Military

BAE Systems to develop new US Army armored vehicle for light infantry

BAE Systems to develop new US Army armored vehicle for light infantry
The US Army has awarded contracts to develop a prototype armored vehicle for light infantry units
The US Army has awarded contracts to develop a prototype armored vehicle for light infantry units
View 6 Images
The BAE vehicle will have an auto-loading ammunition system
1/6
The BAE vehicle will have an auto-loading ammunition system
The US Army has awarded contracts to develop a prototype armored vehicle for light infantry units
2/6
The US Army has awarded contracts to develop a prototype armored vehicle for light infantry units
BAE and General Dynamics will build 12 prototypes each
3/6
BAE and General Dynamics will build 12 prototypes each
Each contract is worth US$376 million
4/6
Each contract is worth US$376 million
The BAE prototype will be based on the M8 Armored Gun
5/6
The BAE prototype will be based on the M8 Armored Gun
The winning prototype will provide IBCTs with armor and firepower
6/6
The winning prototype will provide IBCTs with armor and firepower
View gallery - 6 images

BAE Systems and General Dynamics have been tapped by the US Army to each build 12 prototype medium-armor vehicles. Part of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program, the two US$376-million contracts aim at developing an agile, multi-terrain platform for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT).

Light infantry units are intended to travel fast on missions where heavier units would have trouble getting to the front. The problem is that a US Army IBCT as currently armed lacks in both firepower and armor, with the average unit having to rely on Humvees towing light artillery pieces.

To remedy this, the MPF program has awarded contracts to BAE Systems Land & Armaments and General Dynamics Land Systems to create prototype medium armor vehicles that are compatible with IBCTs. The Army says that the winning vehicle will protect its crew; provide direct, offensive fire to neutralize dug-in enemy and bunkers; defeat heavy machine guns and armored vehicles; and maintain defensive operations against an attacking force.

The BAE vehicle will have an auto-loading ammunition system
The BAE vehicle will have an auto-loading ammunition system

According to BAE, its design is based on 30 years of work on a rapidly deployable, light combat vehicle and will take its cues from the US Army's M8 Armored Gun. The new vehicle will have scaled armor and survivability subsystems, situational awareness systems, a low-profile silhouette, and a M35 105mm cannon. The latter will incorporate an auto-loading ammunition system that can operate at a fire rate of 12 rounds per minute. In addition, it will have a "roll-out" power pack to make it easier to work on the engine and gearbox.

General Dynamics has yet to release details of how its prototype will proceed. As the prototyping phase continues, the Army will evaluate each company's vehicle before deciding which one will enter production.

"Our offering integrates innovative technology that reduces the burden on the crew into a compact design deployable in areas that are hard to reach," says Deepak Bazaz, director of combat vehicles programs at BAE Systems. "We're confident our design meets the requirements and the unique capabilities the IBCT needs."

In a separate statement, Don Kotchman, Vice President and General Manager of General Dynamics Land Systems US Market said, "We are excited about this opportunity to provide the US Army a large-caliber, highly mobile combat vehicle to support the infantry brigade combat teams. We are especially proud of this new opportunity to serve in the Infantry Brigade Combat Team formation."

Sources: BAE Systems, General Dynamics

View gallery - 6 images
5 comments
5 comments
Deres
"based on 30 years of work " ... In real words, that means that they try to resell to the army a 30 years old prototype that the army had already refused in an old program.
Moreover, this project seems quite redundant with the M1128 Mobile Gun System (a Stryker with a 105 mm gun)
ErstO
the problem with the Stryker platform is they cant be airdroped and the Army has been looking for a replacement for the M551 Sheridan since the late 90’s
Fastship
Five years ago this vehicle would have been presented in desert cammo. Today it is presented in north European cammo.
A sure sign where these looters see their next lucrative pay day to be.
EZ
I wonder if our country would survive without wars. We are the most war hungry country on earth and proud of it.
Gibbo
It seems too tall for its overall size. Having such a high profile/silhouette makes it an easier target. It'll likely suffer high casualty rates in a real war.