The M3 armored reconnaissance vehicle is based on the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. It replaced the M60 main battle tanks and M113 armored personnel carriers with the US Army cavalry and reconnaissance battalions. Vehicle is named in honor of WWII general Omar Bradley. Over 2 000 M3 vehicles were built for the US Army.

   Vehicle's design is similar to the M2 Bradley IFV except the combat compartment's arrangement and equipment. Externally it is virtually similar to the M2. Two scouts are located in the compartment, that was used for infantrymen in the M2. Scouts operate ground reconnaissance radar and other equipment. A motorcycle is also carried  in this compartment to fulfill special tasks.

   The M3 Bradley cavalry fighting vehicle has a welded aluminum armor hull. Front arc has a spaced laminated aluminum and steel armor. Initial production variant provided protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Front arc of the latest models provide protection against 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. Also vehicle is fitted with explosive reactive armor and withstands hits from RPG rounds. Bottom was reinforced with steel plates for improved protection against mines. The M3 is also fitted with NBC protection system.

   All vehicle's armament is located in the turret and consists from M242 25 mm cannon and and coaxial M240 7.62 mm machine gun. A twin-tube TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher is located from the left side of the turret. Decreased number of crew in the combat compartment allowed to carry more ammunition. Ammunition load virtually doubled, comparing with the M2 Bradley. There are no firing ports in the M3. Interestingly during the US military actions in Iraq, since 2003 until 2011, the Bradley series armored vehicles destroyed more Iranian armored vehicles than Abrams main battle tanks.

   Vehicle was powered by the Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine, developing 500 hp. Engine is located at the hull front. It comes out as one assembly, which makes it easier to maintain and service. The M3 Bradley armored reconnaissance vehicle was improved alongside with the M2 infantry fighting vehicle.

Variants

   M3A1, featured improved TOW-2 anti-tank guided missiles and new NBC filtering equipment. A new type of armor-piercing rounds was introduced for the 25-mm cannon. Combat compartment received four vision blocks;

   M3A2, received add-on explosive reactive armor panels from the front and sides of the of hull and turret. Interior was lined with Kevlar lining. Engine was uprated to 600 hp;

   M3A3, has an improved electronic equipment. It is completed with new fire control system, with a laser rangefinder, NAVSTAR global positioning system. Driver received a thermo vision device. The M3A3 received explosive reactive armor of new generation;

   M3A4 is a further upgrade of operational Bradley armored vehicles. It is fitted with a new engine, developing 675 hp. Electronic systems have been improved. Deliveries of upgraded vehicles commenced in 2020.