SuperAV 8X8 MPC Coastal Testing

BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles successfully completed 12 days of rigorous wheeled amphibious vehicle evaluations as part of the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) Continued Systems Demonstration and Studies contract. The successful evaluation of the team's 8x8 MPC, which is derived from Iveco's SUPERAV, included a series of Water Performance Demonstrations in various sea conditions, as well as an evaluation of Human Factors and Stowage Capacity. During testing, the Marine Corps required demonstrations of the vehicle's maneuverability on land and at sea, as well as the vehicle's load capacity -- the ability to accommodate a reinforced Marine rifle squad and allow for a quick and efficient personnel exit. BAE Systems' MPC exceeded all vehicle requirements, performing personnel exit drills in less than 17 seconds and showcasing an advanced interior layout and compartmentalization that allows for the stowage of more than three days of supplies without jeopardizing the survivability of the vehicle and personnel.The testing took place at the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB), in Camp Pendleton, California. All demonstrations highlighted the MPC's agility and unique ability to navigate within an open ocean environment, and reinforced similar testing conducted on the SUPERAV by Iveco Defence Vehicles that included ship launch and recovery and surf zone transitions. The joint BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles team is now preparing for survivability demonstrations planned for this summer at the Nevada Automotive Test Center.