ACV poised to pass significant milestone
First operational vehicles for USMC to arrive imminently; meanwhile, manufacturer BAE waits for full-rate production decision
The first Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) for operational use by the USMC will be delivered by prime contractor BAE Systems by the end of October.
Shephard has learned that the ACV programme recently completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and also gained approval for initial fielding on 28 September.
A spokesperson from BAE Systems said that now testing is complete, ‘a full-rate production decision is expected Q1 Fiscal Year 2021’.
BAE Systems has delivered a total of 48 ACVs so far under a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract for more than 100 vehicles (now thought to be 116
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