BAE Systems has secured a $184-million contract modification to build 48 additional Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) for the US Army.
The modification is part of a full-rate production agreement awarded to the company in August 2023.
Production of the new AMPVs will take place at BAE facilities in Alabama, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
“Soldiers deserve advanced capabilities like the AMPV that have been successfully tested to accomplish the many mission roles they will serve in the formation,” BAE Systems AMPV Program Director Bill Sheehy stated.
“It’s remarkable to have advanced to this stage of full-rate production. We value our continued partnerships with the Army and our suppliers who work alongside us to ensure we keep producing these critical combat vehicles at higher, sustainable volumes.”
BAE noted that it will launch a “large-scale expansion effort” in York, Pennsylvania, to incorporate a new production line to bolster current and future AMPV supplies for the US Army.
In March 2024, the company received another $754 million to advance AMPV manufacturing into its second phase.
The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle
The AMPV is part of a US Department of Defense initiative to replace the army’s M113 tracked armored personnel carriers operational since the 1960s.
Based on a turretless chassis of BAE’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the AMPV comes in several variants, including general purpose, mission command, mortar carrier, medical evacuation, and medical treatment.
An AMPV platform measures 6 meters (20 feet) in length and is powered by a 600-horsepower Cummins diesel engine.
The vehicle’s hull is made of all-welded aluminum armor and an anti-explosive coating at the sides and front.
Users can arm the system with armaments such as heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and mortars.
AMPV drives more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour and has a range of over 360 kilometers (224 miles).