New mortar AMPV variant prototype to make exhibition debut late 2024 (7. Dezember 2023)
The newly designed 120 mm mortar variant of the Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) will make its debut at the annual Maneuver Warfighter Conference in September 2024, Bill Sheehy, AMPV programme director at BAE Systems told Janes on 30 November.
BAE Systems first told Janes in September that it was delivering the prototype for Patria's 120 mm New Mortar (NEMO) and Kongsberg turret programme in January 2024. The prototype is still on track for first delivery, and the army plans to perform a live-fire demonstration at the September conference to show off its progress, Sheehy said in an interview.
The prototype represents BAE System's first official foray into broadening AMPV configurations, which the company hopes will highlight the flexibility of the platform. The turret is attached to the vehicle using the Ex-MEP (Mission Equipment Package), which can accommodate most remotely operated weapons stations.
BAE Systems also recently performed the first live-fire demonstration for the counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UASs) variant on 15 November, Sheehy said. The company was asked by the army to build the prototype for the mortar AMPV after the C-UAS variant was already in development, he added.
Just over a year ago I challenged a small group of people to design, develop, integrate and demonstrate a 30mm C-UAS capability on an AMPV. Last week they finished the task. From start to finish, it only took them 15 months.
On 15 Nov, at the Big Sandy range in AZ the industry team of BAE Systems, Moog, Rada, and Northrup drove the same AMPV you saw at #AUSA2023 on to the range and began to devour all types of targets at all types of ranges: stationary ground targets, movers, and most impressively tiny quad copter drones.
In that short time the BAE Systems team developed an external mission equipment package (ExMEP), or universal top plate, that enables the AMPV to host 30+ different turrets.
Then, our team linked up with Moog and incorporated the Moog RIwP turret that is used on M-SHORAD.
The BAE team showed it to you at AUSA in Oct23 and then successfully fired it in Nov23 -- but that’s not the end. Currently, there is a 120mm turreted mortar integrated on an AMPV in our prototype shop. More to come on that soon…
Yuma Proving Ground testing cutting-edge turret system
In a potentially significant stride forward in military technology, Yuma Proving Ground is testing a cutting-edge Modular Turreted Mortar System, or MTMS.
According to Kevin Irr, a test officer from the Munitions and Weapons Division, intensive evaluations are currently underway to ensure the MTMS system meets performance expectations for an upcoming demonstration at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore in September 2024.
A vehicle commander oversees its operation, while two crew members are needed to load the turret. Since Soldiers will be operating the NeMo at the demonstration, ongoing safety testing holds significant importance.
Testing on the weapon system began in January and is projected to wrap up by July. Furthermore, a demonstration test will be carried out at YPG to pinpoint any potential issues or to fine-tune procedures before the AMPV-mounted weapon is sent to Fort Moore.
The safety testing focuses primarily on two critical areas, as outlined by Irr. Foremost, the Army is assessing the impact of vehicle operation on auditory health to protect soldier’s hearing. Mortar systems produce high-intensity noise during firing and prolonged exposure can result in hearing damage.
Additionally, prioritizing the buildup of toxic fumes within the vehicle, which may result from weapon firing and engine exhaust, is another top priority. Irr emphasized the critical need to manage these fumes effectively to safeguard the lives or crew members.
Irr also provided some insight into the project’s origin, tracking back several years, saying this integration onto the AMPV is part of a multi-phase foreign comparative test in which the Army initially evaluated the system’s capability on a foreign vehicle using U.S. ammunition.
“It is a prototype,” clarified Irr, who took part in the early part of the testing. “This turreted system has undergone prior testing here on a different vehicle. During those tests, it piqued our interest and garnered some attention."
Recognizing the system's promise, the decision was made to evaluate it on a U.S. vehicle, specifically the AMPV.
According to Capt. Mike Hapner from the Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems, the AMPV was chosen because it maintains an objective requirement to replace the Mortar Carrier Variant with an automated MTMS.
“The U.S. Army is interested in the MTMS’ capability to shoot on the move, perform direct fire missions, as well as its capability to conduct Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact missions,” Hapner stated.
This feature fills a notable gap in the U.S. Army's current inventory, as there isn't currently a mortar system with this capability.
"There are other pluses as well," Irr said. "If it does ever get fielded, it would be the only mortar system in which U.S. Soldiers are protected inside a vehicle."
