US Marine Corps units will soon start receiving the long-awaited amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) after the service finalized the initial fielding decision this month.
Program Executive Officer Land Systems approved initial fielding of the Marine Corps’ new ACV, which will eventually replace the Corps’ legacy assault amphibious vehicles.
The I Marine Expeditionary Force will be the first to receive the new ACV. The Marine Corps will deliver the first set of ACVs—the personnel-carrier variant—to marines starting in October.
“This is truly a significant moment, given the many years the Marine Corps has invested in trying to replace the AAV,” said Col. Kirk Mullins, program manager for advanced amphibious assault at PEO Land Systems. “While we still have work ahead of us, this is a historical first step toward delivering this materiel capability to our marines, which is what our mission is all about.”
In the future, the Corps intends to develop, procure and field three additional variants that specialize in command and control, recovery operations and increased firepower.
The ACV is an eight-wheeled vehicle that will provide protection similar to the mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, with landward maneuverability and mobility that is superior to that of the AAV. The vehicles will be outfitted with a precision weapons station for enhanced lethality, and a robust swim capability, allowing it to operate within the littorals and beyond.
Full operational capability is scheduled for 2023.
