News of War Staff Writer
BAE Systems' AMPV C-UAS Prototype Triumphs in Live Fire Demonstration
KINGMAN, Ariz., Jan. 23, 2024 – BAE Systems (LON: BA), a global defense, aerospace, and security company, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) prototype. This live fire demonstration, conducted at the Big Sandy range in Kingman, Arizona, marks a pivotal advancement in military vehicle capabilities.
In collaboration with Moog Inc., the AMPV C-UAS prototype displayed exceptional proficiency in various realistic battlefield situations. The exercise included accurate detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization of both aerial and ground targets, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness. The turret of the vehicle engaged ground targets effectively and showcased its slew-to-cue capability against both stationary and moving small drones using 30mm proximity rounds.
Bill Sheehy, BAE Systems AMPV program director, emphasized the intentional design of the AMPV for adaptability and growth. “From its inception, the AMPV program focused on a modular and flexible configuration. In just over a year, our collaboration with Moog on the C-UAS prototype has demonstrated what rapid response and leading industry collaboration can achieve. This is a glimpse into the future of war-fighting integration and capabilities,” said Sheehy.
The AMPV C-UAS prototype, which garnered attention at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in October, features a chassis consistent with the existing Family of Vehicles (FoV). However, it also incorporates BAE Systems' External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) top plate, showcasing the potential for rapid integration of future technologies. This includes the U.S. Army’s Maneuver-Short Range Air Defence (M-SHORAD) turret, exemplifying the ExMEP’s compatibility with over 30 turret systems for quick adaptation.
Configured with the Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP®) turret, the AMPV C-UAS prototype represents a leap forward in integrated mission capabilities. "The RIwP equipment package on the AMPV is not only ready now but is also poised to meet both current and future demands of our warfighters," said Brandon Gollwitzer, General Manager of Moog Inc. Turreted Weapon Systems in the United States.
The C-UAS weapon system’s scope supplied by Moog includes Leonardo DRS' Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars (MHR), command and control systems, and Northrop Grumman's XM914 30mm cannon, common elements of the M-SHORAD system.
Awarded a full-rate production contract in 2023, the AMPV program is actively deploying its five different variants to Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) units. The AMPV is set to revolutionise the Army’s capabilities, offering substantial improvements in power, mobility, interoperability, and survivability, thus significantly enhancing the operational effectiveness of Soldiers on the battlefield.