BAE Systems has delivered a new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) prototype to the US Army.

The prototype showcases a newly-designed system, the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP), which allows for the easy installation of a variety of turrets. In this case, the vehicle is outfitted with the Patria NEMO remote-controlled 120 mm turreted mortar system.

The result of a rapid collaborative technology investment effort involving the US Army, BAE Systems and KONGSBERG/Patria, the prototype demonstrates potential variant growth for the highly adaptable AMPV family of vehicles. 

By using a fully-qualified asset like the AMPV chassis, the solution in question gives the US Army alternative capabilities such as the Patria NEMO at a much faster pace and reduced cost.

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The AMPV Turreted Mortar prototype that leverages BAE Systems’ ExMEP to rapidly integrate the NEMO 120 mm mortar system is a fire support platform that can be used in multi-mission scenarios. The system enables Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact fire missions where up to five mortar rounds can hit targets simultaneously in less than four seconds while the vehicle is stationary or on the move.

The AMPV Mortar Carrier variant, which is one of the five variants currently in production with the US Army, comprises the legacy 120 mm mortar system. 

Also read: 120 mm RT61 Mortars | The heavy mortars of the National Guard

This new AMPV Turreted Mortar prototype offers a significant enhancement that would not only allow for increased capabilities and force protection, but also keep soldiers completely under the armor protection provided by the vehicle.

Over the next months, the US Army will run the AMPV Turreted Mortar prototype through rigorous field evaluations to mark its capabilities.

This is the second turreted AMPV prototype in the last three months that BAE Systems has showcased, the other being a Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) capability that utilizes the ExMEP top plate.

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