BAE Systems’ Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle Shines in Live-Fire Test Against Drones
BAE Systems successfully evaluated its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) prototype during a recent live-fire exercise.
In a joint initiative with Moog, these favorable outcomes illustrate the potential for future capability enhancements within the purpose-designed modular architecture of the AMPV platform.
In diverse authentic combat situations at the Big Sandy range in Kingman, Arizona, the AMPV C-UAS prototype exhibited its proficiency in precisely detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralizing or incapacitating stationary and moving aerial as well as terrestrial targets. The demonstration featured the turret engaging with ground targets utilizing a slew-to-cue functionality to target both static and dynamic small drones with 30mm proximity ammunition.
“From the initial combat capability concept phase of the AMPV initiative, we deliberately crafted a modular and adaptable configuration to offer a flexible and growth-ready platform for the warfighter,” remarked Bill Sheehy, BAE Systems AMPV program director. “In just over a year, our effective collaboration with Moog on the C-UAS prototype highlighted the potential of what a swift response from leading industry partners can achieve. When it comes to establishing a benchmark for future integrations at an elevated standard and expedited pace for Soldiers, this is merely the inception of what you can anticipate from the AMPV.”
The versatile prototype, which was highlighted at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in October, was created using the established chassis of the existing variants within the family of vehicles (FoV), while also featuring the critical upgrades of BAE Systems’ External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) top plate. ExMEP illustrates genuine options for the rapid integration of forthcoming technologies and functionalities onto the AMPV. The incorporation of the U.S. Army’s already validated Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) turret exemplifies one of the more than 30 turret systems ExMEP can swiftly adapt.
The ExMEP on the AMPV C-UAS prototype is outfitted with the Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP®) turret.
“The fully-integrated mission capability demonstrated in this RIwP equipment package on AMPV is available now and prepared to address the current and forthcoming requirements of our warfighters,” stated Brandon Gollwitzer, Moog Inc. Turreted Weapon Systems general manager, United States.
Moog’s supply and integration scope for the C-UAS weapon system also encompasses Leonardo DRS’ Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars (MHR), related C2 systems, and Northrop Grumman’s XM914 30mm cannon—all of which are also integral to the M-SHORAD system.
The AMPV program secured a full-rate production agreement for five distinct variants in 2023 and is actively deploying the FoV to Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) units. As the foundation for the Army and its partners, the AMPV delivers considerable enhancements in power, mobility, interoperability, and survivability for Soldiers.
