The US Marine Corps’ (USMC) Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) has successfully completed rigorous wheeled amphibious vehicle evaluations, conducted by the BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles team, at the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB), in Camp Pendleton, California, US.
Performed as part of continued systems demonstration and studies contract, the assessments aim to validate the vehicle’s manoeuvrability on land and at sea, as well as its ability to carry a reinforced US Marines rifle squad, while enabling quick and efficient personnel exit.
During the 12-day testing, personnel also conducted exit drills in less than 17 seconds demonstrating human factors and stowage capacity, capable of allowing cargo equipment for more than three days without jeopardising survivability of the vehicle and personnel, while exceeding all vehicle requirements.
BAE Systems MPC programme director John Swift said: "It will provide our Marine Corps customer with a highly manoeuvrable solution both in water and on land, with excellent amphibious capabilities and a high level of survivability."
In addition, the testing also validated the 26t vehicle’s ability to navigate within an open ocean environment.
Based on Iveco’s Superav 8×8 armoured personnel carrier, the MPC is scheduled to undergo survivability demonstrations in the next few months at the Nevada Automotive Test Center.
The vehicle will complement the USMC’s capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle (AAV), the amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) and the joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV).
The MPC is expected to bridge the medium-armour ground vehicle gap by providing well-protected, sustainable, networked and strong swim capability for marines.
Image: USMC’s marine personnel carrier during water performance demonstrations. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
