EFV

   The EFV or Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle was previously known as the AAAV or Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle. This new IFV is intended to replace ageing fleet of AAV7 amphibious armored personnel carriers. The EFV is intended for deployment by US Marines in 2010. Over 1 000 of these vehicles are planned to be built.

   The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is launched at sea from amphibious assault ships. It is self-deploying and can carry 17 fully equipped troops or supplies ashore. It is intended for a forced entry into the semi aquatic areas and provide firepower support. Other functions of the EFV include guarding checkpoints, escorting convoys and patrolling.

   The EFV has twice the armor of the AAV7. Vehicle has aluminum hull with built-in composite armor at the front. It protects crew from 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery fragments. Great attention was paid to mine-blast protection. It is also fitted with mine-blast protected seats. Vision blocks are fitted with built-in laser protection. The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Enhanced armor plating can be attached to the hull if necessary.

   Firepower of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is also superior to it's predecessor. It is armed with a fully-stabilized MK44 30-mm high-velocity cannon. It fires two types of rounds. Vehicle fires accurately on the move, or afloat at stationary or moving targets. It has 90% hit probability at 1 200 meters range. It is capable of defeating most of light armored vehicles. Two types of rounds are fired by the main gun. Secondary armament consists of single coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   Vehicle has a crew of three and can carry 17 fully equipped troops. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear ramp or roof hatches.

   The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is powered by German MTU MT-833 Ka523 multi-fuel diesel engine. It has two operation modes and develops 850 horsepower on land and 2 700 hp on water. Vehicle is also completed with auxiliary power unit, powering all systems, when the main engine is turned off. This vehicle has cross-country performance at least equal to the M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and can keep up with them once inland. On water Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is propelled by two waterjets. Hull of the EFV has an actuated bow flap to avoid planing. Vehicle is fitted with active hydropneumatic suspension, which retracts road wheels once the vehicle is in the water. It has three times the speed in water of the AAV7.

Variants

   EFV(P) amphibious infantry fighting vehicle with capacity for 17 troops;

   EFV(C) amphibious armored command vehicle, carrying command and control electronics, but lacking 30-mm cannon.