Amphibious Assault Vehicle

Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide

The amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) is employed to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent operations ashore.

The AAV is capable of open ocean operation from offshore shipping through rough seas and plunging surf; and without modification, it is capable of traversing beaches, crossing rough terrain, and performing high speed operations on improved roads. AAVs provide the ground combat element (GCE) with armor protection as well as land and water operation capabilities.

The AAV was not designed as an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and should not be employed as such. It lacks the armor protection, stabilized weapons station, low silhouette, and means for the infantry to fight from the vehicle without exposing themselves to direct fire.

The EAAK consists of a series of bolt-on armor panels that provide additional armor protection to the vehicle. With the EAAK mounted, the vehicle receives a substantial increase in ballistic protection. The EAAK adds 4,400 pounds (1,996 kg) to the vehicle. The EAAK mounts to the AAVP7A1, AAVP7A1 (RAM/RS), and AAVC7A1 but not the AAVR7A1.

• Protection for vehicle side and slope, troop compartment overhead, and slope rack kit for sponson stowage of OEM.
• Attachment: boss and joint offset method.
• Material: homogeneous harden steel, rubber, mild steel composite.
• Boss offset from hull (no armor): 0.75 in per side.
• Maximum offset from hull: 8.50 in per side.

• No penetration for 7.62mm and smaller weapons at muzzle velocity.
• 95% probability of no penetration for 12.7mm armor piercing at muzzle velocity.
• 95% probability of no penetration for 14.5mm at 300 meters.
• 99% probability of no penetration for 155mm HE at 50 feet.
• Substantially decreases the effectiveness of shape charge weapons by reducing the fragmentation debris cone from 110° to 35°.

The EAAK that is currently utilized was fielded in 1991. More then 800 sets of EAAK have been washed out of the system due to corrosion since original fielding. Current projections are for a washout rate of 55 to 75 systems per year. A reprocurement of 661 sets of EAAK with deliveries in 2004-2006 was initiated via a contract with Rafael Corporation. A follow on contract for procurement of an additional 243 sets was issued in FY 05 with deliveries planned for FY06 and FY07 to cover future washouts.

LVTP7

1972. Combat weight: 26.4 tons (23.991 mt). Crew: 3 + 25 passengers. Road speed: 45 mph (72 km/h). Water speed: 8 mph (13 km/h). Armament: .50 caliber M2HB.

LVTP7A1, AAVP7A1

1983. Modernized and upgunned LVTP7. Unit replacement cost: $2.2 - $2.5 Million (1996). In 1985 the U.S. Marine Corps changed the designation of the LVTP7A1 to AAV7A1.

AAVP7A1 (RAM/RS)

1998. AAVP7A1 engine, transmission, and suspension upgrade. RAM/RS: Reliability, availability, and maintainability/rebuild to standard.

AAVC7A1

1983. Command and control variant. Unit replacement cost: $2.2 - $2.5 Million (1996). Equipped with six very high frequency (VHF), one ultrahigh frequency (UHF), and one high frequency (HF) radio transmitters and receivers to allow secure communications with subordinate, adjacent, and higher units, as well as with supporting arms and logistic agencies. It includes workstations for up to five staff officers and five radio operators.

AAVR7A1

1983. Maintenance and recovery variant. Unit replacement cost: $2.2 - $2.5 Million (1996). Includes a hydraulic, telescoping, boom crane with a 6,000-pound capacity, 30,000-pound capacity recovery winch, as well as cutting, welding, and other portable maintenance equipment.