The US Marine Corps has awarded BAE Systems a $230.1 million contract modification to manufacture 32 Amphibious Combat Vehicle Recovery (ACV-R) variants. If all contract options are exercised, the total potential value of the program will reach approximately $4.1 billion. Work is scheduled for completion by November 2028.
The contract includes government-led design activities and the final integration of a Palfinger crane at Anniston Army Depot in Alabama. Following integration, the vehicles will be delivered to the Fleet Marine Force. The crane will enhance equipment handling, vehicle recovery, and field maintenance capabilities.
ACV Recovery Variant and Mission Capabilities
The ACV-R is part of BAE Systems’ modular Amphibious Combat Vehicle family, which also includes the ACV-30, armed with a 30 mm cannon; the ACV-Personnel (ACV-P), designed for troop transport; and the ACV-Command (ACV-C), configured for command-and-control operations.
Equipped with a recovery winch and crane, the ACV-R is designed to recover vehicles weighing more than 30 tons. It is expected to replace the Marine Corps’ legacy Assault Amphibious Vehicle recovery variant, the AAVR7A1, improving operational support and maintenance capabilities during amphibious missions.
Amphibious Combat Vehicle: Key Specifications
The ACV is an 8×8 armoured platform engineered for open-ocean amphibious operations, enhanced land mobility, and improved crew survivability. It can accommodate up to 16 personnel and achieve road speeds of approximately 104 km/h, while reaching water speeds of six knots, or around 11 km/h.
According to BAE Systems, the platform’s modular architecture enables the integration of additional mission capabilities, including air defence and electronic warfare systems. This adaptability supports evolving Marine Corps operational requirements across diverse combat environments.
