BAE Systems was awarded a contract up to $1.2 billion for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) and low-rate initial production (LRIP) for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program.
The initial award for the EMD phase, announced last week, is worth approximately $383 million and covers 29 vehicles across each of the five variants: general purpose, mission command, mortar carrier, medical evaluation, and medical treatment vehicles. Fiscal year 2014 and 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds are included in this award.
Photo: BAE Systems
Work is expected to be completed by May 20, 2019, at which time an option for the LRIP phase could be exercised immediately for another 289 vehicles.
“This award represents a significant milestone for the U.S. Army and BAE Systems,” Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems, said in a company statement. “The AMPV will provide a substantial upgrade over the Army’s current personnel carrier fleet, increasing the service’s survivability, force protection, and mobility while providing for future growth potential. It also confirms BAE Systems’ role as a leading provider of combat vehicles.”
The AMPV will replace the Vietnam-era M113s, and its design combines the best of the Bradley and M109A7 designs to create an all-terrain vehicle with high mobility and force protection.