Army’s AMPV: A Modern Upgrade
The U.S. Army is deploying its new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), a tracked vehicle designed to replace the older Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). This upgrade is slated to modernize the Army’s armored capabilities.

*Soldiers involved in AMPV field testing.
Budget documents indicate the AMPV will be deployed in both the United States and Europe next year.
The AMPV has been undergoing testing and production. The Army purchased 131 vehicles two years ago and 197 last year. The plan for the coming fiscal year includes the purchase of 131 more vehicles, with about half assigned to stateside bases and the other half heading to Europe.
This move aims to bolster armored capabilities, especially in response to Russian military modernization efforts. The Army plans to eventually have a fleet of 2,897 AMPVs, representing a significant investment of about $14 billion.
The decision to cease upgrading the legacy APCs in 2007 and focus solely on maintenance emphasizes the importance of the AMPV program. The AMPV will constitute a third of the armored formation vehicles. This change provides ground commanders with a wider array of operational options.
The AMPV is designed to fulfill five mission roles currently handled by the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. These variants encompass a mission command vehicle, medical treatment vehicle, and a medical evacuation vehicle.

*Mortar training with the AMPV.
The medical evacuation AMPV offers a protected platform for battlefield medical procedures can transport a crew of three, along with five to six patients, depending on the severity of their injuries. Other versions include a general purpose vehicle for resupply and casualty evacuation, and a mortar carrier providing immediate fire support.

*AMPV mortar variant.
During evaluations, issues were identified. These included driver and vehicle commander displays that would lock up and radio communications equipment that couldn’t be removed from docking stations. Improvements are also requested for the space for analog planning tools and the sealing of hatches to prevent damage to electronics.

*Interior of the AMPV, with an emphasis on crew and equipment.
To improve battlefield effectiveness, the Army is exploring a remotely operated turret that can accommodate 30 mm cannons and a 7.62 mm machine gun, intending to install it on the Stryker, M113, and AMPV.
The Army added 30 mm cannons to Strykers some years ago. While the fire support AMPV mortar version offers indirect fire support, the 30 mm cannons would provide additional direct fire capability.

*Mortar training conducted with the AMPV.

*The AMPV mortar vehicle showcasing its capabilities.

*Training with the AMPV mortar carrier.

*Field testing of the AMPV.
In conclusion, the AMPV marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Army’s armored vehicle fleet, providing enhanced capabilities and flexibility for modern combat scenarios.