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M577
M577A1
M577A2
M577A3

Armored Command Post Carrier M5771-3

M577: General
Date of first acceptance December 1962 Total acceptances 944
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew 5 men
M577: Dimensions
Combat weight 23,900lbs
10,840kg		 Height over antenna guards 105.5"
268.0cm
Maximum overall length 194.5"
494.0cm		 Maximum overall width 106"cm
Tread 85.0"
216cm		 Ground clearance 16.13"
40.97cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 7.6psi
.53kg/cm²
M577: Armament
None
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M577: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Middle front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M577: Automotive
Engine Chrysler 75M; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, vee gasoline
Horsepower Gross: 215@4,000rpm Torque Gross: 332 ft-lb@2,800rpm Fuel capacity 120gal
450L
Transmission Allison TX-200-2A, 4 ranges forward, 1 reverse
Steering DS200 controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Differential band
M577: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first and last road wheels/track
M577: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M577: Performance
Max level road speed 38mph
61kph		 Max water speed 3.5mph
5.6kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning radius 22.8'
6.95m		 Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~300mi, roads
~480km, roads

The M577 was based on the M113 armored personnel carrier. From the front to just behind the driver's position and engine compartment, it was identical to the M113, but the passenger compartment was raised by 25.25" (64.14cm) to increase the inside ceiling height to 74.75" (189.9cm). A roof hatch was provided, but there were no vision devices or armament for it. The single fuel tank of the APC was replaced by two 60gal (230L) fuel tanks which were placed on either side of the passenger compartment. The fuel tanks also served as the supports for two 90"- (230cm-) long folding tables. Map boards, radios, wall racks, shelves and a four-man bench seat could be installed in the passenger compartment. To the right of the driver, on the front of the raised passenger compartment, was an auxiliary gasoline generator which provided electrical power for the command equipment. The generator could be dismounted, and a 50' (15m) cable was provided for this purpose. A tent was attached to the rear of the M577 to provide an additional 120ft² (11m²) of space in which to work. This tent was rolled on top of the rear roof when not in use, and could be used to connect different vehicles. Six external-internal teleposts were mounted on the hull rear to connect telephone lines.

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Armored Command Post Carrier M577A11-2,4

M577A1: General
Date of first acceptance September 1964 Total acceptances 2,693
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew 5 men
M577A1: Dimensions
Combat weight 24,750lbs
11,230kg		 Height over commander's hatch 101"
257cm
Maximum overall length 191.5"
486.4cm		 Maximum overall width 106"
269cm
Tread 85.0"
216cm		 Ground clearance 16.125"
40.958cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 7.85psi
.551kg/cm²
M577A1: Armament
None
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M577A1: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Middle front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M577A1: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53; 6 cylinder, 2 cycle, vee diesel
Horsepower Gross: 212@2,800rpm Torque Gross: 492 ft-lb@1,300rpm Fuel capacity 120gal
450L
Transmission Allison TX-100, 3 ranges forward, 1 reverse
Steering DS200 controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Differential band
M577A1: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first and last road wheels/track
M577A1: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M577A1: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.0mph
4.8kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 22.7'
6.92m		 Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~300mi, roads
~480km, roads

The M577A1 used the diesel engine and powertrain from the M113A1 APC. Note that the vehicle's technical manual lists all M113A1-based carriers as having the same cruising range, but the M577A1's larger fuel tank should lead to an increase in its range compared to the other types.

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Armored Command Post Carrier M577A21-2,5

M577A2: General
Date of first acceptance July 1979 Total acceptances 1,457
Manufacturer FMC Corp. Crew 5 men
M577A2: Dimensions
Combat weight 25,813lbs
11,709kg		 Height over antenna guards 106.5"
270.5cm
Length 191.00"
485.14cm		 Width overall 105.75"
268.6cm
Tread 85.0"
216cm		 Ground clearance 17.125"
43.498cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 8.22psi
.578kg/cm²
M577A2: Armament
None
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19 for driver
M577A2: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Middle front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M577A2: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53; 6 cylinder, 2 cycle, vee diesel
Horsepower Gross: 212@2,800rpm Torque Gross: 492 ft-lb@1,300rpm Fuel capacity 120gal
450L
Transmission Allison TX-100, 3 ranges forward, 1 reverse
Steering DS200 controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Differential band
M577A2: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first, second, and last road wheels/track
M577A2: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
T150
Center guide, double pin, steel with chevron rubber pad
Width 14.81"
37.62cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M577A2: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.6mph
5.8kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 26'
7.9m		 Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~425mi, roads
~684km, roads

The M577A2 utilized the improved engine cooling and new suspension of the M113A2. Overhaul of earlier command post vehicles to M577A2 standard commenced in August 1979.

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Armored Command Post Carrier M577A31-2,6-7

M577A3: General
Date of first acceptance 1994
Manufacturer United Defense, LP Crew 5 men
M577A3: Dimensions
Combat weight 26,000lbs
11,800kg		 Height over antenna guards 106.5"
270.5cm
Length 191"
485cm		 Width overall 105.75"
268.6cm
Tread 85.0"
216cm		 Ground clearance 17.125"
43.498cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 8.26psi
.581kg/cm²
M577A3: Armament
None
Night vision
Infrared periscope M19A1 for driver
M577A3: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Middle front 1.5"
3.8cm		 45°
Lower front 1.5"
3.8cm		 30°
Upper sides 1.75"
4.45cm		 0°
Lower sides 1.25"
3.18cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 9°
Ramp 1.5"
3.8cm		 8°
Top 1.5"
3.8cm		 90°
Floor 1.125"
2.858cm		 90°
M577A3: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6V53T; 6 cylinder, 2 cycle, vee diesel
Horsepower Gross: 275@2,800rpm Torque Gross: 627 ft-lb@1,600rpm Fuel capacity 120gal
450L
Transmission Allison X-200-4 or X-200-4A, 4 ranges forward, 2 reverse
Steering Hydrostatic, steering yoke
Brakes Multiple plate, oil cooled
M577A3: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 individually sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
10-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track On first, second, and last road wheels/track
M577A3: Track
T130E1
Center guide, single pin, steel with detachable rubber pad
Width 15"
38cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
T150
Center guide, double pin, steel with chevron rubber pad
Width 14.81"
37.62cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track Left side: 63
Right side: 64		 Ground contact length 105"
267cm
M577A3: Performance
Max level road speed 40mph
64kph		 Max water speed 3.6mph
5.8kph
Max trench 66"
170cm		 Max grade 60%
Max sideslope 30% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter Pivot Max fording depth Floats
Cruising range ~425mi, roads
~684km, roads

M577A3 was powered by the RISE powerpack of M113A3. The gasoline auxiliary generator of earlier vehicles could also be replaced by a diesel-powered model.

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References

  1. Hunnicutt, R.P. Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles. Navato, CA: Presidio Press, 1999. Reprinted with permission from Bradley, R.P. Hunnicutt ©1999, available from Presidio Press, 505B San Martin Drive, Suite 160, Navato, CA 94945.
  2. Crismon, Fred W. U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992.
  3. TM 9-2300-224-10 Operator's Manual Carrier, Full Tracked, Armored: M113 2350-629-1294 (formerly 2320-629-1294); Carrier, Command Post, Light, Tracked: M577 2350-856-6624 (formerly 2320-856-6624); Carrier, Mortar, 107-mm, Self-propelled: M106 2350-987-8900; Carrier, Flame Thrower, Self-propelled: M132 2350-987-8900; Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked, Light Armored: XM806 2350-808-6119. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 15 June 1973.
  4. TM 9-2300-257-10 Operator's Manual Carrier, Personnel, Full Tracked, Armored, M113A1 2350-968-6321; Carrier, Command Post, Light, Tracked, M577A1 2350-056-6808; Carrier, Mortar, 107-mm, Self-propelled, M106A1 2350-076-9002; Carrier, Mortar, 81-mm, Self-propelled, M125A1 2350-071-0732; Carrier, Flame Thrower, Self-propelled, M132A1 2350-056-6809; Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked, Light Armored: XM806E1 2350-808-6104. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 18 December 1973.
  5. TM 9-2350-261-10 Operator's Manual for Carrier, Personnel, Full Tracked, Armored M113A2 NSN 2350-01-068-4077, Carrier, Command Post, Light Tracked, M577A2 NSN 2350-01-068-4089, Carrier, Mortar, 120-MM, M121; Self-propelled, M1064 NSN 2350-01-338-3116, Carrier, Standardized Integrated Command Post System, M1068 NSN 2350-01-354-5657, Carrier, Smoke Generator, Full Tracked, M1059 NSN 2350-01-203-0188, Combat Vehicle, Anti-tank, Improved TOW Vehicle, M901A1 NSN 2350-01-103-5641. Washington, DC: Dept. of the Army, Aug 2005.
  6. TM 9-2350-277-10 Operator's Manual for Carrier, Personnel, Full Tracked, Armored M113A3 2350–01–219–7577 (EIC AEY), Carrier, Command Post, Light Tracked, M577A3 2350–01–369–6085 (EIC AE7), Carrier, Smoke Generator, Full Tracked, M1059A3 2350–01–369–6083 (EIC AFA), Carrier, Mortar, 120-MM, M121, Self-propelled, M1064A3 2350–01–369–6082 (EIC AE8), Carrier, Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS), M1068A3 2350–01–369–6086 (EIC AFC), Carrier, Mechanized Smoke Obscurant M58 2350–01–418–6654 (EIC 5CG). Washington, DC: Dept. of the Army, Jan 2001.
  7. Federation of American Scientists. "M577A3 Command Post Carrier." DOD 101. 5 Feb 2000. 9 Jun 2001 <http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m577.htm>. DOD 101
Last updated 9 Jun 2023.
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© Copyright 2001-23 Chris Conners