48144 IDF M577 MUGAF LATE

The M577 was an American tracked command vehicle from the Cold War period. The first prototypes of the vehicle were created in the early 1960s, and series production began shortly after. The M577 was powered - depending on the version - by a single engine Chrysler 75M with 205 HP or General Motors 6V53T engine with 275 HP. The vehicle did not have any fixed armament. The M577 was based on the chassis and many components of the M113 armored personnel carrier. The main changes concerned the middle and rear parts of the fuselage, which were enlarged and adapted to carry extensive communication and battlefield management equipment. Like its prototype, it has a relatively thin armor that protects the crew mainly against small-caliber weapons and artillery fragments. It is also characterized by amphibious abilities. Several versions of the M577 were created during the long series production. The chronological first was the version designated M577. Later, the M577A1 version was created, which received an automatic transmission and a new engine with 275 HP. A version of the M577A2 was also created, which featured an improved suspension and a new cooling system. The M577 vehicles were also used as ambulances, medical evacuation vehicles, and artillery fire control vehicles. The M577 vehicles have been used in many countries, including Egypt, Greece, Portugal and Taiwan.