APV military seatbelts will be used in several next-generation amphibious and land military platforms built by BAE Systems in the USA, including the amphibious combat vehicle program for the US Marines and armoured multipurpose vehicle (AMPV) program for the US Army that replaces the M113 armoured personnel carrier.

BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan welcomed the milestone achievement, stating, “Through our global business, we are opening the door to a global supply chain worth around $17 billion, introducing local SMEs to new markets and opportunities. We have a wealth of world-leading, industrial suppliers in Australia, and we see it as our duty to support them to achieve success through exports.”

These programs represent two of the most important and technologically advanced armoured and protected vehicle programs underway for the US Forces. The international contract signing is significant milestone for APV, which has been providing restraints for Australian and North American military vehicles since 2002.  

The contract, with an optional additional year, was secured through the company’s involvement with BAE Systems Australia’s Global Supply Chain Program.

“APV is a fantastic example of this, and with their involvement in this program, we will continue to provide the highest level of protection within our company’s military vehicles,” Costigan added. 

Defence Industry Minister, Melissa Price welcomed the achievement, telling Defence Connect, “Melbourne-based APV has demonstrated once again the export potential of Australia’s defence capability. Despite the challenges faced by many Australian small businesses during COVID-19, it is great to see the success of APV in winning this contract to supply to the US military.

“We’re working hard to keep Australian defence industries running through this crisis. Successful contracts like this one again demonstrate what a strong future our industry has in Australia.”

Managing director and CEO of APV Safety Products Harry Hickling reinforced the comments made by Costigan, saying, “This agreement builds on APV’s track record of providing battle-proven military restraints since 2002, including the Australian Bushmaster and US MaxxPro MRAP vehicles during the Afghanistan conflict where there was no loss of life of personnel wearing APV restraints within these vehicles. 

“The relationship with BAE Systems in the US means APV is working on the most technically advanced protected amphibious and land vehicle systems in the North American market. Certainly, this is a huge accolade for an Australian SME along with BAE’s Global Supply Chain Program that made this possible, resulting in fantastic recognition of our capabilities on the international stage,” Hickling added. 

BAE Systems is one of eight Australian defence companies who are part of the Global Supply Chain Program delivered by the Centre for Defence Industry Capability.

BAE Systems Australia’s Global Access Program works with Australian SMEs to identify opportunities, assist in development efforts and qualify capabilities.

APV operates Australia’s most advanced test laboratory of its type. Its military restraints have withstood blast testing in both Australia and North America, along with rigorous testing at military proving grounds. This puts APV in a unique position with world-class testing and seatbelt development capabilities.

The BAE Systems’ amphibious combat vehicle solution is designed from the ground up to fulfill the complex mission objective of deploying Marines from ship to shore. This no-compromise 8x8 platform offering is a unique mix of true open-ocean amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability, payload and growth potential to accommodate the evolving operational needs of the United States Marine Corps.

The AMPV is the US Army’s program to replace the Vietnam War-era and legacy M113 family of vehicles.

The program is essential to the future of the Armoured Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) and will fulfill the Army’s strategy of protection, mobility, reliability and interoperability. The AMPV will be integrated with the ABCT and is required to operate alongside the M1 Abrams tank and the M2 Bradley.

The Army has identified the AMPV as its top priority for the safety and survivability of soldiers and therefore meets tough protection requirements. The AMPV leverages aspects of the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, furthering commonality in the ABCT fleet of vehicles.

Date: 07 May 2020

Source: Defence Connect