US Marines Begin Testing 700hp Amphibious Combat Vehicle
BAE Systems and Iveco have delivered the first batch of 700hp ACV 1.1 amphibious vehicles to the US Marine Corps for extensive field trials.
The United States Marine Corps has received its first batch of 16 prototype Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV 1.1) for field testing, marking a step towards replacing its ageing fleet of Amphibious Assault Vehicles. Developed by BAE Systems in partnership with Iveco’s defence division, the ACV 1.1 is designed to move troops from ship to shore and operate across difficult terrain, both on land and in water.
The ACV 1.1 features an eight-wheel-drive layout and a 700hp engine supplied by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which is part of the same group as Iveco. The vehicle can launch from amphibious assault ships and carry a crew of three plus 13 fully equipped Marines in suspended seats. Its design focuses on survivability, with improved protection against small arms fire, mines and improvised explosive devices compared to the outgoing AAV.
Technical specifications and capabilities
BAE Systems’ ACV 1.1 is built on an Iveco Defence Vehicles platform, with a hull designed for ballistic and blast protection. The 700hp diesel engine delivers the power needed for both land mobility and water operations, while the eight-wheel-drive system provides traction over sand, mud and rough terrain. The vehicle’s amphibious capability allows it to transition from ship to shore without the need for port facilities, a key requirement for Marine operations.
| Engine | Fiat Powertrain Technologies 700hp diesel |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Eight-wheel-drive |
| Crew capacity | 3 crew + 13 Marines |
| Amphibious capability | Yes (ship to shore launch) |
What it means for the Marines and suppliers
The arrival of the ACV 1.1 prototypes signals a potential shift for the Marine Corps, which has operated the AAV since the 1970s. BAE Systems and Iveco aim to secure a production contract following successful field trials. For Fiat Powertrain Technologies and the wider Iveco group, the project demonstrates their reach beyond commercial vehicles into military applications. The Agnelli family, as major shareholders in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, ultimately stands to benefit if the ACV programme moves to full production.
