The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Joint Armored Ground Mobility System (JAGMS) program seeking to procure a new armored ground tactical vehicle. The new armored vehicle should be able to accommodate 9-11 passengers and must be capable of being Internally Air Transportable (IAT) in a C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter. The purpose of this RFI is to determine the types, suitability, and maturity levels of armored vehicles available in the marketplace. Respondents should respond to all parts of this RFI. Respondents shall provide feedback regarding the feasibility and risk levels of meeting the requirements outlined below with an existing mature vehicle, any driving costs or schedule factors, and/or any additional information that would clarify current Industry capabilities.
The Joint Armored Ground Mobility System (JAGMS) is a rapidly-deployable Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), providing heavy weapons capability (with Remote Weapon Station, RWS), ballistic protection, and increased transportability options for special operations forces (SOF). The testing of the new vehicle is expected in FY 2023/24 and the fielding in FY 2024/25. According to the notice, the Key Performance Parameters for JAGMS are as follows:
JAGMS shall have the capacity to transport nine (9) to eleven (11) operators.
JAGMS shall be C-130 transportable without the need for modification.
JAGMS shall meet the Survivability requirements listed in the Survivability Requirements Annex (Classified SECRET).
The U.S. Special Operation Forces (SOF) currently operates the armored Ground Mobility System (AGMS) vehicle derived from the Pandur I 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) originally developed by Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge (SSF), now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). The AGMS is manufactured for the Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) by AV Technology with assistance from General Dynamics. The vehicle can accommodate up to 7 troops plus its commander and driver and is air-transportable in a C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter. The AGMS vehicle is in service with the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special operators and in limited use by the 75th Ranger Regiment.
A remote weapon station with an electro-optical and infrared targeting system would also offer the ability for added situational awareness while operating in a buttoned-down configuration, but only in the direction that the turret is facing. Added optics, or even a more advanced remote vision system consisting of cameras placed around the vehicle, would offer additional visibility. A remote weapon station could be an easy path to adding increased firepower, as well. The original AGMS can only carry one heavy weapon, such as a .50 caliber M2 machine gun, 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher, or TOW anti-tank missile launcher at a time.
