The Norwegian Model-142 is an
anti-tank variant of the American
M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC), the difference being that it is equipped with a TOW2 turret developed in Norway by
Kværner
Kværner was a Norwegian engineering and construction services company that existed between 1853 and 2005. In 2004, it was amalgamated to the newly formed subsidiary of Aker ASA - Aker Kværner, which was renamed Aker Solutions on 3 April 2008 ...
Eureka.
Armament
The NM-142 mounts a turret containing a
TOW2 guided anti-tank missile system, with one launch tube on each side of the turret.
Additionally, mounted on the commander's hatch, there is an
MG3 machine gun for use as secondary armament and in situations where the TOW2-system is unsuitable.
Organization
The vehicle has a crew of four. The commander leads the crew, including designating targets, operating communication systems and navigating. The gunner is responsible for operating and maintaining the TOW2 weapon system. The loader assists the gunner, especially by reloading the launch tubes whenever necessary. Finally, the driver maneuvers the APC and is responsible for maintaining the engine, treads and other driving mechanisms.
Usually, a platoon consists of four NM-142s, led by a
lieutenant
A lieutenant ( , ; abbreviated Lt., Lt, LT, Lieut and similar) is a commissioned officer rank in the armed forces of many nations.
The meaning of lieutenant differs in different militaries (see comparative military ranks), but it is often ...
(who also is the commander on one of the NM-142s). In some cases, three platoons are put together to constitute an anti-tank
squadron
Squadron may refer to:
* Squadron (army), a military unit of cavalry, tanks, or equivalent subdivided into troops or tank companies
* Squadron (aviation), a military unit that consists of three or four flights with a total of 12 to 24 aircraft, ...
, but individual platoons are also incorporated in various
mechanized formations.
The
Norwegian Army
The Norwegian Army ( no, Hæren) is the land warfare service branch of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The Army is the oldest of the Norwegian service branches, established as a modern military organization under the command of the King of Norway ...
had approximately 100 NM-142s. By the end of the service life, all but 12 were withdrawn from service. These received some modifications and then named NM-142F1. As of 2021, all NM142 and NM142Fs have been withdrawn from active service.
Other nations have made variants using the same turret on other vehicles (Canada and Saudi Arabia).
See also
*
M901 ITV, a similar American M113 variant
External links
TOW page at Scandinavian Armor- some more details and statistics about the APC and weapon system.
{{Fire support vehicles
Tracked armoured fighting vehicles
Tank destroyers
Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s