AAV7A1 PIP

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle Family of Vehicles (ACV FOV) program is a key modernization initiative under the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Force Design, aimed at enhancing the protected mobility and operational flexibility of Marine infantry formations. The ACV FOV is designed to enable littoral maneuver from ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore, supporting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and providing the Fleet Marine Force with the capability to project power from the sea. The program's primary objective is to replace the legacy Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) with a modern, survivable, and versatile platform. This ensures joint freedom of maneuver in contested maritime environments and supports rapid crisis response and follow-on force introduction.

The ACV FOV consists of multiple mission role variants, each with specific goals and procurement objectives. The ACV-Personnel Variant (ACV-P) is the baseline armored personnel carrier, designed to deliver combat-ready Marines from ship-to-shore and onward to inland objectives. Its procurement goal was to achieve an Approved Acquisition Objective (AAO) of 390 vehicles, which was met between FY 2018 and FY 2024. The ACV-P provides protected mobility, improved survivability against blasts and kinetic threats, and support-by-fire capabilities for infantry units.

The ACV-Command Variant (ACV-C) enhances command and control capabilities for Marine units, integrating advanced communications suites and systems for battlefield management. The AAO for ACV-C is 33 vehicles, with procurement completed through FY 2023, including refurbishment of two Production Representative Test Vehicles. The ACV-C supports distributed command and control, enabling effective coordination and situational awareness during expeditionary operations.

The ACV-30mm Gun Variant (ACV-30) represents the program's focus on improved lethality. This variant is equipped with a MK-44 30mm cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, integrated into a dual-mount remote turret system. Funding in FY 2026 continues the second year of ACV-30 production, with a planned procurement of 59 vehicles, reflecting a decrease from the previous year due to adjusted quantities. The ACV-30 is intended to provide direct fire support against dismounted enemy troops and fortified positions, addressing capability gaps in firepower and tactical mobility.

The ACV Recovery Variant (ACV-R) is introduced in FY 2026, with the goal of manufacturing 32 vehicles to meet an AAO of 34. The ACV-R is designed to provide tactical recovery capabilities for disabled vehicles in the field, ensuring operational continuity and force protection. This variant includes specialized crane and winch systems, procured separately to optimize cost efficiency, and supports the sustainment and recovery needs of Marine combat units.

Supporting elements of the ACV FOV program include procurement of turret systems, government furnished equipment such as communication suites and remote weapon stations, engineering change orders, systems engineering and program management, production support, acceptance testing, training equipment, technical publications, support equipment, and integrated logistics support. Each of these components is tailored to the specific needs of the ACV variants, ensuring that the vehicles are fielded with comprehensive support and sustainment capabilities. The program leverages efficiencies such as reusing radio transceivers from retired AAVs and optimizing procurement strategies for turret and winch systems.

The ACV FOV program is managed by the Marine Corps Systems Command and executed through contracts with BAE Systems in York, PA. The program follows a phased development and procurement approach, combining ACV 1.1 and ACV 1.2 into a unified family of vehicles. The FY 2026 budget request supports full-rate production of ACV-30 and ACV-R variants, along with associated support and logistics activities. The program is aligned with Department of Defense efficiency initiatives and is structured to provide the Marine Corps with a modern, adaptable, and survivable amphibious combat capability for future joint operations.