AAV7

   The Amphibious Assault Vehicle, usually known as the AAV7 was once called LVTP7 by the US Marine Corps and other users. It is a bulky amphibious tracked vehicle intended to land troops on open beaches so it has to be seaworthy and is thus scaled accordingly.

   Intended as a replacement for the LVTP5 series the LVTP7 prototype appeared in 1967 with production commencing during 1970-1971. In 1985 it was renamed the AAV7. By the time production has ceased over 1 500 had been produced not only for the US Marines but also for seven export customers, including Argentina, Brazil, Italy, South Korea, Spain and Thailand.

   It has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. The capacious troop compartment of the AAV7 can hold up to 25 marines or 4.5 tonnes of supplies, with entry and exit being via a large rear-mounted ramp or roof hatches.

   The AAV7 is launched at sea from amphibious assault ships. This armored vehicle is self-deploying. It is intended for a forced entry into the semi-aquatic areas. Once ashore functions of the AAV7 include guarding checkpoints and carrying troops and supplies inland.

   This amphibious armored vehicle has a welded aluminum armor hull. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. A kit was devised to permit extra add-on armor to be installed on most US Marine Corps vehicles.

   The AAV7 has a small turret, armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun. Later it appeared that a single heavy machine gun is insufficient. Heavier turrets with 20- or 30-mm cannons were tested on this vehicle, however were not adopted.

   Engine of the AAV7 is mounted at the front. Originally vehicle was powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V53T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 400 hp. In the water propulsion is provided by two waterjet units at the rear, or alternatively, by spinning tracks. Vehicle has a seaworthiness up to Sea State 3.

   The late production model was the AAV7A1 and most earlier models were later brought up to this standard in the late 1970s. AAV7A1 improvements included an new Cummins diesel engine pack, night vision devices, a new weapon station control system, improved ventilation and many other detail changes. Further improvements included universal weapon mounting capable of accommodating a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher as well as 12.7-mm machine gun.

   AAV7A1 variants include a command vehicle (AAVC7A1), a recovery vehicle fitted with a recovery jib (AAVR7A1), and various mine-clearing vehicles, including one with a mine plough. There was also a prototype amphibious light tank, armed with a 105-mm gun (LVTH7), however it never reached production.

   Various automotive and suspension test beads have appeared, including a project, involving an electric drive system. In the near future the AAV7A1 will be replaced by a programme known as the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.