The U.S. soldiers from Fort Hood are testing new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, or AMPV, as part of U.S. Army’s program to replace the Vietnam-era M113 Family of Vehicles.
According to Killeen Daily Herald Lana Husband, soldiers and Army civilians from Fort Hood’s Operational Test Command, or OTC, and local soldiers with 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division, were testing the capabilities of the new vehicle during a live-fire exercise where a grenade launcher and a 50-caliber machine gun were fired on a rotating turret.
The various tests that OTC has conducted have been over the course of a 21-day period and are designed to give as much of a real-world situation as possible, officials said.
Officials with British-based BAE Systems, which developed the AMPV, was absent from the field to allow for independent testing, but they were present at the motor pools to assist with any repairs if needed.
BAE Systems’ Bradley-based AMPV is a mature, low-risk and cost-effective solution that rapidly delivers continued combat overmatch capability for the Army.
The AMPV’s five variants–a general purpose vehicle, mission command vehicle, mortar carrier, and medical evacuation and treatment vehicles– have nearly 80% more interior volume than their predecessor, and significantly more power and survivability. Cooling and electrical systems are also upgraded to accommodate both existing and future upgrades.
The AMPV, which will be integrated with the ABCT, is required to operate alongside the M1 Abrams tank and the M2 Bradley.
The Army’s new fleet will provide a substantial upgrade over their current personnel carriers, increasing the service’s survivability, force protection, and mobility. There is also substantial growth potential, allowing for future upgrades and technology developments over the life of the program.