The United States Marine Corps is enhancing its amphibious warfare capabilities with a new order of ACVs from defense contractor BAE Systems, as of December 7, 2023. This $211 million contract, part of the Marine Corps' fourth full-rate production order, includes 40 ACV Personnel (ACV-P) variants, as well as associated deployment, support costs, and testing equipment. This vehicle is designed to meet the constantly evolving operational requirements of the Marine Corps.
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The ACV Personnel (ACV-P) is an amphibious combat vehicle. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Garrett Lacaillade, Vice President of Amphibious Vehicles at BAE Systems, highlighted the significance of this contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. He noted that the partnership with Iveco Defence Vehicles is crucial in delivering the ACVs on time and within budget. Since December 2020, the start of full-rate production, more than 200 ACVs have already been delivered to the Marine Corps.

The ACV-P, the first of a planned series of four variants, is at the forefront of the Marine Corps' ACV program. Other variants in production or development include the ACV Command and Control (ACV-C), the ACV with a 30 mm Cannon (ACV-30), and the ACV Recovery (ACV-R).

Designed to replace the older Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV), the ACV-P is an eight-wheeled vehicle offering enhanced protection and improved mobility compared to its predecessors.

In terms of power, the ACV-P is equipped with a 690 horsepower engine, allowing a maximum speed of 65 mph on land and over 6 knots in water. Its fuel capacity gives it a range of 325 land miles and 12 nautical miles. Weighing 35 tons, it is designed to transport 13 soldiers and 3 crew members.

The ACV program, including the ACV-P, is part of a progressive approach aimed at increasing speed capabilities in water. Although the current speeds of the ACV and its predecessor are similar in water, Marine Corps officials are considering future improvements for better performance in aquatic environments.

The safety and protection of the crew have been major considerations in the design of the ACV-P, especially following a tragic accident in July 2020 when an AAV sank, resulting in the deaths of several Marines and a Navy corpsman. This incident underscored the importance of increased protection and mechanical reliability in the design of amphibious vehicles.

BAE Systems conducts its ACV production and support at several sites in the United States. The delivery of these newly ordered vehicles is expected to begin in April 2025, further enhancing the amphibious assault and operational readiness capabilities of the Marine Corps.