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2021-08-01

BAE Systems Bags US$600 M for AMPV Programme

BAE Systems won a contract worth up to US$600 million from the U.S. Army for the sustainment and support of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) over the next five years. The vehicle comes in five variants that have been designed to execute several different missions while operating on the front lines.

The AMPV design leverages Bradley and M109A7 Self Propelled Howitzer modernisation and risk reduction investment to optimise mobility, vehicle electronics, and integrated mission equipment performance. The vehicles are known for delivering enhanced underbody protection.

BAE Systems is currently in low-rate production for the AMPV programme and has delivered at least one of each of the five variants designed for the family of vehicles. The sustainment contract enables adding new capabilities and technologies on AMPVs throughout their time in service.

“The AMPV family of vehicles will bring unmatched capability to the battlefield and has demonstrated outstanding survivability and force protection as well as flexibility and growth for the future,” said Bill Sheehy, the AMPV programme director at BAE Systems. “This contract will allow for future upgrades through the development and integration of new capability sets onto existing variants.”

The all-new AMPV is the first tracked combat vehicle built from the ground up for the U.S. Army in more than two decades. The survivable and mobile family of vehicles addresses the critical need to replace the Vietnam War-era M113s and provides improvements in power, mobility, interoperability, and survivability for the Armoured Brigade Combat Team over the legacy family of vehicles.

Different Variants

The U.S. Army received the first Medical Treatment AMPV last December, marking the delivery of at least one of each variant to the Army. The first production AMPV was a Mission Command variant delivered last year. The other variants in the AMPV family include:

The General Purpose (GP) vehicle: It operates throughout the battle space for the purpose of conducting resupply, maintenance, alternate casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) from point of injury and first sergeants’ vehicle for the Combined Arms Battalion. The GP accommodates a driver, commander and four soldiers. For CASEVAC, the vehicle can be reconfigured to accommodate a supine litter casualty without interference or displacement of crew or equipment.

The Mortar Carrier (MC): This vehicle provides immediate, responsive, heavy mortar fire support to the Armoured Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) in the conduct of fast-paced offensive operations by utilising the M121 Mortar System and the M95 Mortar Fire Control System.

The MC provides logistical resupply, casualty evacuation and treatment, command post operations, and heavy mortar fire support for the ABCT. Equipped with a springboard to modernisation and increased capability, the MC variant provides the agility soldiers need to support a variety of missions.

The Medical Evacuation variant: The vehicle provides immediate treatment or evacuation at the point of injury to either ambulatory or litter casualties. Ambulatory patients are able to walk into the vehicle on their own and sit upright for treatment, while carrying on the fight when necessary.

The Medical Evacuation vehicle’s proven medical capabilities include a medical treatment area, reconfigurable ambulatory capacity of six and an evacuation medical equipment set. It can accommodate up to six ambulatory patients or four litter patients. It employs equipment common to civilian ambulances. Furthermore, the vehicle is capable of manoeuvring with the ABCT in the toughest terrain.

The AMPV is ready to integrate the technology and capabilities required to complete any mission on the battlefield. This includes the ability to enhance power generation capability to enable future electronic and network connectivity upgrades.Moreover, the vehicle’s enhanced armour protection utilise reactive armour tiles and common spall liner and applique to increase defence against threats. The AMPV features enhanced underbelly protection and automatic fire suppression systems in crew and engine compartments.

Improved network connectivity and Beyond Line-of-Sight capability through the addition of digital satellite communications hardware and software also help the ABCT connect with their entire team in every scenario.

Work on the AMPV programme takes place across BAE Systems’ industrial network, which includes facilities in Aiken, South Carolina, Anniston, Alabama, Phoenix, Arizona, Sterling Heights, Michigan, and York, Pennsylvania.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.baesystems.com

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