The US Marine Corps has awarded BAE Systems a contract for the full-rate production of 30 Amphibious Combat Vehicles with a medium caliber weapon system.
The $188.5-million deal covers “ACV-30” variants fitted with 30-millimeter remote turret systems that are being procured separately and integrated by the Naval Information Warfare Integration Center – Atlantic.
The incoming vehicles are tailor-made to support the logistics of warfighters and mission-critical capabilities while sustaining firepower and protection on the battlefield.
“The ACV is tested and proven to be incredibly adaptable – it not only swims, but it’s also optimized for ship-to-shore, island-hopping, and advanced land operations,” BAE Systems Amphibious Programs VP Rebecca McGrane remarked.
“With enhanced direct-fire lethality via the 30mm fully stabilized weapon system, the ACV-30 helps to ensure Marines are ready for any mission, land or sea.”
The ACV Program
The marines’ latest order is part of the US Department of Defense’s larger program with BAE Systems to increase the American amphibious force’s ACV fleet and replace similar vehicles operational since the 1970s.
This initiative is now at the beginning of its fifth of a six-lot framework, with the latest order being announced in April 2024.
Among the ACV configurations that the marines will receive under this effort include the system’s recovery, personnel, and command variants.
Modern Amphibious Platform
BAE Systems’ ACV measures 30 feet (9 meters) and weighs about 32 tons (29,030 kilograms).
Depending on user requirements, the vehicle can be mounted with a heavy machine gun, a grenade launcher, and a remote-controlled weapon station.
It can carry more than 10 passengers, is operated by a crew of three, and has a payload capacity of 3.3 tons (2,994 kilograms).
The ACV is powered by a 700-horsepower engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission for a top speed of 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour on land and 6 knots (7 miles/11 kilometers per hour) on water.
It has a range of 325 nautical miles (374 miles/602 kilometers) on land and 12 nautical miles (14 miles/22 kilometers) on water.
