BAE tests Counter-Drone variant of armored multi-purpose vehicle

BAE Systems recently tested the counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) prototype.

Jointly developed with Moog, the variant demonstrated detection, tracking, identification, and defeat of stationary and moving aerial and ground targets during the recent live-fire tests, BAE said.

“The exercise displayed the turret engaging with ground targets and utilizing a slew-to-cue capability to target both stationary and moving small drones with 30mm proximity rounds.”

Modular Configuration

It features the chassis of the earlier variants and the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) top plate for rapidly integrating future technologies and capabilities onto the platform.

The ExMEP has already proven its adaptability with the US Army’s Mobile Short Range Air Defense turret and can integrate with 30 more turrets.

“From the earliest combat capability concept stage of the AMPV program, we intentionally designed a modular and flexible configuration to provide an adaptable and ready-for-growth platform for the warfighter,” said BAE Systems AMPV program director Bill Sheehy.

Remote Turret

The ExMEP is configured on the platform with the remote Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform turret, offering air defense, anti-armor, or multi-mission capabilities.

Additional capabilities offered by Moog for the system include Leonardo DRS’ Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars, associated command and control systems, and Northrop Grumman’s XM914 30mm cannon.

The US Army contracted BAE in 2023 to deliver five AMPV variants for the armored brigade combat team units, including a general purpose variant, medical treatment variant, medical evacuation variant, mission command variant, and mortar carrier variant.