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: AS-F202 VHF Antenna mast base x8

The AS-F202 VHF antenna base was part of the VIC-3 vehicle harness in Australian service, used in conjunction with R/T F-200 VHF “RAVEN” radios. These antenna bases were used on numerous Australian vehicle families, including M113A1 & AS4, ASLAV, Bushmaster, Leopard AS1, & Land Rover Perenties until the late 2010’s. The antenna elements are not included. The two elements are a total of 2.4m in length, equates to 68mm in 1/35 scale.

Description: x4 1/35 Larkspur Antenna Bases and Antennas

The Larkspur Antenna Bases were widely used on vehicles from Britain, Australia, NATO, and other allied countries. Serving as the standard British radio system from the 1950s to the 1970s, it was installed on various Australian vehicles, including Ferrets, Saladins, Saracens, Centurions, and a range of wheeled soft-skin vehicles. Each kit includes four Larkspur Antenna Bases with antenna scaled at 6.9mm.

Description: x8 MX-6707/VRC Antenna mast base

The MX-6707/VRC Antenna mast base was part of the AS-1729 Vehicular Antenna, generally mounting a VHF antenna. The antenna base was commonly known as part of the VIC1 vehicle harness in Australian service. These antenna-based were used on numerous Australian and Western vehicles. The Australian vehicles range from M113 family of vehicles, Leopard AS1, to the Land Rover family of vehicles from the 1960’s to the late 90’s. The antenna elements are not included, The two elements are a total of 2.8m in length, which is 80mm in 1/35 scale.

Description: x5 81mm Mortar Ammunition Box

Can be used for in conjunction F2 81 mm, commonly known as the L16 81mm Mortar. These boxes were used from the mid-1960’s to around 2010’s The ammunition boxes contained a variety of types of 81mm munitions, from HE, illumination, smoke, and white prosperous. Can also be used as extra stowage as seen on a variety of vehicles from Vietnam to the current era.

Description: x4 EF88 Austeyr w/F2 SpectreDR sight & LAIRD laser.

Also known as the EF88-508 in reference to its 508mm/20” barrel length.

Current ADF assault rifle issued to majority of Australian Defence Force units. The EF88 has the issued F2 SpectreDR sight attached as well as the in service LAIRD (Laser Aiming Illumination & Ranging Device).

Description: x4 EF88 Austeyr w/F2 SpectreDR sight. Also known as the EF88-508 in reference to its 508mm/20” barrel length.

Current ADF assault rifle issued to majority of Australian Defence Force units. The EF88 has the issued F2 SpectreDR sight attached.

Description: x4 EF88C Austeyr w/F2 SpectreDR sight & LAIRD laser.

Current ADF carbine issued to primary to Armoured units, also other units that have a requirement for carbines. The EF88C has the issued F2 SpectreDR sight attached as well as the in service LAIRD (Laser Aiming Illumination & Ranging Device).

Description: x4 EF88C Austeyr w/F2 SpectreDR sight

Current ADF carbine issued to primary to Armoured units, also other units that have a requirement for carbines. The EF88C has the issued F2 SpectreDR sight attached.

Description: Front and Rear indicator lights for M113A1 x4

Australian M113s were fitted with Front and Rear indicator lights. This modification occurred from around the early 1970’s onwards, till they were replaced by another style of indictor lights in the late 1990’s. Check your references before fitting.

This upgrade set is a direct replacement for AFV Club M113 family of vehicles, such as M113A1 ACAV AF35113, M113A1 APC AF35291,  and M113A1 MRV AF35023N. Can be used on other manufacturers M113A1 other than AFV Club kits, check your references before fitting.