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)

Description: 1/16 M113 reflectors x4

The M113 rear reflectors were mounted on the rear track guards on both sides. Introduced in the 1970’s, they were added to meet updated safety requirements for the M113 FOV to operation on Australian roads. Four reflectors are in the kit, enough for two vehicles. Included in these updates were red & white reflective tape on the sides of the hull. See instructions for placement for both.

This update kit is suited to the Andys Hobby Headquarters 1/16 M113A1/M113A1 ACAV Armored Personnel Carrier AHHQ-009.

Instructions 1-16 M113A1 Reflectors and Reflective tape

Australian M113 Sponson Armour for one M113 vehicle

During the Vietnam conflict, the Australian M113s were fitted with sponson armour on each side of the vehicle, to help counter the threat of mines and IEDs. This modification occurred from 1969 onwards. All M113 in Australian service were fitted with this armour. M113 FSV hulls that had their turrets removed and sent to New Zealand Army also had this armour fitted to them.

This update kit is suited to the Andys Hobby Headquarters 1/16 M113A1/M113A1 ACAV Armored Personnel Carrier AHHQ-009. Download instructions for guide to fit.

Instructions M113A1 sponsor Armour 

Australian M113A1 Belly Armour for one M113 vehicle.

During the Vietnam conflict, Australian M113s had an Australian-designed armoured plate fitted to the underside of the hull, referred to as “belly armour.” Belly armour was intended to counter the threat of mines and improvised explosive devices. This modification occurred in-theatre from 1969 onwards. All M113 variants in Australian service in South Vietnam were fitted with this armour. Post Vietnam, Australian M113A1s were occasionally fitted with Belly Armour; check your references before fitting

This correction kit is suited to the AFV Club, M113A1 ACAV AF35113, and their M113A1 APC AF35291. Download instructions for guide to fit.

Instructions M113A1 Belly Armour

Australian M113 Sponson Armour for one M113 vehicle

During the Vietnam conflict, the Australian M113s were fitted with sponson armour on each side of the vehicle, to help counter the threat of mines and IEDs. This modification occurred from 1969 onwards. All M113 in Australian service were fitted with this armour. M113 FSV hulls that had their turrets removed and sent to New Zealand Army also had this armour fitted to them.

This update/correction kit is suited to the AFV Club, M113A1 ACAV AF35113, and their M113A1 APC AF35291. Download instructions for guide to fit.

Instructions M113A1 sponsor Armour