The German company FFG has developed a new version of the M113 armored personnel carrier, which is lengthened by one road wheel to increase internal volume to 10 cubic meters. Known as the Waran, this vehicle is produced by rebuilding existing M113s. Gross vehicle weight is 20 tons, including eight tons of payload. Waran has a maximum road speed of 70km/hr and can accelerate from 0-50km/hr in 21.3 seconds. (M113 needs 34.5 seconds for the same acceleration.) Waran has improved armor mounted under the hull and on the lower-part of the sponsons to protect from mines, including those with explosively formed penetrators. Waran also has new armor providing protection from grenades, shell fragments, and 14.5mm armor piercing shells through 360 degrees. Waran mounts the same cupola as the M113 which can mount a 12.7mm or 7.62mm machinegun or numerous weapons of a similar size. The original engine is replaced with a new German 400hp diesel with a six-speed fully automatic transmission. FFG is also refitting 270 German M113s and 257 Danish M113s to a new standard (not the longer Waran and lacking its improved armor) which includes a new power pack, steering, and dual brake system.--Stephen V Cole