1/35 Australian Fire Support vehicle M113A1 (FS) Conversion

Australian Fire Support vehicle M113A1 (FS) Conversion

The FSVs were introduced into service around the mid-1960’s. They were converted from M113A1 hulls, modified to fit Saladin turrets, which were removed from in-service Saladin armoured cars. A total of fifteen vehicles were configured with an adapter plate and other minor modifications to bring them into service. During the Vietnam conflict, eight Australian FSV M113 (FS) vehicles served from mid-1971 until early 1972. The deployment of the eight-strong FSV fleet gave sufficient operational flexibility to the 1st Australian Task Force to permit the withdrawal of the Squadron of Centurion tanks. Six of these vehicles were deployed for patrolling, convoy protection, ambushes, protection of land-clearing teams, and defense of established positions. The other two were held in reserve. After the Vietnam War, the Australian Army continued to use these vehicles until the mid-1980’s.

Included are parts for both the Vietnam service FSV’s, and for updates added to the FSV’s during their post Vietnam service in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps giving the modeller the option to build either. Please take note of these instructions in order to use the correct parts for your desired build.

This conversion kit is suited to the AFV Club, M113A1 ACAV AF35113, M113A1 APC AF35291, and their Australian Army M113 LRV AF35313.

Instructions M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle (FSV)