In collaboration with Moog, Sistemas BAE conducted a successful live fire demonstration of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) prototype.

During realistic battlefield scenarios, the AMPV C-UAS prototype exhibited the capability to effectively detect, track, identify, and neutralize both stationary and moving aerial and ground targets in various realistic battlefield scenarios at the Big Sandy range in Kingman, Arizona. The successful exercise showcased the turret’s engagement with ground targets and its slew-to-cue capability to target stationary and moving small drones using 30mm proximity rounds.

Bill Sheehy, the BAE Systems AMPV Program Director, emphasized that since the earliest stages of the AMPV program’s combat capability concept, they deliberately designed a modular and flexible configuration to offer an adaptable platform for the warfighter. He highlighted the successful collaboration with Moog on the C-UAS prototype, demonstrating the potential for rapid response from industry leaders. Sheehy stated that this accomplishment is just the beginning, setting the standard for future integration at a higher level and a faster pace for soldiers.

The adaptable prototype unveiled at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in October shares the proven chassis with existing variants in the family of vehicles (FoV) but incorporates key enhancements from BAE Systems’ External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) top plate. The ExMEP demonstrates viable options for swiftly integrating future technologies and capabilities into the AMPV. An illustration of this capability is the integration of the U.S. Army’s validated Maneuver-Defesa aérea de curto alcance (M-SHORAD) turret, one among more than 30 turret systems that ExMEP can readily adapt at an accelerated pace.

On the AMPV C-UAS prototype, the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) is equipped with the Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP®) turret. Moog’s comprehensive supply and integration for the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) weapon system includes Leonardo DRS’ Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars (MHR), associated command and control (C2) systems, and Northrop Grumman’s XM914 30mm cannon—all of which are shared components with the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system.

In 2023, the AMPV program secured a full-rate production contract for five different variants and is actively deploying the Family of Vehicles (FoV) to Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) units. As a cornerstone for the future capabilities of the Army and its allies, the AMPV brings substantial enhancements in power, mobility, interoperability, and survivability for soldiers.

Post Image- BAE Systems AMPV Counter-UAS prototype (Image Credit: BAE Systems)