AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) amphibious armored vehicles have been used by the US Marines, and other countries, since the early 1970s and are now being replaced by the newer ACV (Amphibious Combat Vehicle), derived from the wheeled SuperAV of Italian Iveco. The vehicles entered service in 1972, as replacements for the LVTP-5. In 1982 the manufacturer FMC won a contract to implement the SLEP (Service Life Extension Program). The SLEP program included the incorporation of an improved engine and drivetrain, while the vehicle support process was also improved.
Specifically, the Cummins VT400 engine was installed, instead of the GM 8V53T. Also, the hydraulic movement control system of the battle tower was replaced by a safer electric one. The suspensions and shock absorbers were strengthened, the security of the fuel tanks was strengthened, a smoke production system and an eight-fold smoke grenade launcher were added, and a new ventilation system was added. Finally, the driver was enhanced with an improved instrument panel and night vision system. Upon completion of the SLEP program in 1984, the vehicles were redesignated the AAV-7A1. In 1987 a new upgrade program began with the adoption of the Cadillac Gage Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS) turret, incorporating a 12.7mm M-2HB machine gun and a 40mm Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher.
In 1989, the development of additional armor EAAK (Enhanced Applique Armor Kits) began, which began to be integrated into vehicles in 1993. In 1997, the implementation of the extensive AAV RAM/RS (Assault Amphibious Vehicle Reliability, Availability, Maintainability/Rebuild) upgrade program was approved to Standard). The program involved upgrading all AAV-7 systems to bring the vehicles back to factory performance. As part of the AAV RAM/RS program the vehicles received the M2 Bradley engine and suspension (modified for the AAV-7). The vehicle’s ground clearance is back to 40.6cm, while the power-to-weight ratio is back to 17:1, up from 13:1.
Also, with the implementation of the program, the cost and time of vehicle support and maintenance was reduced. In March 2015 SAIC was awarded a contract to develop the AAV SU (Survivability Upgrade) suite. The prototype was presented in January 2016, where the additional EAAK armor had been replaced by 49 plates of advanced, ceramic armor, the vehicle was reinforced (internally) with an armored mesh (Spall Liner), the external fuel tanks were reinforced with additional armor, the floor was reinforced with aluminum armor to protect against mines, new seats, a more powerful engine and a new suspension system were incorporated.
The AAV SU program involved upgrading 392 vehicles so that they would remain in service until 2035. However, in August 2018 the US Marine Corps canceled the program. AAV-7s saw action in the 1982 Falklands War by the Argentines. In 1982-1984 they served in Lebanon, as part of a peacekeeping mission, and in October 1983 they participated in the American invasion of Granada. They also saw action in the Gulf War in 1991. In the early 2000s it was decided to replace them with the EFV (Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle), but the program was canceled in January 2011. Finally, in June 2018 it was decided to replace them from ACV vehicles.
In May 2021, Lt. Gen. Gregg Olson, Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps, stated that the AAV-7s delivered to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit were in dire condition, with 54% of the vehicles inspected have recorded failures in the watertight capability of the doors, 18% recorded water ingress from the supply ports and 50% had an incomplete vehicle exit lighting system. In December of that year, the Commandant of the US Marine Corps, General David Berger, announced his decision that the Corps would no longer use the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV-7) in operations or training activities at sea.
The vehicles will be available for operations only on land, while at sea they will only be available if the need arises (crisis, war). This decision was made in the wake of the Marine Corps report on the tragic accident, in July 2020, which claimed the lives of nine (9) Marines. David Berger justified his decision by saying that 76% of AAV-7 traffic is on land. He also said the Corps remains committed to bringing the new ACV amphibious armored vehicles into service. The main version of the AAV-7 is that of the AAVP-7A1 personnel carrier, with a 12.7mm machine gun and 40mm automatic grenade launcher, and a capacity to carry 21 fully equipped Marines plus a crew of four.
There is also the AAVC-7A1 command version, without a battle tower, but with more communications systems. It has a crew of three, five (5) communication stations with an equal number of operators, three (3) staff and two (2) commanders. The AAVR-7A1 assembly version does not have a battle tower and incorporates a crane and materials necessary for both battlefield support and repair.
It has a crew of four. A number of vehicles have been modified to incorporate the Mk.154 MCLC (Mine Clearance Line Charge) system, clearing safe routes through minefields. The typical performance of the AAV-7 is 480 km range or 37 km continuous sailing in water (up to Sea State 5) and 72 km/h maximum road speed. Off road the maximum speed is 32 kilometers per hour, while the maximum speed at sea is 13 kilometers per hour.
