With the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) entering production and delivery phases, the US Department of Defense (DoD) will increase the cumulative value of the framework to account for additional line items from subcontracted suppliers.

The DoD originally ordered the platform in June 2018. Since then additional units and new variants entered the framework until the value of the contract came to be worth $2.5bn. Now, however, the US Government has increased the cumulative value of the programme to $2.8bn on 4 April 2024.

Ultimately, the US plans to procure 4,350 ACVs from the original equipment manufcaturer, BAE Systems, between 2018 and 2040.

According to the DoD, this latest modification provides for “additional subcontract line-item numbers for the procurement of three production representative test vehicles for the ACV Recovery variant and test support.”

In DoD parlance, this means that the contract is being broken down by the commodities being procured. This ensures transparency, allowing people to identify the supplies and services to be acquired as seperately identified line items.

ACV features

The ACV CV is based on an 8×8 wheeled amphibious platform developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles. The armoured hull of the vehicle has been developed using mine-resistant floor materials.

It can be launched and recovered from the sea using a ship. The vehicle is designed to accommodate three crew members and 13 dismounted troops; it offers enough space to carry supplies required for the incumbents to survive for two continuous days.

The overall length of the vehicle is 9.2 metres (m) while its width and hull height are 3.1m and 2.9m, respectively. The vehicle’s top speed on paved roads is more than 65 miles per hour. ACV has a gross weight of 35 tonnes and can carry a maximum payload of 7,280 pounds (3,302 kilogrammes).

ACV Recovery line items

There are four ACV configurations: a fighting vehicle, command and control vehicle, personnel carrier, and a recovery and maintenance vehicle. Currently, only the personnel and recovery versions are in production.

The recovery variant recently completed phase one of the design process. BAE Systems will continue to deliver production representative test vehciles in 2025 – the purpose of this latest modification is to support these efforts with line items from subcontractors, both the items and the supplier remain undisclosed.

Nonetheless, this recovery vehicle will provide direct field support, maintenance and recovery to the ACV family of vehicles.