The United States Marine Corps is in the midst of a long-running search for the next generation of combat vehicles, which includes the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle we have been talking about for the past several years. Complementing the JLTV, the Marine Personnel Carrier will serve as a medium-sized troop carrier providing landward lift to infantry battalions. Specifications for the MPC list it as multi-wheeled, armored, and capable of operating in an irregular warfare environment.
BAE Systems, creator of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, has teamed up with the Italian firm Iveco Defence Vehicles to offer a variant of the Superav for consideration to be the new MPC. Iveco, a subsidiary of Fiat, designs and builds commercial, construction, firefighting, and military vehicles for European and other international markets.
The Superav is an 8x8 wheeled amphibious vehicle. Powered by an Iveco Cursor 13 inline-six diesel engine, the vehicle is capable of more than 65 mph on land and 6 mph in the water. Backing the engine is a stout ZF 7HP902 seven-speed automatic transmission. All eight wheels are fitted with a central tire inflation system and run-flat tires. A fully independent hydro-pneumatic suspension system provides for smooth travel over the harshest terrain and allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s ride height during loading, unloading, or when circumstances deem necessary. The Superav is fully amphibious, able to operate in heavy seas, and is air transportable by the C-130 Hercules and Airbus A400M.
Iveco states that the Superav has the highest protection level in its class. By incorporating a V-shaped monocoque steel hull, the vehicle is able to protect its occupants from small arms fire, artillery shells, landmines, and IEDs. Blast-resistant seats, overhead mine protection, and an automatic fire suppression system are also included.
To meet the needs of the U.S. Marine Corps, several changes were made to the original Superav design. The MPC submission was modified to carry three crew and nine 6’3” Marines each weighing 220 pounds with gear. It also has an advanced interior layout featuring compartmentalization that allows for the stowage of more than three days of supplies, without jeopardizing the survivability of the vehicle or the personnel. The Superav successfully completed a 12-day evaluation for the MPC program at the Camp Pendleton Marine base in Southern California, which included performance demonstrations in various sea and land conditions.
Unfortunately, the MPC program, like many before it, has been put on indefinite hold due to budget cuts along the Marine’s prioritization of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program. While not completely dead, it could be 10 years or more before development is restarted. Due to technological advancements, emerging weapons systems, and the constantly changing geo-strategic military environment, the current MPC requirements may not be valid or relevant by the time the program is restarted, which would result in the establishment of updated criteria, making it necessary to initiate a new MPC program altogether.
BAE Systems, creator of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, has teamed up with the Italian firm Iveco Defence Vehicles to offer a variant of the Superav for consideration to be the new MPC. Iveco, a subsidiary of Fiat, designs and builds commercial, construction, firefighting, and military vehicles for European and other international markets.
Iveco states that the Superav has the highest protection level in its class. By incorporating a V-shaped monocoque steel hull, the vehicle is able to protect its occupants from small arms fire, artillery shells, landmines, and IEDs. Blast-resistant seats, overhead mine protection, and an automatic fire suppression system are also included.
To meet the needs of the U.S. Marine Corps, several changes were made to the original Superav design. The MPC submission was modified to carry three crew and nine 6’3” Marines each weighing 220 pounds with gear. It also has an advanced interior layout featuring compartmentalization that allows for the stowage of more than three days of supplies, without jeopardizing the survivability of the vehicle or the personnel. The Superav successfully completed a 12-day evaluation for the MPC program at the Camp Pendleton Marine base in Southern California, which included performance demonstrations in various sea and land conditions.
Unfortunately, the MPC program, like many before it, has been put on indefinite hold due to budget cuts along the Marine’s prioritization of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program. While not completely dead, it could be 10 years or more before development is restarted. Due to technological advancements, emerging weapons systems, and the constantly changing geo-strategic military environment, the current MPC requirements may not be valid or relevant by the time the program is restarted, which would result in the establishment of updated criteria, making it necessary to initiate a new MPC program altogether.
