In a significant milestone for AeroGlow International, the company has recently announced the receipt of its inaugural purchase order from Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), marking the commencement of a promising partnership. The order, heralding the first business collaboration with Italy’s renowned defense vehicle manufacturer, serves as a pivotal step forward for AeroGlow, particularly in the maritime defense sector. The procurement entails the integration of AeroGlow’s cutting-edge safety enhancement technology into the Italian Navy’s amphibious combat vehicle, the VBA (based on SUPERAV platform) , facilitating enhanced egress capabilities and operational efficiency. The collaboration between AeroGlow and IDV underscores the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in defense technology, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of military forces worldwide. The Super AV, a flagship project of IDV, embodies the pinnacle of amphibious combat vehicle design, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern naval operations. With the infusion of AeroGlow’s advanced safety solutions, the Super AV is poised to elevate its performance standards, ensuring enhanced survivability and mission effectiveness for Italian Navy personnel.
The Iveco SuperAV is an eight-wheel drive tactical vehicle developed by the Italian commercial vehicle company Iveco. A version made in collaboration with BAE Systems was selected by the United States Marine Corps for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program. Iveco Defense Vehicles had signed with the Italian military to supply 36 Amphibious Armoured Vehicles (VBA) to the Italian Navy, marking the start of an order which is expected to total 64 vehicles for the Italian navy, 64 for the army and 18 for the army engineering corp.Italy first issued a requirement for a new amphibious vehicle before 2010, leading to home player Iveco developing its SUPERAV 8X8, but procurement has been slow. The initial 36 vehicles, which will equip the navy’s San Marco Brigade will feature a 700HP FPT Cursor 16 engine with an automatic 7-speed gearbox and a maximum on-road speed of 105 km/h. The two rear-mounted propellers achieve a top speed of 6 knots. Unlike the U.S. vehicles, which feature a Kongsberg 30mm turret, the Italian vehicles will be equipped with the Leonardo Hitrole Light remote turret with a 12.7mm caliber weapon.
At the heart of AeroGlow’s contribution lies its expertise in developing state-of-the-art egress systems, tailored to meet the unique challenges encountered in amphibious warfare scenarios. Drawing upon a wealth of experience and technological prowess, AeroGlow has pioneered innovative solutions designed to optimise crew safety during both routine operations and emergency situations. By seamlessly integrating these solutions into the Super AV platform, AeroGlow aims to mitigate potential risks and streamline evacuation procedures, thereby safeguarding the lives of servicemen and women operating in demanding maritime environments. The parallels between the Italian Navy’s adoption of the VBA and the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) utilization of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) – both based on SuperAV vehicular platform – are unmistakable. Much like its American counterpart, the VBA represents a paradigm shift in maritime mobility and force projection capabilities, offering unparalleled versatility and performance across a spectrum of operational scenarios. By embracing proven concepts and methodologies, IDV has demonstrated its commitment to delivering world-class solutions that align with the evolving needs of modern naval warfare.
Crucially, AeroGlow’s collaboration with IDV heralds a new era of transnational cooperation in the defense industry, fostering synergies between leading innovators to achieve common objectives. The partnership not only strengthens the bond between Italy and the United States but also underscores the global significance of collaborative efforts in advancing defense capabilities. Looking ahead, the successful integration of AeroGlow’s safety enhancement technology into the VBA platform is poised to set new benchmarks for maritime defense excellence. With the Italian Navy at the forefront of this transformative initiative, the VBA stands ready to redefine the standards of amphibious combat vehicle performance, setting a precedent for future generations of defense platforms worldwide. As AeroGlow and IDV embark on this journey of innovation and partnership, the horizon appears boundless, brimming with possibilities to shape the future of maritime warfare.
