ARLINGTON, Va., May 10 (UPI) -- An 8x8 amphibious armored personnel carrier by BAE Systems and Iveco Defense Vehicles has been tested for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The evaluation -- part of the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Personnel Carrier Continued Systems Demonstration and Studies contract -- was conducted over 12 days.
"The highly experienced team of BAE Systems and Iveco presented an impressive 26-ton, open-ocean, swim-capable vehicle that exceeded all projected vehicle requirements," said John Swift, BAE Systems' MPC program director.
"Despite a demanding program, our MPC was completed on schedule and on budget. It will provide our Marine Corps customer with a highly maneuverable solution both in water and on land, with excellent amphibious capabilities and a high level of survivability."
The testing included demonstrations of the vehicle's maneuverability on land and at sea, as well as the vehicle's load capacity. BAE said the MPC exceeded all vehicle requirements.
The testing took place at the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The MPC platform is based on Iveco's SUPERAV vehicle.
