AAV / LVTP-7 / AAV-7 / AAVP-7A1

Tracked Assault Amphibious Armored Vehicle - United States

The AAV Assault Amphibious Vehicle is primarily used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) rather than the Army. AAVs are also commonly called "Amtracs," which is short for "amphibious tractors." The AAV-7A1 is the current model in use and has been in service since the early 1970s. It is designed to transport troops from ships to shore and vice versa, as well as provide support during ground operations.

The Amphibious vehicle currently used by the United States Marines Corps, and some other countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chili, Italy, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and Venezuela), are the LVTP-7 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked, Personnel), also known since 1985, as the AAV-7 (Amphibious Assault Vehicle).

The amtracs (amphibious tractors) are mounted by the Marines since WW2 and the first LVT-1. Originally they are intended to carry replenishment from ships to shore. However, the Marines soon recognized the potential of the LVT as an assault vehicle. Armored versions were introduced as well as fire support versions. The first usage of the LVT in combat was during the amphibious assault on Tarawa in late 1943. They have since participated in all amphibious assaults around the world.

The successor of the WWII Amtrack, the LVTP-5 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked, Personnel) entered in service in 1956 and was replaced in 1972 by the LVTP-7. The US Marines Corps was calling for an Armored Personnel Carrier capable to reach the beach from off-shore ships. FMC (Food Machinery Corporation) was charged with the design and development of a new amphibious APC. This APC should be capable to carry a full complement of 25 combat-ready personnel or 5,000kg of cargo from U.S. Navy amphibious vessel to the shore. Initial deliveries began in 1971.

Between 1982 and 1986, all the USMC's LVTP-7 are converted into LVTP-7A1 within the framework of the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). During this program, the LVTP-7A1 was redesignated as AAV-7A1. The modernization included a new powerpack (Cummins VT400 diesel engine), an improved suspension, an improved electric weapon station (Cadillac Gage turret with an Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher and an M2HB 12.7mm machine gun, instead of a unique M85 12.7mm machine gun)

AAV Assault Amphibious Vehicle variants:

- LVTP-7: original series produced since 1971
- LVTP-7A1: LVTP-7 Service Life Extension Program. Renamed to AAVP-7A1 in 1984.
- AAV-7: LVTP-7 renamed in 1984
- AAV-7A1:LVTP-7A1 Renamed from 1984
- AAVP-7A1 (Personnel): Armored Personnel Carrier variant of AAV-7A1
- AAVC-7A1 (Command): Command, Control and Communications variant of AAV-7A1
- AAVR-7A1 (Recovery): Wrecker variant of AAV-7A1 including a hydraulic telescoping crane with 2,721kg capacity and a 13,605kg capacity recovery winch.
- AAV-7A1 RAM/RS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard): replacement of both the engine and suspension with US Army M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle components modified for the AAV