Defense contractor V2X Inc. has teamed with RENK subsidiary Horstman Group to supply advanced hydro-pneumatic suspension systems for the US Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program. The partnership will see Horstman deliver its Hydrostrut suspension technology, aimed at enhancing vehicle mobility, ride quality, and durability across amphibious and land operations.
The Hydrostrut system integrates high-pressure nitrogen gas and an internal oil damper into a compact, self-contained unit, allowing for greater vehicle packaging efficiency and improved driving performance. Designed for flexibility, the system can be adapted for 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 tracked and wheeled platforms, making it suitable for a wide range of military vehicle applications.
The collaboration follows a successful evaluation of Horstman’s suspension technology by the US military and comes within 15 months of the initial Hydrostrut deliveries to the ACV fleet. Deliveries under the latest order are expected to begin by the end of the year and will continue through December 2026, supporting the Marine Corps’ ongoing vehicle modernization efforts.
The ACV program is intended to replace the Marine Corps’ aging Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), which date back to the 1970s. Since entering service in 2018, the ACV has evolved into multiple variants to support command-and-control, engineering, and assault roles. The platform features a remote weapon station, accommodates up to 13 embarked troops, carries more than 4,000 pounds of payload, and is powered by a 700-horsepower Iveco Cursor 16 engine, enabling high-speed mobility on land and water.
