BAe Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV)

History of the BAe Amphibious Vehicle (ACV)

In search of a new, state-of-the-art Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), the U.S. Marine Corps turned to BAe Systems, a company that has proven itself in the defense industry for many years, to supply the 204 needed "ACV 1" .1, beginning in Fall 2019.

BAe Systems' proposal beat SAIC's competing design in June 2018. While the ACV requirements were not fully refined, the choice of BAe Systems vehicles was the right step in the direction of service as he was striving not only to modernize, but also to maintain mobility in important parts of the world.

After the USMC received a Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2015, BAe Systems delivered a total of 16 prototypes, the first of which was introduced in December 2016. The design was tested against SAIC documents in early December 2017 and operational testing in January.

BAe Systems has partnered with defense industry veteran Iveco Defense Vehicles of Italy for this task.

In the inventory of the multi-mission USMC, the ACV was given no small task, and its battlefield role was to take the battle from "ship to shore" and outrun the enemy. The vehicle is designed to support the service's land and shore operations, which means inherent amphibious capabilities, enhanced battlefield survivability and reliability in the harshest conditions.

In addition, general support to forward combat forces is provided through armed deployment or as transported supplies.

As proposed, the BAe ACV model will accommodate up to 13 combat-ready marines in its cabin while being operated by a standard crew of three (driver, commander and gunner). Power comes from a turbodiesel powerplant with an output of 690 hp for an 8x8 wheel arrangement.

Ground clearance is expected to be high, there is good ditch clearance, and common features like run-flat tires and a central tire pressure system are incorporated as part of the package. Underneath, the ACV will carry a proven "V-shaped" blast hull for under-vehicle blast deflection, and the occupants will be further protected by energy-absorbing/suspended seats.

Externally, the vehicle features a state-of-the-art design with a near-horizontal glass panel at the bow, panel sides and flat roofline. The 8x8 wheel arrangement is spread over a total of four axles, with the front pair steerable. The driver is forward on the left, while the commander's position is directly aft. The right bow is the location of the engine. The top of the fuselage is expected to support a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and provide a muzzle for infantry command.

Access is via a powered ramp on the rear side of the fuselage.

The ACV has a range of about 325 miles and can reach speeds of up to 65 mph on smooth roads.

The ACV 1.2 part of the project aims to further increase the "lethality" of the series.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Estimate:

500 x 12.7mm ammo

1,000 x 7.62mm ammo

8 to 12 smoke grenades.

Changes