AIFV

The AIFV, or Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle, is an American tracked light armored vehicle developed by FMC Corporation from the M113A1 armored personnel carrier. In 1967 FMC built two XM765 prototypes with an enclosed turret and firing ports so that infantry could fight from inside, but the US Army preferred a better protected and more mobile vehicle and chose the M2 Bradley. FMC carried on as a private venture, passing through a product improved M113A1 in 1970 before arriving at the layout with the driver at the front left, the commander behind him and a one-man turret to the right. Other governments found it simpler, lighter and cheaper than the Bradley. Four evaluation vehicles reached the Netherlands in 1974 and an order for 880 followed, sold as the YPR-765. Belgium, the Philippines and Turkey also bought it, and Turkey built about 2,249 under licence. It serves as an infantry fighting vehicle in the armies of several countries.