The development of the BMP concept began in 1969 with consideration of the position of the Royal Armored Corps[en] to create a heavily protected vehicle weighing about 30 tons and the desire of mechanized infantry units to obtain a lighter, more maneuverable vehicle. The choice was stopped at the second option, as less expensive. The designs of machine prototypes were developed by GKN and Vickers Defense Systems[en]. The GKN project was recognized as the best and the company was commissioned to build 3 prototypes, which were produced by June 1979. At the same time, the requirements for a serial BMP were formed under the designation MCV-80 (Mechanized Combat Vehicle): the ability to operate in conjunction with the Challenger 1 main tank
the ability to operate without support for 48 hours
the possibility for the crew to stay in the closed space of the machine for 24 hours
installation of a WMD protection system
armor protection must withstand the impact of 14.5-mm bullets and fragments of 155-mm artillery rounds
armed with an automatic cannon with the possibility of impressing enemy BMPs and anti-aircraft as an anti-aircraft gun
transportation of a 3-person crew and 7 landing infantrymen
