March 11, 2007:
Jordan, with the help of American parts and Jordanian
contractors, is in the midst of refurbishing about a thousand of its M113 APCs
(Armored Personnel Carriers.) These 1960s era vehicles are getting new engines,
and upgrades or replacements on all other mechanical parts. The work is being
done in Jordan and is costing about $150,000 per vehicle. There is no change to
the armor (which can stop rifle bullets and shell fragments) or weapons (usually
a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine-gun), but there is a new paint job, with a new paint
job and camouflage pattern. The vehicles can also be quickly fitted with slat
armor (as is used on U.S. Strykers) , to protect them from RPGs. But normally,
the slat armor is not carried.