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Some WEAPONS used by the Aussies

The 7.62mm L1A1 SLR (self loading rifle) is an Australian version of the Belgian FN FAL. The L1A1 is a reliable, hard hitting, gas operated, magazine-fed semi-operated rifle, with a maximum effective range of 300 metres and a practical rate of fire of 20 rpm. In Vietnam, the L1A1 was the standard personal weapon of the Australian soldier. With a full 20-round magazine, it wieghs 4.96 kg.

The 7.62mm M60 general purpose machine-gun (GPMG) an American produced weapon that came into service with the Australian Army in 1960, can be employed in a light role on it's bipod (effective range 500 metres) or in a medium role on a tripod (effective range 1,100 metres) as well as being used as protective armament on vehicles and helicopters. Gas operated, air cooled and belt fed, with a quick-change barrel to counter overheating during sustained firing, it has a practical rate of fire of 200 rpm. In Vietnam it was the main firepower of the infantry rifle section. With bipod the M60 wieghs 10.5 kg, which increases by 6.8kg if a tripod is added.

The combination M16A1 automatic rifle and M203 ( a version of the M79) grenade launcher was producd to avoid the problem of a infantryman having to carry a grenade launcher as well as a weapon for personal protection. The 5.56mm M16A1 is a gas operated, magazine-fed rifle capable of semi-automatic and automatic fire with an effective range of 300 metres and a practicle rate of fire of 60 rpm. The M79 40mm grenade launcher was used to provide additional fire support for the infantry by delivering high explosive, parachute flares and cannister rounds . The high explosive had a maximum range of 400 metres and a casualty radius of 5 metres. While both weapons were used seperately by infantry sections, the combination was used extensively by SAS troops.

The 9mm L9A1 Browning pistol, of Belgian design, is a reliable, recoil-operated, magazine-fed,semi-automatic pistol with a maximum effective rang of 50 metres and a practicle rate of fire of 40 rpm. It was used in Vietnam as a personal weapon by staff officers, the crews of vehicles and soldiers searching confined spaces such as tunnels.

The American produced M26 high explosive hand grenade, was introduced to Australian Army during the mid-60's. Weighing 450grams, it can be thrown up to 40 metres or projected up to 160 metres from the muzzle of a rifle fitted for grenade projection. The grenade hs a 4-to-5 second fuse and a casualty radius of 15 metres.

The M113A1 armoured personel carrier (APC), shown in the cutaway drawing above, was used for transporting troops and other tasks in Vietnam. A reliable. U.S. made vehicle, the APC is amphibious, and with a crew of two, can carry 11 troops. Modifications were made to Australian APC's as the war progressed, one of them being the fitting of a small turret in which were mounted two machine-guns. either two .30-calobre or a .30 and .50 combination. Some APC's were fitted with 76mm guns; these vehicles were sent to Nui Dat to provide support for the withdrawal of troops before their return to Australia.

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