Allison Transmission is an active participant in the U.S. Marine Corps’ combat vehicle modernization plan. Both Textron Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems have been down-selected by the Marine Corps to build prototypes for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) competition and both are equipped with an Allison Specialty Series transmission as their propulsion solution.
The Marine Corps also announced it will work with BAE Systems to study the possibility of adapting their Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) to become the ARV. BAE’s ACV, which entered full rate production in February 2021, uses an Allison 4000 Specialty Series transmission.
“Allison takes great pride collaborating with leading defense partners, providing propulsion solutions for their vehicles, and meeting the requirements of the U.S military and our customers around the world,” said Dana Pittard, Vice President for Defense Programs at Allison Transmission.
The Marine Corps is looking to replace its fleet of Light Armored Vehicles (LAV) as part of the Marine Corps’ modernization. The ARV will weigh less than 37,000 pounds and requires the power and torque to maneuver effectively on land and sea; under extreme conditions through the surf zone, across sandy soil, and into combat action.
“Allison’s fully automatic transmissions are engineered without compromise, and deliver Continuous Power Technology for smooth, seamless, full-power shifts and superior acceleration. Allison Automatics have no power interrupts during shift changes making the best use of the engine’s horsepower and torque by delivering more power to the wheels, and allowing the vehicle crew to focus on mission accomplishment,” said Pittard.
The two Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are expected to deliver their prototype vehicles in 2023 followed by a rigorous six-month government evaluation. In its solicitation to industry, the Marine Corps said it may pursue a production effort upon successful completion of the prototype project, and build approximately 500 vehicles over five years.
