The first armored multipurpose vehicle, or AMPV, designed to replace Vietnam-era M113 tanks, has been delivered to the U. S. Army, builder BAE Systems announced.

The vehicle was handed over in a virtual roll-off ceremony at the BAE production line in York, Pa., on Tuesday.

Originally scheduled for March, delivery was delayed by manufacturing problems and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of the issues, the Army adjusted its purchasing schedule, and indicated it would buy 32 vehicles in Fiscal Year 2021 instead of the planned 143 vehicles. The program's budget was also reduced from $445 million to $193 million.

The AMPV is regarded as central to the Army's efforts at modernization, and the Army has indicated the vehicle as its top priority for soldiers' safety. It will be integrated into the Army's Armored Brigade Combat Team, operating alongside M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley tanks.

The first prototype was built in 2016. Five variants of the AMPV were delivered to the Army in 2018 for testing, including vehicles for mission command, general purpose, mortar fire support, medical evacuation medical treatment.

"Finalizing the first AMPV for delivery marks a major milestone for the program and the U.S. Army," Bill Sheehy, program director for BAE Systems' ground vehicles product line, said in a statement. "The AMPV is designed to meet the Army's missions for the Armored Brigade Combat Teams, and lay the foundation for the future of the battlefield."

In February 2019, the Army awarded BAE Systems two contracts worth $575 million for low-rate production of the vehicle.

Related Links
The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Marines end use of photos in assignments, promotions
Washington DC (UPI) Aug 28, 2020
The U.S. Marine Corps, starting next week, will no longer include photographs of personnel in the training or assignments selection process in an effort to reduce gender and racial bias. The policy, announced in July, goes into effect Sept. 1, according to the Marine Corps. "Photographs are not authorized information for promotion boards and selection processes pertaining to assignment, training, education, and command," an administrative order issued Wednesday said in part. The b ... read more