The next generation of US Army combat vehicle AMPV (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle) tested by ATEC U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. All variants of the AMPV are slated to undergo extensive testing at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) including a mortar variant using the M121 mortar system.

Currently, all variants of the AMPV are slated to undergo extensive testing at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). (Photo Credit: Mr. Mark Schauer (ATEC))

The recently developed Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is intended to replace old M113 tracked APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) in service with the United States armed forces since 1962 and to dramatically increase U.S. soldiers transport capabilities. The AMPV's will be delivered to the U.S. Army in five variants, a general purpose vehicle, mission command vehicle, mortar carrier, and medical evacuation and treatment vehicles.

The AMPV have nearly 80% more interior volume than the old M113, and significantly more power and survivability. Cooling and electrical systems are also upgraded to accommodate both existing and future upgrades.

The mortar carrier variant of AMPV is being tested by YPG's Munitions and Weapons Division. Integrating the 120mm mortar into the vehicle took extensive work and requires a punishing test fire regimen to insure the system performs as expected.

YPG supports the test firing with a wide variety of personnel, from weapons operators and observers to high speed camera operators, data collectors, and conditioning chamber personnel. Some of the test rounds are conditioned to various temperatures and brought to the mortar immediately prior to being fired.

The test firing of the mortar carrier variant is only the start of evaluations of all aspects of the AMPV's performance that will last for more than a year.