BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles, a Fiat Group company, have signed a licensing agreement to form the basis of a business arrangement for the pursuit of the Marine Corps Personnel Carrier (MPC) program with a vehicle based on the SuperAV 8×8.
In 2009, Iveco Defence Vehicles unveiled the SuperAV 8×8 as the newest MPC candidate. The SuperAV has capabilities based on previously fielded vehicles that include enhanced survivability, mobility performance, and amphibious capability with growth potential.
The MPC is designed to fill the medium-armor ground vehicle gap and complements the capabilities of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). It will be a flexible and highly mobile asset for the Marines that will be well protected, sustainable, networked and include a strong swimming capability.
Iveco also said it is displaying its new SuperAV 8×8 amphibious vehicle at Eurosatory in Paris this week. Designed by engineers in Bolzano, Italy, to meet an identified need for an air-portable medium amphibious fighting vehicle able to operate in conditions up to Sea State 3, the company said SuperAV is available in a number of variants, all based on a common hull design and drive train. The vehicle can also be equipped with a turret mounting a cannon of up to 30mm caliber.
Both BAE and Iveco Defence Vehicles have extensive experience across a range of mine-protected and armored vehicles, including several 8×8 models. This breadth of experience positions the team to jointly address the specific requirements of the MPC program.