AAV-7 (LVTP-7)

History

The AAV-7 series of amphibious assault vehicles was born in the late 1960s, formerly known as the LVTP-7. The initiative calls for the construction of an ocean-going capable armored personnel carrier that can serve the U.S.

Marine Corps, transporting personnel and supplies from offshore vessels to inland positions. The tracked nature of the vehicle and the unique hull design ensured it could meet both of these requirements, and the AAV-7 series has continued to excel for decades since then.

Also known as the "Amtrack" or "Battle Bus", this vehicle is used by the U.S. Marine Corps Assault Amphibious Battalion. It is expected to be replaced by the results of the ongoing Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program. In addition to the U.S. Marine Corps, the AAV-7 has served with the armed forces of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela, and Indonesia.

However, the U.S. Marine Corps is by far the biggest proponent of AAV-7 vehicles managing an inventory of about 1,300. In second place is South Korea with about 162 units.

The long-standing challenge of moving combatants from sea to land has existed for centuries. This proved to be a key challenge for the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps during World War II, as they fought with their allies in the vast Pacific region against the entrenched forces of the Japanese Empire.

The campaign will require the delivery of soldiers, machinery and supplies over thousands of miles of water and land in a massive, concentrated attack critical to victory in the Pacific.

To compensate for the increasing threats on the modern battlefield, the EAAK (Enhanced Decaled Armor Kit) was later developed to increase the basic protection of the AAV-7A1 with external armor made of formed steel. This in turn forced the RAM/RS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability, Rebuild Standards) program to offset the weight gain of the EAAK installation. So the update includes a more powerful engine and revised suspension (these are based on the existing M2 Bradley IFV, albeit modified accordingly), all of which help bring the AAV-7 back to its original weight gain front specification.

All AAV-7A1s have since been upgraded to this new standard.

In addition to the basic tank (AAVP-7A1), the AAV-7A1 has two main forms. These include the "AAVC-7A1" command vehicle, which noticeably lacks a turret location and has additional communications equipment in the passenger compartment. Another variant is the "AAVR-7A1", a special Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) that also lacks turret armament.

The rescue vehicle includes a heavy-duty crane (foldable to the right side of the top of the fuselage), and other features to facilitate rescue.

Since its introduction in 1972, the LVTP-7/AAV-7 has been used in a variety of high-profile conflicts. The Argentine Navy used this type against the UK in the 1982 Falklands War. LVTP-7 was part of a multinational effort to ensure peace in war-torn Beirut in the early to mid-1980s.

The vehicles were also part of the 1983 U.S. grenade invasion (as part of Operation Emergency Rampage). The series of vehicles gained notoriety during the 1991 Gulf War with the U.S.

Marines during the liberation of Kuwait and subsequent destruction by Iraqi forces, although they again proved vulnerable to enemy rocket and mortar fire. Following its deployment in the Persian Gulf, the AAV-7 was deployed again to support humanitarian needs related to Somalia.

Recent combat operations include involvement in the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan (2001) and the U.S. invasion of Iraq (2003)conflicts sparked by 9/11. To date (2012), the AAV-7 remains in operational service with the USMC, but the type is expected to maximize its service potential over the next few years.

Consequently, the proposed "Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle" (EFV) program was developed to take over the AAV-7 family. However, the program was cancelled, leading to the introduction of the "Amphibious Combat Vehicle" (ECV) program to replace it.

The program aims to produce a state-of-the-art vehicle with digitally stabilized and modular weapons, full amphibious support, low-profile/stealth-oriented design features, and mobility that keeps pace with the USMC's current mechanized offerings, including cloth Radley IFV and M1 hold Abrams MBT vehicles. The program has been running since 2012.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

864 x 40mm shell or 900 x 25mm projectile.

1,200 x 12.7mm ammunition.

Changes