BAE wins U.S. Army AMPV contract

via Press Release.

BAE Systems was awarded a contract worth up to $1.2 billion from the U.S. Army for the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) and Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).
The program aims to provide the U.S. Army with a highly survivable and mobile fleet of vehicles that addresses a critical need to replace the Vietnam-era M113s.
“This award represents a significant milestone for the U.S. Army and BAE Systems,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems. “The AMPV will provide a substantial upgrade over the Army’s current personnel carrier fleet, increasing the service’s survivability, force protection, and mobility while providing for future growth potential. It also confirms BAE Systems’ role as a leading provider of combat vehicles.”
The initial award is for a 52-month base term, valued at approximately $383 million, during which BAE Systems will produce 29 vehicles across each of the variants. The award also provides an option to begin the LRIP phase immediately following the current EMD phase, at which time the company would produce an additional 289 vehicles for a total contract value of $1.2 billion.

This is interesting.

We can debate wheels vs. tracks all day but the fact remains.  One of the worlds biggest users of armored vehicles and perhaps the leading practitioner of land maneuver warfare sees a need for both.

Perhaps thats the answer that no one wants to admit.  You need both.

Sidenote:  Defense News adds this juicy tidbit to the story...

This contract only covers units at the brigade level and below within the ABCT. There are still another 1,922 M113s in use supporting Echelons Above Brigade (EAB) that the service eventually wants to replace.

So there will be a future competition...but what has me spinning is this Echelons Above Brigade?  What the fuck is that?  Is that a new name for Regiment and Division?   Is it some new stand alone combat formation like the USMC's Marine Expeditionary Force?  Geez!  Educate me people!  Asked and answered.  Thanks everyone.