MPC program and Armada International's take on it.

First.  Armada International is a new magazine on my reading list.  A buddy of mine threw one my way and its definitely packed full of the type of info that I'm interested in.  This passage PARAPHRASES bits and pieces from an article in that magazine.  You can check it out online here.

Second.  What happens when the Marine Corps puts out a request for information on a new Marine Corps Personnel Carrier and you have BAE basically blowing it off (they have one of the most dynamic design teams on this planet yet teamed with Iveco instead...and Iveco is mostly interested in winning the Italian Marine Corps contract/satisfying those requirements).  General Dynamics almost ignoring it (haven't heard a peep from them and most agree that we'll see a revamped Piranha III as offered to the Spanish and Brazillian Marine Corps), Singapore Technology jumping in late (probably because they see such lack luster interests) and only Lockheed Martin/Patria really digging in and looking like they're trying to win?

You're looking at an industry that has for the most part decided that the Marine Corps acquisition system is at best in flux at worst fucked up from the floor up....or an industry that has decided that the spirit is willing but the funding isn't.

But that's just my take on things.  Go buy the Armada International magazine to read the entire article but here are some juicy tidbits on each of the competitors in the contest.

The Havoc...

The magazine really talks about three big ideas with the Havoc.  First its going to be a great swimmer.  Second, its going to have modularity built into it...so much so that it could be offered with the same engine as the revamped AAV or the new built ACV.  Those two facts alone should have the Marine Corps jumping for joy.  These vehicles are suppose to all fit under the Amphibious Assault Battalions banner so not having to train mechanics or crewmen on different engines should be a cost saver.  Third and probably not a big deal to many is the fact that they changed the layout from the over 1500 vehicles that they've already sold to accomodate Marines and their equipment.  Blast resistant seating doesn't work if a Marine can't fit into it with full gear on.

The Super AV...

I was really shocked by the tone of the article regarding this vehicle.  They talked on and on about the work done to make sure that this vehicle is an excellent swimmer...even going so far as utilizing Dutch Marine Corps facilities to validate their work.  They also talked in glowing terms about the vehicle being in the pipe line since 2006 to meet an Italian Marine Corps requirement.  A shocker for me was the description that they hadn't yet met the requirement to "fit" 95th percentile Marines in their vehicle.  Have you taken a look at the average Marine Rifle Company lately?  Even the little guys are getting big!  That alone has me scratching my head wondering if BAE/Iveco is seriously trying for this contract.

General Dynamics...

They didn't provide any information for the story.  That means (at least to me) Piranha III or maybe even EVO dressed up.  I just don't get the feeling (at least from the outside looking in) that they're fully into this.  The Army has its Stryker upgrade program going hard...they're trying to win the contract to replace the M-113 with Strykers and you get the idea.  The plate is full and the Marine Corps program is just slim pickings.

Singapore Technology...

Wow.  I almost feel sorry for these guys.  The article didn't even list them as a competitor.  They're a longshot and I really wouldn't be surprised to see them pull out of the competition.  Its a shame too.  They really had an outstanding weapon in the Ultimax 100 that probably should have gotten a better hearing with the IAR comp.  They'll survive and probably prosper...just not with this program.

Summation:  Not much has changed since the last time we glanced at this program.  We just have confirmation on some of the theories that were put forth a little while ago.

This should be good (the competition) but its importance should not be underestimated.  They're about to pick one of the vehicles that Marines will ride into combat for probably the next 20 years or more.