ARLINGTON, Virginia -- BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles today announced their official teaming relationship, which followed the licensing agreement announced last June, for the pursuit of the U.S. Marine Corps Personnel Carrier (MPC) program.

The companies have signed both a Teaming Agreement and Technology Cross Licensing Agreement (TCLA).

“This teaming agreement is particularly timely as we recently responded to the Marine Corps’ Request for Information (RFI) for the MPC program. Combining our expertise allows us to best address the requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps and its MPC program with an affordable amphibious platform that balances performance, capability and cost,” said Ann Hoholick, vice president and general manager of amphibious and new programs at BAE Systems. “We are well positioned to meet any current and future amphibious vehicle needs that our Marine Corps customer faces.”

“With over 70 years in the defence vehicle business, Iveco looks forward to combining its expertise with that of BAE Systems, creating a powerful, forward-looking relationship,” said Pietro Borgo, general manager at Iveco Defence Vehicles.

These agreements allow a teaming and collaboration effort between BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles to modify and adapt the Iveco SUPERAV 8x8 for the MPC program.

Both BAE Systems and Iveco Defence have extensive experience across a range of mine-protected and armored vehicles, including several 8x8 models. Iveco has an exceedingly capable and economically efficient 8X8 vehicle based on mature and fielded technologies that include enhanced survivability, dynamic mobility performance, proven amphibious capability as well a superior sustainability garnered from an extensive worldwide supply chain and logistics support network. BAE brings in depth knowledge of USMC amphibious vehicle requirements, vehicle systems integration experience and systems engineering bolstered by project management expertise.

The MPC is designed to provide a modern amphibious armored wheeled personnel carrier capability within the Marine Corps’ Ground Combat Element. It will be a flexible and highly mobile asset for the Marines that will be well protected, sustainable, networked and include a strong amphibious capability.

BAE Systems
17.08.2011