In a significant advancement for the U.S. Marine Corps, defense contractor V2X Inc. has joined forces with the RENK segment Horstman Group to enhance the capabilities of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program. This collaboration will introduce modern suspension technology designed to improve the operational effectiveness of these critical military vehicles.
Horstman will supply its proprietary Hydrostrut hydro-pneumatic suspension technology, which integrates high-pressure nitrogen gas with an oil damper in a compact setup. This innovative design not only conserves vehicle space but also optimizes driving performance. The Hydrostrut system is adaptable for a variety of platforms, including 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations, whether tracked or wheeled.
The partnership follows a successful evaluation of Horstman’s technology by military officials and is part of a timeline that aims for initial shipments to the ACV fleet within the next 15 months, with deliveries continuing until December 2026. The first orders under this initiative are scheduled to commence at the end of this year.
Chris Melkonian, program manager for advanced amphibious assault at the U.S. Marine Corps, expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating that it represents a robust working relationship between the Program Management Office and the private sector. He emphasized that the Hydrostrut suspension will enhance the availability of essential parts, thereby maintaining the amphibious capabilities of the Marine Corps.
The ACV initiative aims to replace the aging fleet of Assault Amphibious Vehicles that have been in service since the 1970s. These vehicles play a critical role in transporting troops and equipment during ship-to-shore operations. Since its introduction in 2018, the ACV has evolved into several versions, expanding its functionalities to include command and control, engineering, and offensive capabilities.
The standard ACV chassis is equipped with a remote weapon station capable of supporting either a heavy machine gun or a grenade launcher. It can carry up to 13 passengers and is operated by a crew of three, boasting a payload capacity exceeding 3 tons (4,000 pounds). Powered by a 700-horsepower Iveco Cursor 16 engine, the ACV can reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour (105 kilometers per hour) on paved surfaces and 7 miles per hour (11 kilometers per hour) in water, with an operational range of approximately 250 miles (402 kilometers).
The collaboration between V2X and Horstman represents a pivotal move in enhancing the operational capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps, ensuring that its forces remain equipped with cutting-edge technologies to meet contemporary military demands.
