Tasks of a Combat Engineer. The M-9 Armored Combat Earthmover, which is air transportable, fully mobile, and armored, substantially improves the capacity of combat engineers to provide support to the MAGTF. The M-9 ACE is capable of performing a wide range of engineering construction duties, including removing obstacles, preparing defilade and survivability positions, dozing, scraping, grading, hauling, towing, and winching.

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Fully tracked and exceptionally mobile, the M9 ACE is an armored earthmoving vehicle that can provide support to forces during both оffensive and defensive operations. Its critical combat engineer duties include establishing hull defilade figҺting positions to enhance the survivability of weapons, tanks, and other battlefield systems. In addition to breaching berms and preparing anti-tank ditches and combat roadways, the ACE eliminates roadblocks and constructs access routes across water obstacles. The M-9 ACE is equipped with armored protection and cross-country mobility, which enable it to conduct оffensive and defensive operations in the forested bаttle area. Furthermore, the M-9 ACE possesses the capability to swim, air transportability, and a cruising range of 200 miles, all of which enable it to sustain the momentum of the maneuvering forces.

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The M9 is composed primarily of welded aluminum. The operator’s compartment, drive train, and engine are located in the rear of the vehicle, whereas an 8.7-cubic-yard basin, apron, and dozer blade adorn the front. Aluminum is welded with aluminum, selected steel, and aramid-laminated plates to form the armor. Protecting the driver’s compartment is an armored superstructure comprised of eight vision blocks.