The Marine Corps has sent out marching orders to vendors vying for the opportunity to build its next Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV 1.1): The vehicle needs to have the mobility of an M1 Abrams tank.
Competition among vendors will begin shortly, but some, like BAE Systems, already have work on display. BAE Systems had its version of the ACV 1.1 at this week’s Modern Day Marine Expo held at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virgina.
“The objective for the ACV 1.1 is for it to have the mobility equal to an M1 Abrams tank. The vehicle will have enhanced ground mobility and a robust swim capability. We are looking to have a swim capability on par with the AAV,” Col. Wendell Leimbach, deputy program manager, advanced amphibious assault program office, told Military.com Thursday.
The Marine Corps believes that improvements in wheeled vehicle technology will allow the private sector to build highly mobile troop carriers with the durability of armored amphibs. Upon completion, each ACV 1.1 will carry between 10 and 13 marines into battle, the website reported.
Now that the developmental phase for the new vehicle is complete, the Corps is ready to put out a formal Request For Proposal to industry in October, Military.com reported.
“The plan is to down select to two vendors. They will each build 16 vehicles. We will use those vehicles to demonstrate their capabilities and help inform the final requirements for ACV 1.2,” Col. Leimbach added.
SEE ALSO: Marine Warfighting Lab tests the Godzilla of amphibious assault vehicles
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.