U.S. Army studies concluded that engine problems in the M113A1 Family of Vehicles resulted primarily from cooling system deficiencies. This conclusion led to the development of an Improved Cooling System (ICS) which provides approximately 15°F coolant temperature reduction under full load, low speed/high tractive effort conditions; eliminates the collection of the oil and dirt mixture which packs on the radiator heat transfer surfaces; provides a negative pressure engine compartment for CBR application and reduction of exhaust fume leakage to personnel compartment; and provides increased drawdown capacity.
In addition, the basic configuration of the ICS has been designed to be compatible with product-improved/up-powered versions of the M113A1 such as the M113A1E1 currently under development by the U.S. Army.
Basically, the ICS interchanges positions of the fan and radiator on the current production M113A1, with the air flow direction remaining the same. “System analysis” studies were performed using both FMC and TARADCOM cooling system computer programs to “optimize” the design of the system. Generalized work done jointly by FMC and TARADCOM in tracked vehicle cooling system design was applied.
As the result of successful testing the M113A1/ICS is planned for production incorporation mid-1979.