FMC XR311
Encyclopedia
The XR311 was a prototype military vehicle of US origin, given the nickname G.I. Hotrod.
s and the crew armor kit for use in the escort/security role. These trials were completed in 1972. They were then tested by the 2nd Armored Division. In 1974 they were also tested in the 2nd Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle competition along with a number of vehicles including the original FMC
and Lockheed Martin
designs. It has been stated that an XR311 with TOW missile installation costs around $50,000. The XR311 has been designed to carry out a wide variety of roles including anti-tank, recce
, convoy escort, command and control, medivac
, military police
, mortar
carrier, internal security and forward air defense communications vehicle.
Reconnaissance: Fitted with a ring-mounted .50cal M2HB machine guns with a 360 degree traverse
Convoy Escort/ Security Vehicle: This can be provided with a pintle-mount 5.56mm/7.62 mmCal GPMG's, XM174 automatic grenade launcher's and various other similar weapons. These weapons can also be mounted on the reconnaissance model on the ring mount.
The following kits are available for the basic vehicle: Crew compartment armor kit, consisting of a high-hardness steel doors, side body panels, toe panel, firewall, bullet-proof windshield and bullet-proof side windows. Armored radiator, Armored fuel tank, Top and door kit (water-proof fabric with plastic windows and hinged doors) Various communications installations, High output alternators, 100 and 180 Amp, Litter-carrying kit ,Jump seat for two additional passengers., Explosion resistant reticulated foam fuel-tank filler, Radial ply tires or bullet-proof foam-filled tires, Extreme climate kits for winterization or desert temperatures, Tool kit and portable fire extinguisher.
is a load-carrying space above this which can take a maximum load of 386 kg (851 lb) . A full length skid pan protects the hull and allows the vehicle to slide over obstacles. The transmission is a Chrysler
A-727 fully automatic with a torque converter, there are 3F and 1R gears - the XR311 is in 4 x 4 drive all the time. Limited-slip clutches, in front and rear, and inter-axle differentials automatically distribute more torque to those wheels with the most grip. The independent suspension is of a double 'A' design with a torsion-bar spring and hydraulic telescopic shock absorber at each station. A stabilizer bar is provided for the rear suspension.
The steering is power-assisted and the tubeless tires have a high-pressure tube inner tire which provides a built-in spare for each tube as well as eliminating rim leaks during high speed cornering. The tires are self-cleaning and disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels. The electrical system is 24V DC and two batteries with a capacity of 45 Amp/Hr are provided. The alternator is of the integral rectifier and regulator type. The XR311 is proved with a heavy duty towing pintle as well as a trailer wiring harness receptacle. It is air-transportable and can be air-dropped.
Development
Development of the XR311 commenced as a private venture in 1969 with the first of two prototypes being completed in 1970. As a result of the trials of these 2 prototypes the US Army purchased 10 improved or second generation models in 1971. Of these 10 vehicles, 4 had TOW missile installation for use in the anti-tank role, 3 had an M2HB machine-gun for use in the reconnaissance role and 3 had 7.62mm M60 machine gunM60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
s and the crew armor kit for use in the escort/security role. These trials were completed in 1972. They were then tested by the 2nd Armored Division. In 1974 they were also tested in the 2nd Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle competition along with a number of vehicles including the original FMC
FMC
-USA:*Federal Maritime Commission, federal agency responsible for the regulation of oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce of the U.S.*FMC Corporation, ticker symbol FMC, formerly Food Machinery Corporation and Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation...
and Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
designs. It has been stated that an XR311 with TOW missile installation costs around $50,000. The XR311 has been designed to carry out a wide variety of roles including anti-tank, recce
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
, convoy escort, command and control, medivac
Medivac
Medivac may refer to:* medical evacuation* Medivac , an Australian television series...
, military police
Military police
Military police are police organisations connected with, or part of, the military of a state. The word can have different meanings in different countries, and may refer to:...
, mortar
Mortar (weapon)
A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
carrier, internal security and forward air defense communications vehicle.
Variants
There are 2 models of the XR311:- A recoilless 106 mm rifle mounted above the crew compartment and a total of six rounds of ammunition,
- TOW installation with a total of 10 TOW missiles
Reconnaissance: Fitted with a ring-mounted .50cal M2HB machine guns with a 360 degree traverse
Convoy Escort/ Security Vehicle: This can be provided with a pintle-mount 5.56mm/7.62 mmCal GPMG's, XM174 automatic grenade launcher's and various other similar weapons. These weapons can also be mounted on the reconnaissance model on the ring mount.
The following kits are available for the basic vehicle: Crew compartment armor kit, consisting of a high-hardness steel doors, side body panels, toe panel, firewall, bullet-proof windshield and bullet-proof side windows. Armored radiator, Armored fuel tank, Top and door kit (water-proof fabric with plastic windows and hinged doors) Various communications installations, High output alternators, 100 and 180 Amp, Litter-carrying kit ,Jump seat for two additional passengers., Explosion resistant reticulated foam fuel-tank filler, Radial ply tires or bullet-proof foam-filled tires, Extreme climate kits for winterization or desert temperatures, Tool kit and portable fire extinguisher.
Overview
The XR311 is built around a tubular-steel frame safety roll-cage which protects the passenger compartment if the vehicle turns over. This cage is covered by a heavy-gauge sheet metal. An electrical winch with a capacity of 5000 kg (11,023 lb) can be mounted at the front of the vehicle if required, and the windshield can be removed. The passenger compartment is in the center of the vehicle with the driver on the left and two passenger seats to his right. There is space for 0.93 cubic metres (32.8 cu ft) of cargo behind the passenger seats. The engine and transmission are at the rear of the hull and thereis a load-carrying space above this which can take a maximum load of 386 kg (851 lb) . A full length skid pan protects the hull and allows the vehicle to slide over obstacles. The transmission is a Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
A-727 fully automatic with a torque converter, there are 3F and 1R gears - the XR311 is in 4 x 4 drive all the time. Limited-slip clutches, in front and rear, and inter-axle differentials automatically distribute more torque to those wheels with the most grip. The independent suspension is of a double 'A' design with a torsion-bar spring and hydraulic telescopic shock absorber at each station. A stabilizer bar is provided for the rear suspension.
The steering is power-assisted and the tubeless tires have a high-pressure tube inner tire which provides a built-in spare for each tube as well as eliminating rim leaks during high speed cornering. The tires are self-cleaning and disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels. The electrical system is 24V DC and two batteries with a capacity of 45 Amp/Hr are provided. The alternator is of the integral rectifier and regulator type. The XR311 is proved with a heavy duty towing pintle as well as a trailer wiring harness receptacle. It is air-transportable and can be air-dropped.