Commentary
In recent military news, the rollout of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) has run up against design and operational challenges. The ACV is meant to replace the well-used Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), a less complex weapons platform in service since 1972.
The ACV has been tested since 2019 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, as well as at the Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, both in Southern California. It is heavier but more blast resistant and faster than the AAV.
To date, over 100 ACVs have been purchased from BAE Systems, the manufacturer of the vehicle. Unlike the AAV, the ACV has eight tires (four on each side) instead of tracks like those used on battle tanks. The new expeditionary ACV can be used to transport Marines from ships to the shore, and they maneuver effectively on land as a heavily armored combat vehicle….