Autonomous UGV Variant Of AMPV Platform Planned

U.S. Army AMPVs in Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, in February 2025.
U.S. Army AMPVs in Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, in February 2025. Image: U.S. Army viaDVIDS

BAE Systems is teaming up with Forterra to develop an autonomous prototype of the U.S. Army’s new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) platform.

The AMPV forms the basis of the U.S. Army’s programme to replace its Vietnam War-era and legacy M113 family of vehicles.

The intention to produce an uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) version of the AMPV is the first industry partnership BAE Systems has established as part of its recently announced “capability kit” initiative.

Under the partnership Forterra’s AutoDrive autonomous vehicle system will be integrated into the modular chassis of the AMPV.

BAE Systems’ Ground Manoeuvre Director Bill Sheehy commented: “This partnership isn’t about buzzwords – it’s about rolling up our sleeves and presenting tangible options that empower the Army to maintain its dominance on any battlefield against any current or emerging threat.”

And Vice President of Defense Growth at Forterra Patrick Acox added: “AutoDrive is a pathway to stronger networks and smarter operations, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the AMPV capability kit. Working with BAE Systems to build an integrated AMPV will be another breakthrough that becomes a stronger shield for national security.”

The U.S. Army is planning to acquire almost 3,000 AMPVs and the programme entered full-rate production in the summer of 2023 

At present planned variants of the AMPV include a general-purpose personnel carrier, a medical evacuation (medevac) vehicle, a medical treatment vehicle, a mission command vehicle and a mortar carrier.

Engineering, counter-UAS and infantry fighting vehicle versions have also been presented as potential new platforms.

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