Updated. The contenders for SOCOM ITV/GCV/GAARV programs.

Correction:  I stated that SOCOM was looking for an ITV/GAARV and GCV vehicles.  I should have stated Ground Mobility Vehicle instead of GCV!  My mistake.

Its time to update the list of possible contenders for the SOCOM ITV/GAARV programs.  These are two separate programs of record but I still believe that the GAARV will be rolled into the ITV program.  As it now stands the GAARV is looking at an air droppable, sling loadable or internally carried vehicle with a 3 foot ground clearance for use in flood zones/hurricane relief missions and for clearing rubble in a humanitarian assistance mission.

It doesn't require that the vehicle be carried internally inside the V-22 and it highlights the clearance requirement.  From the outside looking in, it appears that the days of SOCOM getting practically everything it wants is over and pressure (I believe) will be placed on Air Force Special Ops to get in line with the trigger pullers in the other parts of the building.  That means programs will merge.  So the contenders.

General Dynamics entry for Ground Combat Vehicle...originally an ITV called JAMMA...Much redesigned since its Force Protection days, it is designed for internal transport and lost out to a rehashed FAST ATTACK Jeep put forward by a retired Marine Colonel in S. Carolina.

General Dynamics Land Ordinance Prime Mover for 120mm Mortar.  The USMC operates a Fast Attack Vehicle version which seats 4(?).  This is an extreme darkhorse candidate that's controversial even within the Marine Corps.  Many see a bit of cronyism in this vehicle's selection (Google the news reports...this is the vehicle that beat the JAMMA...a vehicle I consider superior to this one) and it is nothing more than a throw back to the old FAST Jeeps that were used in the 80's and early 90's.

BC Customs ITV model.  Probably the favorite for USAF GAARV program--designed several years ago and tweaked for internal carriage.  Other versions have been used by Special Operations and the 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain (I believe...some conventional infantry unit used them in Afghanistan)...the design is tailor made for GAARV requirements.  From Approach and departure angle to ground clearance.  Questions remain about the ability of BC Customs to support a large order from SOCOM.  Teaming with an industry giant (or some company that's experinced with govt contracting/servicing) will probably be required.

Another work around that the Para-rescue guys came up with.  Transporting casualties on a trailer is practically unheard of but will be accepted if this vehicle comes into service.

An outside contender but one that I see as becoming more likely.  Jeep's aren't cheap...especially those built to SOCOM specifications...but compared to custom vehicles they're a down right steal.  Properly configured with weapon mounts, fuel and water storage and light armoring, these heavy duty jeeps could compete for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.  That contract will not require internal carriage in a V-22 (probably CH-47) and Rangers will value mobility on the ground versus internal carriage by V-22.  Keep an eye on Jankel/Jeep.

NAVISTAR GCV.  Interesting vehicle.  I lack visibility on this truck but I wonder about it.  Not its ballistic protection but more in how it would function in the GCV role.  A real deal truck, operating heads out, communicating with your machine gunner will be difficult unless they totally redesign it.  As it currently sits, its a bigger dark horse than the jeep.

If I missed a vehicle in this comp hit me up.  But I'm becoming more convinced than ever that the SOCOM Internally Transportable Vehicle, Ground Combat Vehicle and Para-rescue programs will be collapsed into at best two programs.

I could be wrong and maybe all three will be funded.

We'll see.

For your review.  The updated RFI for the GAARV.  Fascinating reading.