V2X Inc. has entered into a partnership with Horstman Group, a RENK segment, to provide next-generation suspension technology for the US Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV).
As part of the effort, Horstman will supply its Hydrostrut hydro-pneumatic suspension system, which combines high-pressure nitrogen gas and an integrated oil damper into a single, space-efficient unit. The design enhances ride quality, vehicle stability, and overall mobility.
The Hydrostrut system is compatible with multiple vehicle configurations, including 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 wheeled and tracked platforms. The collaboration follows successful military evaluations of the technology and comes within 15 months of the first ACV deliveries, with production scheduled to continue through December 2026. Deliveries of the latest order are expected to begin before the end of the year.
The ACV is being fielded as part of a long-term modernization effort to replace the Marine Corps’ legacy Assault Amphibious Vehicles dating back to the 1970s, which support ship-to-shore amphibious operations.
Since its introduction in 2018, the ACV family has expanded into several mission variants, including command-and-control, engineering support, and assault roles. The standard ACV is fitted with a remote weapon station capable of carrying either a heavy machine gun or a grenade launcher.
The vehicle is operated by a three-person crew and can transport up to 13 additional troops, with a payload capacity exceeding 3 tons. Powered by a 700-horsepower Iveco Cursor 16 engine, the ACV achieves road speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and water speeds of approximately 7 miles per hour, with a range of about 250 miles.
