US defence budget constraints were well reflected at the 2014 Modern Day Marine Exposition, held at US Marine Corps (USMC) Base Quantico. From 23-25 September, vendors displayed equipment currently in use. New systems bidding for the very few new major acquisition programmes underway were present, among these, candidates vying for the USMC number one stated priority, the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), attracted much interest among attendees. Highlighting the importance of the pending acquisition, on 24 September, MT observed outgoing USMC Commandant, Gen. James Amos, making extended visits to each ACV exhibit.
Among the four contractor teams competing for the initial down select: Lockheed-Martin-Patria Land Systems Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) entry dubbed HAVOC 8x8 was presented. The version, a standard AMV, was representative of models currently in use by the Armed Forces of Finland, Sweden, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Africa. On 24 September, Frank Bohlmann, Lockheed Martin’s Director Ground Vehicle Weapons Systems, explained should HAVOC win the initial down select, prototypes based on the AMV chassis will be assembled in the US specifically to meet USMC requirements, although he said the basic design will remain the same. Polish forces have deployed to Afghanistan with up armored Patria AMVs, rendering the type a combat-area proven veteran.
BAE Systems and Iveco are teaming to provide an extensively modified version of Iveco’s SUPERAV 8x8. Based on the same vehicle used by the Italian Army, BAE is modifying Iveco’s SUPERAV to accommodate the larger physical size of the typical US Marine infantryman, according to Jared Nunn, Mechanical Engineer with BAE’s Ground Systems Division. Nunn told MT, the BAE-Iveco candidate has undergone extensive design alterations enabling the vehicle to exceed stated USMC requirements in anticipation of future needs. In particular, Jared mentioned the ability to transport 13 Marines, a full infantry squad, in addition to a three-Marine vehicle crew. Current requirements call for only ten passengers; a benefit Jarred believes places the SUPERAV above the competition by anticipating and meeting likely requirements while surpassing expectations.
Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) and SAIC have responded to the USMC's RfI for the USMC ACV Increment 1.1 programme, and will be submitting a modified version of ST Kinetics' TERREX for the down select phase. The TERREX is currently in service with the Singapore military and a modified version met initial USMC thresholds during a series of operational testing at USMC Base Camp Pendleton in 2013. A concept model of the ST Kinetics-SAIC ACV candidate, complete with a remote operated 30mm turreted cannon was on display. Major differences were said to be within the vehicle interior; outwardly, the ST Kinetics-SAIC candidate appeared to have a more streamlined exterior. When approached, company representatives did not provide further details on the prototype, citing confidentiality reasons.
Gary O’Brien, Capture Manager with General Dynamics Land – Systems Canada, explained the company would present a modified version of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 6.0, similar to those in use by the Canadian military, O’Brien explained the vehicle combines LAV chassis with a purpose-built ACV demonstrator unit, has successfully completed initial testing by the USMC Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch.
 |
| USMC Commandant General James Amos visits ACV exhibitors (Photos: Josh Cohen) |
Among the four contractor teams competing for the initial down select: Lockheed-Martin-Patria Land Systems Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) entry dubbed HAVOC 8x8 was presented. The version, a standard AMV, was representative of models currently in use by the Armed Forces of Finland, Sweden, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Africa. On 24 September, Frank Bohlmann, Lockheed Martin’s Director Ground Vehicle Weapons Systems, explained should HAVOC win the initial down select, prototypes based on the AMV chassis will be assembled in the US specifically to meet USMC requirements, although he said the basic design will remain the same. Polish forces have deployed to Afghanistan with up armored Patria AMVs, rendering the type a combat-area proven veteran.
 |
| Patria 8x8 AMV as a contender for the USMC's ACV programme. |
BAE Systems and Iveco are teaming to provide an extensively modified version of Iveco’s SUPERAV 8x8. Based on the same vehicle used by the Italian Army, BAE is modifying Iveco’s SUPERAV to accommodate the larger physical size of the typical US Marine infantryman, according to Jared Nunn, Mechanical Engineer with BAE’s Ground Systems Division. Nunn told MT, the BAE-Iveco candidate has undergone extensive design alterations enabling the vehicle to exceed stated USMC requirements in anticipation of future needs. In particular, Jared mentioned the ability to transport 13 Marines, a full infantry squad, in addition to a three-Marine vehicle crew. Current requirements call for only ten passengers; a benefit Jarred believes places the SUPERAV above the competition by anticipating and meeting likely requirements while surpassing expectations.
 |
| Front view of the Iveco SUPERAV. |
Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) and SAIC have responded to the USMC's RfI for the USMC ACV Increment 1.1 programme, and will be submitting a modified version of ST Kinetics' TERREX for the down select phase. The TERREX is currently in service with the Singapore military and a modified version met initial USMC thresholds during a series of operational testing at USMC Base Camp Pendleton in 2013. A concept model of the ST Kinetics-SAIC ACV candidate, complete with a remote operated 30mm turreted cannon was on display. Major differences were said to be within the vehicle interior; outwardly, the ST Kinetics-SAIC candidate appeared to have a more streamlined exterior. When approached, company representatives did not provide further details on the prototype, citing confidentiality reasons.
Gary O’Brien, Capture Manager with General Dynamics Land – Systems Canada, explained the company would present a modified version of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 6.0, similar to those in use by the Canadian military, O’Brien explained the vehicle combines LAV chassis with a purpose-built ACV demonstrator unit, has successfully completed initial testing by the USMC Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch.
Josh Cohen