One of the prototypes features a 30mm turret, while the other is equipped with a Modular Turreted Mortar System (MTMS). The MTMS recently completed evaluations at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Test Center. A key innovation enabling these capabilities is BAE Systems’ common top plate, which allows seamless integration of over 30 different turret systems onto the AMPV platform.
There’s something powerful making its way to #AUSA2024.
It’s not only fast, furious and future-proofed – it’s the fifth Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (#AMPV) prototype ready to make its debut. pic.twitter.com/cyPZthduUq
— BAE Systems, Inc. (@BAESystemsInc) October 12, 2024
The latest 30mm turret configuration is the fifth AMPV prototype revealed by BAE Systems in the past year. This version is fitted with the KONGSBERG Medium Caliber Turret (MCT), a lightweight remote system also chosen by the U.S. Marine Corps for its Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme.
Bill Sheehy, AMPV programme director at BAE Systems, emphasised the efficiency and adaptability of the platform. He highlighted how the common top plate enables fast and cost-effective upgrades, ensuring that soldiers are equipped for current and future battlefield needs. The AMPV hull can support a wide range of mission roles and potential upgrades.
One prototype currently under evaluation by the U.S. Army is the AMPV MTMS, which integrates a 120mm remote-controlled turreted mortar system. This system was successfully demonstrated in a live-fire event at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in Georgia, following its field evaluations earlier this year.
BAE Systems has already configured three other systems onto the AMPV platform using the common top plate over the past year. These include a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) turret, an unmanned 30mm turret, and a medium-calibre 30mm weapon system.
Sheehy further emphasised the modular design of the AMPV, stating that the vehicle is “future-proofed” and built to adapt to a wide range of operational requirements. He stressed that the AMPV is designed to be flexible and capable of evolving with new technologies as the battlefield demands.
In parallel with its prototyping efforts, BAE Systems is nearing completion of an expansion of its AMPV production line in York, Pennsylvania. This expansion will enhance the company’s ability to deliver the vehicles in greater numbers and at a faster pace to meet the Army’s operational needs.