Traditionally
Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), tracked and wheeled alike, have
been used to transport infantry as near to their objective as possible
where they dismount and fight on foot. APCs are still used by many
countries, but they are now being supplemented by Infantry Fighting
Vehicles (IFVs)
Usually an APC is armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm Machine Gun (MG) which was initially in an unprotected mount but later provided with protection, such as a cupola or turret. Ballistic protection was normally against small arms fire and shell splinters. APCs can be tracked or wheeled with the latter being normally in the 8×8 configuration which have greater volume and mobility than older 6×6 vehicles.
The latest IFVs have a higher level of ballistic protection as well as increased protection against mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). They are also better armed and are usually fitted with a one or two person turrets armed with a stabilised medium-calibre cannon and a 7.62mm co-axial MG. In most cases this turret is fitted with a computerised Fire Control System (FCS) with the commander and gunner having stabilised day/thermal sighting systems equipped with an integrated laser rangefinder.
Usually an APC is armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm Machine Gun (MG) which was initially in an unprotected mount but later provided with protection, such as a cupola or turret. Ballistic protection was normally against small arms fire and shell splinters. APCs can be tracked or wheeled with the latter being normally in the 8×8 configuration which have greater volume and mobility than older 6×6 vehicles.
The latest IFVs have a higher level of ballistic protection as well as increased protection against mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). They are also better armed and are usually fitted with a one or two person turrets armed with a stabilised medium-calibre cannon and a 7.62mm co-axial MG. In most cases this turret is fitted with a computerised Fire Control System (FCS) with the commander and gunner having stabilised day/thermal sighting systems equipped with an integrated laser rangefinder.
