BAE Systems Launches US Marine Corps' First Amphibious Combat Vehicle

BAE Systems has rolled out the first of 16 Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) 1.1 prototypes for the US Marine Corps today.

BAE Systems’ ACV 1.1 is an amphibious, ship-launchable and ship-recoverable 8x8 wheeled combat vehicle. It is being rolled out with a ceremony at the company’s York, Pennsylvania facility, the company announced Tuesday.

In November 2015, the Marine Corps awarded BAE Systems a $103.7 million contract for the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) phase of the ACV 1.1 program, one of two EMD contracts issued. During this phase, the company is producing 16 prototypes that will be tested by the Marine Corps starting in the first quarter of 2017.

The company's solution for ACV 1.1 leverages an existing platform provided by Iveco Defence Vehicles. It is highly effective at sea when compared to any other amphibious vehicle in production today, providing superior land mobility and systems survivability.

BAE Systems’ ACV 1.1 is equipped with a 700HP engine, which provides a significant power increase over the Assault Amphibious Vehicle currently operated by the Marine Corps.