Amphibious Combat Vehicle. Rumors abound.

Rumors are good for info (sometimes) and entertainment (all the time).  The latest swirling around the ACV.


BAE.
BAE is intriguing in their approach.  The Marine Corps originally approached them with a request to provide information on AAV upgrades.  Additionally those upgrades we just learned focused on "force protection" only.  BAE however upped the ante and instead is offering a trio of proposals.  The first is in line with the Marine Corps request.  The second is a drastic upgrade that will include improvements of the basic vehicle across the line.  The third is the vehicle that has me scratching my head.  The AAV Advanced is a vehicle that is unrecognizable as an AAV.  It includes hull changes to make the vehicle perform better in the water AND to survive IED strikes.  New weapon systems in the cannon range...improved suspension and much more powerful engines.

General Dynamics.
I wasn't aware of it until recently but just before the EFV was canceled, GD made an offer to the Marine Corps for a simplified vehicle.  The Marine Corps refused to bite because the holy grail of a amphibious tractor being able to launch from over the horizon and yet retain the combat effectiveness and protection capabilities of a purpose built land vehicle still beckoned. General Dynamics is pitching a modified EFV that is less complex, yet retains a form of water planning.  How they're doing it is beyond me but my guess would be hull form, water jets and a MUCH lighter vehicle (they supposedly are dumping the fancy hydraulics).

What about the MPC?
Want to know why the numbers keep getting crunched for the ACV?  Want to know why the Marine Personnel Carrier Program is in limbo?  Blame the above options.  Both companies are promising the world.  A one for one replacement for the AAV with the amphibious tractor that the Marine Corps always wanted...just a bit slower and alot later but essentially what was desired....at a price that the Marine Corps can afford and allow it to get its procurement issues sorted out.  If this is true then we're seeing number crunching from hell and probably every available procurement attorney trying to make an iron clad contract  to keep costs from rising once the award is issued.

Am I happy?
If this is true then I'm still pissed.  If true then I'm pleased to see this come together at the very end of a very bumpy road but the trip wasn't worth it.  Again.  If this is true.  Then we've seen a new kind of ethic creep into the way the Marine Corps does business.  Just like smaller programs like the SERPA HOLSTER buy or the Blue Force Sling...and even the Internal Transportable Vehicle selection....it seems like things are being done in smoky back rooms and the equipment/vehicle selected isn't necessarily the best of breed.

Time will tell.