BAE Systems has completed the construction of the first Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) ahead of its delivery to the US Army, the company announced on September 1.
The AMPV program provides the Army with a more survivable and mobile fleet of vehicles that addresses the need to replace the Vietnam War-era M113s.
“Finalizing the first AMPV for delivery marks a major milestone for the program and the US Army,” said Bill Sheehy, AMPV program director for BAE Systems’ Ground Vehicles product line. “The AMPV is designed to meet the Army’s missions for the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT), and lay the foundation for the future of the battlefield.”
Identified by the Army as a top priority for safety and survivability, the AMPV family provides the Army with a highly survivable and mobile fleet of vehicles that address a critical need to replace the Vietnam War-era M113s and maneuver with the ABCT in challenging terrain on the front lines.
The mission command vehicle will be the first vehicle delivered and is the cornerstone of the Army’s ABCT Network Modernization Strategy. It facilitates digital mission command, taking advantage of increased volume, protection, power and cooling capabilities and provides flexibility and growth capacity for command, control, communications and computer capabilities.
The other variants in the AMPV family include the general purpose vehicle, which operates throughout the battle space to conduct resupply, maintenance, and alternate casualty evacuation from point of injury. The mortar carrier provides immediate, and responsive, heavy mortar fire support to the ABCT in the conduct of fast-paced offensive operations.
The medical evacuation vehicle enables immediate treatment or evacuation at the point of injury to either ambulatory or litter casualties. The fifth variant is the medical treatment vehicle, a first of its kind vehicle serving as an “operating room on tracks” for life-sustaining care to soldiers suffering from life-threatening injuries.
The AMPV has built-in growth to add new capabilities as technology evolves, including enhanced power generation for advanced electronics, and network connectivity. This gives the Army a vehicle to execute today’s missions, with the ability to adapt to future technologies and capabilities.
Under the current low rate initial production contract awarded in 2018, BAE Systems will deliver more than 450 of the highly mobile, survivable, multi-purpose vehicles. In total, the US Army intends to acquire close to 3,000 AMPVs for a little under $5 billion.
