MPC completes amphibious vehicle evaluation
BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles have successfully completed 12 days of rigorous wheeled amphibious vehicle evaluation as part of the US Marine Corps’ Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) Continued Systems Demonstration and Studies contract.
The successful evaluation of the team’s 8x8 MPC, which is derived from Iveco’s SUPERAV, included a series of Water Performance Demonstrations in various sea conditions, as well as an evaluation of Human Factors and Stowage Capacity.
“The highly experienced team of BAE Systems and Iveco presented an impressive 26-ton, open-ocean, swim-capable vehicle that exceeded all projected vehicle requirements,” said John Swift, BAE Systems’ MPC programme director. “Despite a demanding programme, our MPC was completed on schedule and on budget. It will provide our Marine Corps customer with a highly maneuverable solution both in water and on land, with excellent amphibious capabilities and a high level of survivability.”
During testing, the Marine Corps required demonstrations of the vehicle’s maneuverability on land and at sea, as well as the vehicle’s load capacity – the ability to accommodate a reinforced Marine rifle squad and allow for a quick and efficient personnel exit. BAE Systems’ MPC exceeded all vehicle requirements, performing personnel exit drills in less than 17 seconds and showcasing an advanced interior layout and compartmentalisation that allows for the stowage of more than three days of supplies without jeopardizing the survivability of the vehicle and personnel.
The testing took place at the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB), in Camp Pendleton, California. All demonstrations highlighted the MPC’s agility and unique ability to navigate within an open ocean environment, and reinforced similar testing conducted on the SUPERAV by Iveco Defence Vehicles that included ship launch and recovery and surf zone transitions. The joint BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles team is now preparing for survivability demonstrations planned for this summer at the Nevada Automotive Test Center.
The BAE Systems MPC is purpose built to provide Marines with an outstanding balance of protection, performance and payload. The vehicle is designed to fill the medium-armor ground vehicle gap and complements the capabilities of the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV), the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The MPC will be a flexible and highly mobile asset for the Marines that will be well protected, sustainable, networked and include a strong swim capability. As mobile as the lightest and as protected as the heaviest comparable solutions, the MPC offers a true, no-compromise 8x8 amphibious platform.
