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BAE Systems has been contracted to deliver multiple ACV-30 production representative test vehicles, which will be trialled before releasing a full-rate production decision.
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The contract for the production of the test vehicles is valued at US$88 million.
The ACV-30 system houses a KONGSBERG-manufactured 30mm Remote Turret System, dubbed the RT-20, which is a remotely controlled and operated system designed to improve crew safety. The turret requires less space than traditional turret systems, providing more space for troop or equipment transport, while reducing the vehicle’s weight to enhance vehicle mobility.
The system is one of four AC variants, with BAE Systems currently under contract for personnel (ACV-P), command (ACV-C) and recovery (ACV-R) solutions.
The company has also confirmed that they have been tasked by the US Marine Corps to study integrating command, control, communication and computers/unmanned aerial system payload into an amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) variant.
“We are committed to equipping the Marine Corps with the best technology available to provide them with a decisive edge,” John Swift, vice president of amphibious programs at BAE Systems, said.
“We have carefully chosen proven industry partners who are equally committed to ensuring Marines have the capabilities to dominate on the battlefield.”
According to BAE Systems, the ACV-30 is designed for enhanced sea and land survivability, merging BAE Systems’ amphibious solutions with Iveco Defence Vehicles’ legacy of vehicle production having produced over 30,000 multi-purpose armoured vehicles.
“The unmanned KONGSBERG RT-20 medium caliber turret is designed to meet the current and future needs of the Marine Corps as they move forward in implementing the future operating vision known as Force Design 2030,” Scott Burk, president of KONGSBERG Protech Systems USA, said.
“The fielding of this vehicle system provides the Marines with a low risk, and operationally proven solution.”
In April, BAE Systems selected Australian firm Advanced Navigation’s inertial navigation system for Sweden’s CV90 tracked vehicles, having been contracted by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to provide upgrades to the vehicles.
Established in 2012 and headquartered in Sydney, Advanced Navigation develops navigation and robotics capabilities by sea, land, air and space, and is currently developing complex solutions for AI-based inertial navigation, navigation satellites, SaaS platforms and radio frequency technologies.
Since its creation, the company has grown to establish offices across the world.
According to BAE Systems, the recent engagement is the third contract awarded by BAE Systems to Advanced Navigation for the tracked vehicles, with the most recent contract for the delivery of Advanced Navigation’s Motus solution.
Thus far, the three contracts have come to over US$4.2 million.
The company’s Motus system includes MEMS accelerometers and cutting-edge gyroscopes which are integrated into AI algorithms that deliver FOG level capabilities to the vehicle.
Tony Martin, BAE Systems Australia Global Access Program (GAP) manager, explains that he expects Advanced Navigation’s global footprint to continue growing.
“We’re very proud of the continued success Advanced Navigation is achieving and have no doubt that their technology will drive opportunities in new markets within the coming years,” Martin said.
“The company’s involvement on this significant upgrade of the CV90 fleet provides the chance to demonstrate its capabilities to a new range of potential customers.”
The contract between BAE Systems and Advanced Navigation was supported by the prime’s GAP unit, which supports Australian businesses entering BAE’s international supply chain.
John Colvin, chief revenue officer at Advanced Navigation, explained that the GAP program has supported the ongoing development of the business.
“We have valued our relationship with BAE Systems and the GAP team which has opened a number of doors and new opportunities for us to expand our business and build on our capabilities. Our AI-based systems will provide unparalleled capabilities and the highest performance for BAE Systems’ CV90,” Colvin explained.
“With already over 1,100 customers across 70 countries, Advanced Navigation is excited about seeing how BAE Systems’ GAP program can continue to expand our reach and accelerate our global business initiatives.”
[Related: WATCH: BAE Systems Australia achieves prototyping milestone for Hunter Class]
