infantry fighting vehicle

Infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is a type of armoured fighting vehicle. IFVs are armoured personnel carriers or APCs with enhanced armament and armour, designed to transport 5-10 infantry troops and then also give direct-fire support during a battle. They are usually armed with an ATGM launcher and an autocannon of typically 20-30mm caliber. IFVs are usually tracked. Examples include the American M2, M3 and the new Stryker, the German Marder, the South African Ratel and the Russian BMP series. Small Infantry Fighting Vehicles were used in Iraq. IFVs have less armour and a smaller main gun than Main Battle Tanks or MBTs but they sometimes carry heavy missiles which have a greater range and greater explosive power than projectiles fired by Main Battle Tanks. The mix of missiles, heavy machine guns and automatic cannons is nearly infinite.

Infantry Fighting Vehicle

See also