Amphibious Combat Vehicle 1.1

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle 1.1 is the interim solution for modern mechanized mobility for USMC forces in the near term. The vehicle that will be procured will be selected from a group of three to four competitors; the key performance parameters describe a highly mobile and protected wheeled vehicle that possesses great potential. The advantages of off road mobility, increased lethality from a modern weapons station, modern communications and data transfer abilities, as well as excellent protection characteristics are impressive and offer hope for greater mechanized effectiveness in the future. There are, however, some challenges inherent with the introduction of a new vehicle. Structure in terms of personnel and logistical supportability will have to be addressed. Most importantly, the lack of a real amphibious self-deploying capability inherent in the vehicle will prove to be the Achilles Heel of the entire program. Operating in an anti access and area denial environment will demand that the amphibious force remain much farther from shore than had been projected in the past. Without significant investment in connectors or a change in mindset, the ACV will simply be another mobility asset that must wait for the completion of amphibious operations before its introduction.