USMC moves to overcome vehicle obsolescence
The US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command has awarded a $52.3 million contract modification to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada to develop upgrades in support of the US Marine Corps (USMC) Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Mobility and Obsolescence Upgrade and Integration Program.
Under the contract, General Dynamics will develop a fully integrated replacement power pack, suspension, driveline, steering system and upgraded electrical components. The work scope includes the development and delivery of engineering and logistics data, as well as test support and delivery of prototypes.
Work under this contract will continue until May 2017.
Meanwhile, BAE Systems announced on 19 May that it had been awarded a $12 million contract by the USMC to provide engineering design and development work related to survivability upgrades for the AAV7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV).
The contract is one of two awarded following a competitive bid and evaluation process. According to BAE Systems, tt will allow the company to develop a solution that enhances the survivability and capability of approximately 40 percent of the USMC’s fleet.
‘As the designer and original manufacturer of the global AAV fleet and a provider of marine amphibious combat vehicle solutions for more than 50 years, BAE Systems continues to be a trusted partner to the US Marine Corps,’ said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems. ‘We’re confident that we can deliver a new evolution in the design of the AAV that meets the ever-evolving challenges in the battlefield environment and provides even better protection for US marines.’
The USMC is expected to make a down-select decision in early 2015, choosing a single supplier to move on to the engineering and manufacturing development prototype build phase of the programme.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion]()
Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion
There continues to be an insatiable desire for air-defence and air-launched missiles and systems in the US and worldwide. Lockheed Martin’s latest deals reinforce the demand and highlight the supply chain challenge for manufacturing solid rocket motors.
-
![Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges]()
Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges
Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is being widely ordered and deployed. The company has been working to ramp up production while continuing work to design and produce more potent missiles.
-
![Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports]()
Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports
Kongsberg Defence Australia is building on the supply of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) systems to Australia to win exports with the support of the government through its Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise and Global Supply Chain Program.
-
![Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre]()
Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre
The Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) has seen extensive service in Ukraine with an additional six ordered for Ukraine in May.
