30, 60, or 100 rounds[8]
Elevation: +80° to −5° at 45°/second
Traverse: 360° at 60°/s
Ammunition:
M167: 500 rounds.
M163: 1,100 rounds loaded, 1,000 rounds stowed
Variantsedit
M163
M163A1 changes to gun mount and vehicle to bring it in line with the M113A1. The resulting carrier vehicle was designated M741A1.
M163A2 powertrain changes to bring it in line with the M113A2. The resulting carrier vehicle was designated M741A2.
M163 PIVADS (1984) accuracy and workload improvements developed by Lockheed Electronics Company including a digital microprocessor, director sight and low backlash azimuth drive system. The PIVADS used the M741A1 carrier vehicle, and the improvements were carried over to the M163A2.
M167 towed version of the turret. Prime mover was the Gama Goat until 1989 when the Humvee replaced it.
Machbet Israeli upgraded version equipped with 4-tube FIM-92 Stinger pod, upgraded tracking system and the ability to share information with local high-power radar.
Portugal – 36 ex-US M163 Vulcan VADS SPAAG ordered in 1986, but never used. Probably purchased to supply parts for the M113A2.[14]
Israel — following the closing of tactical Anti-Air units in the IDF, both the VADS and the upgraded VADS ('hovet', fitted with stingers) were retired in 2006.
^Zaloga, Steven J. (2003). Tank battles of the Mid-East Wars (2): The wars of 1973 to the present. Hong Kong: Concord Publications. p. 23. ISBN962-361-613-9.
^. Archived from the original on 5 November 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
^Foss, C.; Cullen, Tony; Foss, Christopher F. (1993). Jane´s Land-Based Air Defence. Jane's Information. p. 305. ISBN0-7106-0979-5.
External linksedit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to M163 VADS.
Globalsecurity.org
AFV database
October 27, 2023
m163, vads, m163, vulcan, defense, system, vads, self, propelled, anti, aircraft, spaag, that, used, united, states, army, m168, variant, general, dynamics, vulcan, rotary, cannon, standard, cannon, most, combat, aircraft, since, 1960s, mounted, either, armore. The M163 Vulcan Air Defense System VADS is a self propelled anti aircraft gun SPAAG that was used by the United States Army The M168 gun is a variant of the General Dynamics 20 mm 0 79 in M61 Vulcan rotary cannon the standard cannon in most U S combat aircraft since the 1960s mounted on either an armored vehicle or a trailer M163 VADSA U S Army M163 from the 24th Infantry Division at the Fort Irwin National Training Center in November 1988TypeSelf propelled anti aircraft gunPlace of originUnited StatesService historyIn service1968 presentUsed byUnited States 1968 1994 NATOWarsVietnam WarWestern Sahara War1982 Lebanon WarInvasion of PanamaPersian Gulf WarIsraeli Palestinian conflictIraq War Limited Yemeni Civil War 2014 present Saudi Arabian led intervention in Yemen 1 SpecificationsMass12 493 kilograms 27 542 lb combat weightLength4 86 meters 191 5 in Width2 85 meters 112 4 in Height2 9 meters 115 in Crew4 commander gunner loader driver ArmorRolled 5083 5086 H32 aluminium 29 45MainarmamentM168 General Dynamics 20 mm M61 Vulcan Rotary cannon 2 100 roundsSecondaryarmamentNone crew small armsEngineGeneral Motors 6V53 6 cylinder two stroke diesel212 hp 158 kW Suspensiontorsion bar 5 road wheelsOperationalrange480 km 300 mi Maximum speed64 km h 40 mph Contents 1 Technical description 2 Performance 3 Upgrades and replacement 4 Ammunition 5 Specifications 6 Variants 7 History of service 8 Operators 8 1 Current operators 8 2 Former operators 9 See also 10 References 11 External linksTechnical description editThe weapon is mounted on a modified M113 vehicle the M741 carrier The system was designed to complement the M48 Chaparral missile system The M163 uses a small range only radar the AN VPS 2 and an M61 optical lead calculating sight The system is suitable for night operations with the use of AN PVS series night vision sights that can be mounted to the right side of the primary sight The gun fires at 3 000 rounds per minute in short bursts of 10 30 60 or 100 rounds or it can fire in continuous fire mode at a rate of 1 000 rounds per minute 2 A linkless feed system is used Performance editThe M163 had a fairly limited range from the start Its 20x102mm round gave it a low effective range of only 1 200 meters 3 900 ft and its standard air defense load of HEI T rounds would self destruct at approximately 1 800 meters 5 900 ft a hard limit on range Additionally the radar was a range only set incapable of finding targets In US and Israeli service the VADS has rarely been needed in its intended purpose of providing defense against aerial threats consequently the Vulcan gun system was in use throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s primarily as a ground support weapon For example VADS guns were used to support American ground assault troops in Panama in 1989 during Operation Just Cause One Vulcan of B Battery 2 62 ADA sank a PDF patrol boat 3 The last combat action the VADS participated in was Operation Desert Storm Upgrades and replacement editIn order to provide effective battlefield air defense against helicopters equipped with anti tank missiles that could be fired accurately from ranges of several kilometers the VADS was slated to be replaced by the M247 Sergeant York DIVADS Divisional Air Defense System but that system was canceled due to cost overruns technical problems and generally poor performance 4 In 1984 the improved PIVADS Product Improved VADS system was introduced providing improvements in the ease of use and accuracy of fire but the limitations of the 20x102 mm caliber remained In 1988 the fourth crewmember was issued a Stinger launcher and two rounds 5 Eventually the M163 was replaced in US service by the M1097 Avenger and the M6 Linebacker an M2 Bradley with FIM 92 Stinger missiles instead of the standard TOW anti tank guided missiles the Stinger missile providing the necessary range to deal with helicopters with anti tank missiles far out ranging the 20 mm gun as well as considerably extending the reach against fixed wing targets The final US Army VADS equipped unit at Fort Riley Kansas completed turn in of its Vulcans in 1994 Ammunition editWhile a large number of 20x102mm rounds have been developed not all were issued to M163 units M246 HEI T SD was developed alongside the system and was the primary anti air round with M56 HEI being used for ground support PIVADS units could use Mk 149 APDS rounds which greatly increase maximum effective range due to their higher velocity and lack of a self destruct M940 may have been issued for use prior to withdrawal from service though sources are unclear Designation Type Projectile Weight g Bursting charge g Muzzle Velocity m s DescriptionM56A3 A4 HEI 102 9 g HE RDX wax Al and 1 5 g incendiary 1 030 Nose fuzed round no tracer M246 A1 HEI T SD 102 8 0 g HE 1 030 M56 series derived tracer round M246 using the same loading as M56A3 and M246A1 being derived from M56A4 Tracer burnout triggers the self destruct after 3 7 seconds of flight time roughly 1 800 meters 5 900 ft M940 MPT SD 105 9 g A 4 RDX wax 1 050 Multi purpose fuzeless round for ground based air defence naval and helicopter applications The HE charge is initiated by the incendiary charge on the nose on impact Self destruct due to tracer burn through Penetration 12 5 mm 0 49 in RHA at 0 degree impact at 518 m 1 700 ft range 6 3 mm 0 25 in at 60 degrees and 940 m 3 080 ft Mk 149 APDS projectile 93 penetrator 70 none 1 120 Spin stabilized finless sub caliber round with a 12 mm 0 47 in depleted uranium penetrator Penetration 23 mm 0 91 in armor at 45 degrees at 1 000 m 3 300 ft and 19 mm 0 75 in at 45 degrees at 2 000 m 6 600 ft 6 M55 TP 7 none 1 030 Inert training round based on M53 roundM220 TP T none 1 030 M55 training round with tracer 1 9 second burnSpecifications edit nbsp An M163 during the Persian Gulf War s Operation Desert Shield nbsp An M163 Vulcan anti aircraft gun system vehicle returns to the vehicle staging area after an exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin California nbsp A close up of the 20 mm Vulcan cannon on the M163 VADS Armour layout front 38 mm 1 5 in sides 45 to 32 mm 1 8 to 1 3 in rear top 38 mm 1 5 in bottom 29 mm 1 1 in M168 gun on the M163 Effective range M246 air targets 1 200 m 3 900 ft Mk149 air targets 2 500 m 8 200 ft M56 ground targets 3 000 m 9 800 ft Maximum firing range M246 1 800 m 5 900 ft self destruct Maximum rate of fire 1 000 rpm unlimited 3 000 rpm in burst of 10 30 60 or 100 rounds 8 Elevation 80 to 5 at 45 second Traverse 360 at 60 s Ammunition M167 500 rounds M163 1 100 rounds loaded 1 000 rounds stowedVariants editM163 M163A1 changes to gun mount and vehicle to bring it in line with the M113A1 The resulting carrier vehicle was designated M741A1 M163A2 powertrain changes to bring it in line with the M113A2 The resulting carrier vehicle was designated M741A2 M163 PIVADS 1984 accuracy and workload improvements developed by Lockheed Electronics Company including a digital microprocessor director sight and low backlash azimuth drive system The PIVADS used the M741A1 carrier vehicle and the improvements were carried over to the M163A2 M167 towed version of the turret Prime mover was the Gama Goat until 1989 when the Humvee replaced it Machbet Israeli upgraded version equipped with 4 tube FIM 92 Stinger pod upgraded tracking system and the ability to share information with local high power radar History of service editIn the Israeli Air Defense Command the Hovet the Israeli designation to the M163 VADS scored 3 shoot downs including the first shoot down of a jet warplane a Syrian MiG 21 fighter jet by the M163 VADS during Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982 9 The Israel Defense Forces used the M163 Hovet also for fire support during urban warfare in Operation Peace for Galilee 1982 10 and Operation Defensive Shield 2002 Operators edit nbsp Map with M163 operators in blue with former operators in redCurrent operators edit nbsp Chile 11 405 nbsp Ecuador 44 11 413 nbsp Egypt 108 in service citation needed nbsp Iran citation needed nbsp Jordan 120 in service with RJAF citation needed nbsp Morocco citation needed nbsp Saudi Arabia 90 11 368 nbsp Thailand 24 12 13 nbsp Tunisia citation needed Former operators edit nbsp United States nbsp Portugal 36 ex US M163 Vulcan VADS SPAAG ordered in 1986 but never used Probably purchased to supply parts for the M113A2 14 nbsp Israel following the closing of tactical Anti Air units in the IDF both the VADS and the upgraded VADS hovet fitted with stingers were retired in 2006 See also editKorkut Phalanx CIWS SIDAM 25References edit شاهد بالصور اغتنام عشرات الدبابات والآليات السعودية في عملية نصرمن الله بمحور نجران Retrieved 7 February 2022 Tm 9 2350 300 10 M163 Vads Air Defense Artillery 1990 Sergeant York www globalsecurity org Retrieved 22 October 2010 Archived copy PDF Archived from the original PDF on 7 June 2020 Retrieved 7 June 2020 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint archived copy as title link Mk 149 20mm Penetration Tm 9 2350 300 10 M163 Vads Tm 9 2350 300 10 M163 Vads Vulcan in IAF service Israeli Air Force official website Zaloga Steven J 2003 Tank battles of the Mid East Wars 2 The wars of 1973 to the present Hong Kong Concord Publications p 23 ISBN 962 361 613 9 a b c International Institute for Strategic Studies 2022 The military balance 2022 Abingdon Oxon ISBN 978 1032279008 a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint location missing publisher link http www military today com artillery m163 vulcan htm Military today com 29 October 2019 IMI Systems will upgrade the Royal Thai Army M 163 VADS IMI Systems Archived from the original on 5 November 2019 Retrieved 5 November 2019 Foss C Cullen Tony Foss Christopher F 1993 Jane s Land Based Air Defence Jane s Information p 305 ISBN 0 7106 0979 5 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to M163 VADS Globalsecurity org AFV database Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title M163 VADS amp oldid 1180198771, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
