The American army has so far ordered more than 1.6 billion USD worth of multipurpose armored vehicles AMPV – a new contract ensures the production of AMPV until 2027. The initial low-rate initial production (LRIP) began in 2019, with full-rate production (FRP) starting in August of last year. Two years behind schedule.
The current announcement does not specify the number of ordered vehicles. However, according to Pentagon budget documents, the army will acquire 91 AMPVs in the current fiscal year (FY) 2024 and 81 the following year. In each of FY2026 and FY2027, 122 vehicles will be acquired. In FY2028, it will be 131 vehicles, and in the last planned FY2029, 87 vehicles. Changes are, of course, possible.
BAE Systems has produced and delivered 628 AMPVs so far. By 2029, a total of 1711 AMPVs will be ordered and delivered out of the planned 3030 vehicles. At this production rate, the production of AMPV will end after 2040. On the other hand, the entire armed forces of the United States, including the US Army, are focusing on the Pacific. There, AMPV may not find much use. So, the Pentagon is not in a hurry with the production of AMPV.
The average unit cost of AMPV (regardless of version) is quite high, reaching 6.9 million USD. However, AMPVs are much more than just ordinary tracked armored vehicles. Out of the total planned number of AMPVs, the OT represents only 17% of the vehicles.
AMPV vehicles are produced in several variants, including vehicles for general use M1283 General Purpose (planned 522 units), medical evacuation vehicle M1284 Medical Evacuation (790), medical treatment M1285 Medical Treatment (216), command vehicle M1286 Mission Command (993), and self-propelled mortar M1287 Mortar Carrier (386).
The M1287 Mortar Carrier is a turretless self-propelled mortar with a manually loaded 120mm mortar. It is ideologically based on the original mortar version of the M113 (M1064).
Last week, BAE Systems unveiled a prototype AMPV with the Finnish NEMO turret mortar system. After testing, the US Army will consider its introduction into service. „Over the next several months, the Army will conduct a thorough field evaluation of the AMPV turret mortar prototype to assess its capabilities compared to what soldiers would need on the battlefield,“ BAE Systems said.
The range of the 120mm NEMO mortar depends on the type of ammunition and can reach up to ten kilometers. The weapon has a semi-automatic loading system for 50 to 60 rounds, providing a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute. The turret is rotatable. However, when firing in azimuth (barrel turned away from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle), the turret with the barrel must be rotated back to the loading position after firing, i.e., to the zero azimuth position (with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle). Only in this position can the barrel be loaded. After loading, the turret with the barrel is rotated to the set azimuth.
The firing rate of ten rounds per minute is achieved only at zero or nearly zero azimuth. Otherwise, it drops to six rounds per minute. Advertising materials always show firing at zero azimuth or close to it, so that the turret must be rotated to the loading position during firing. To achieve the desired rate of fire, the entire vehicle must be rotated to ensure zero turret azimuth.
The AMPV/NEMO prototype is equipped with a modular removable roof ExMEP (External Mission Equipment Package) – which allows for easier integration of various turret systems. For example, BAE Systems introduced an AMPV in an anti-aircraft variant with the RIwP (Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform) module and a 30mm cannon in October.
The main goal of AMPV is to replace the outdated M113 in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT). Various M113 variants typically make up 30% of tracked vehicles in ABCT. The army first introduced the M113 into service in 1960 and has since purchased thousands in dozens of variants. The army sent 300 M113 vehicles to Ukraine.
ABCTs are the main striking force of the US Army. The brigades rely on Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), Paladin self-propelled howitzers, and now the multipurpose AMPV.
„With the scope and breadth of the M113 family of vehicles within ABCT, the AMPV is a significant investment decision for the Army,“ said Major General Glenn Dean, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems. „The platform offers soldiers better protection and survivability.“
AMPVs share a common power unit and suspension with the Bradley IFV and the M109A7 Paladin howitzer, reducing logistical burdens within ABCT. AMPVs are newly manufactured, but some components of the Bradley, such as engines and transmissions, are used in their production.
The first brigade completely re-equipped with AMPVs is the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The unit completed training with AMPVs last July. The brigade received over 130 AMPVs.
In conclusion, the AMPV is a crucial addition to the US Army’s armored forces, providing enhanced capabilities and protection for soldiers in combat situations. With its various variants and advanced features, the AMPV is set to play a vital role in modernizing and strengthening the Army’s armored brigade combat teams.