Just before Christmas, the Platforms and Services team received word that the U.S. Army awarded BAE Systemsa contract to begin the engineering, manufacturing, and development phase – to be followed by low-rate initial production phase – of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program. The award, worth up to $1.2 billion, follows a two-year active competition, and signals the beginning of a new franchise program for the company.
The AMPV provides the U.S. Army with a highly survivable and mobile fleet of vehicles that addresses a critical need to replace the Vietnam-era M113s. The AMPV capitalizes on proven Bradley and M109A7 designs, meeting the Army’s force protection and all-terrain mobility requirements while enabling the AMPV to maneuver with the rest of the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). The Army’s new fleet will provide a substantial upgrade over their current personnel carriers, increasing the service’s survivability, force protection, and mobility. There is also substantial growth potential, allowing for future upgrades and technology developments over the life of the program.
The program has been years in the making for many of the people on the team. The M113 program was cancelled in 2007 and the U.S. Army has been working with industry over the past seven years to determine the right approach to replace the M113 fleet. This process culminated last year with the submission of our design for the new AMPV fleet, which followed a six-month solicitation period and a significant Congressional effort to maintain funding for the program.
The team is excited and has already begun engineering and development work on this important program. We will begin producing the first 29 vehicles next year, which will be delivered to the Army beginning in 2017. Look out for continued updates about BAE Systems new franchise program.
