Do you want proof that the Marine Corps is in a tailspin when it comes to armored vehicle procurement? Do you want an example of wasting money without a real plan? Check this out from MarineLink...
The US Department of Defense informs it has awarded contract modifications to previously awarded contracts with BAE Systems Land & Armaments, as well as with General Dynamics Information Technology to understand the risks and assist the government in determining the best approach for developing a High Waterspeed Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV).Yeah.
The DoD explains that detailed trade studies, requirements studies, operational effectiveness analyses and initial concept design results have been reported to Marine Corps leadership and the assistant secretary of the Navy research, development and acquisition by each of the companies named.
These two companies are now required by the respective contract modifications to continue these studies as they relate to flexibility and modularity requirements and the impacts to derived system specification requirements.
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Santa Clara, California, is being awarded a $7,882,132 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-13-F-0009) while General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Virginia, is being awarded a $7,346,539 modification to previously awarded M67854-13-F-0010 to carry through these tasks.
The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
During this time of supposed austerity....when the US Army is rushing forward with the AMPV because they see a small window of time before sequestration kicks back in full force, the USMC thinks it can waste 15 million dollars on studies.
Fifteen million dollars.
I could MAYBE go with it if Dunford called for this just as he was coming onboard but this is coming from a guy with 3 months left in office.
Its legacy building.
Its illustrates confusion at the top.
The only thing left to do is for Dunford to fire every person thats been involved with the AAV Upgrade/EFV/ACV/MPC and ACV 1.1.
I wish they had just started a simplified EFV. Loose the retractable treads, extendable side skirts, change to the 1500 HP MT 883 Ka-500 from -504 2700 HP variant that was to be used. Change to simple bow flap, removing all the hydraulics and linkages. You would loose the ability to hydroplane over the water, but the vehicle could be retrofitted later. Get it in production as a cheaper variant, and you can have the other features added back in as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteAlso the MT 883 would make a great Diesel Abrams power plant. People have talked about a M1Dx for years. The counter argument is it would introduce a new motor into the logistics, we do not have a motor powerful enough. The MTU 883 would be. Of course an Abrams with nearly 3000 HP would impressive as hell..