The US Marine Corps has decided to move into full-rate production and award a US$184 million contract for 36 vehicles from BAE Systems’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle Family of Vehicles (ACV FOV). The ACV is an advanced, next generation vehicle for conducting ship-to-shore operations and effectively getting Marines into the fight.
The full-rate production milestone comes shortly after the Marine Corps declared the ACV had met the requirements for Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The IOC declaration occurred on November 13th and is also a significant milestone for the programme and a demonstration of confidence in the vehicle.
“As the ACV enters into service it will be providing highly advanced solutions for conducting maritime-based warfare operations and will play a vital role in the Marine Corps’ complex and challenging missions,” said John Swift, director of amphibious programmes at BAE Systems. “For BAE Systems, full-rate production validates years of dedication and teamwork in partnership with the Marines to introduce this capability to the warfighter and leave our adversaries on the battlefield at a marked disadvantage. We are proud of our role in the programme.”
Developed with teammate IVECO Defence Vehicles, the ACV has a force protection capability three times greater than the Assault Amphibious Vehicle, and provides substantially increased horsepower, with its six-cylinder, 690 horsepower engine, making it capable of land speeds exceeding 55 mph. This first lot of full-rate production is planned to grow to 72 vehicles in early 2021, with the options calling for 80 vehicles annually over five years.
BAE Systems is currently under a US$67 million contract modification awarded in June 2019 to develop new variants for the ACV FOV programme to enhance battlefield situational awareness and firepower. The contract calls for the design and development of the command (ACV-C) and the 30mm medium calibre cannon (ACV-30) variants. Design and development efforts have begun on both. ACV production and support is taking place at BAE Systems locations in Stafford, Virginia; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Aiken, South Carolina; and York, Pennsylvania.
