BAE Systems delivers 20 AAV 7A1 amphibious assault vehicles to Brazilian marine corps.

The Brazilian Marine Corps (CFN) has taken delivery of 20 AAV-7A1 (amphibious assault vehicles). They were delivered by BAE Systems in York, Penn. on September 5 to the Port of Sepetiba and were moved to the Naval Complex of Itaguaí. They will later be transferred to the Amphibious Vehicle Battalion (BtlVtrAnf), in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro.

Assault Amphibious Vehicle AAV 7A1 in USMC service (Picture source: YouTube)

Brazil signed a foreign military sales contract with BAE Systems in December 2015 worth $82 million. The deal covers equipment and services necessary to rebuild 20 total AAV-7A1 vehicles to the reliability, availability, maintainability/rebuild to standard (RAM/RS). The contract is part of a $117.5 million deal for 23 rebuilt AAVs. In addition to the 20 AAV-7A1 vehicles, Brazil is taking delivery of two equipped as command vehicles and one equipped as a recovery vehicle.

Once deployed to BtlVtrAnf, the vehicles will undergo warranty evaluation, painting, and installation of communications equipment. Once this step is completed, they will be transferred to the operating sector and can be used according to CFN needs.

Compared to previous generations, the RAM / RS standard vehicles have a more powerful engine, new transmission and upgraded suspension system, offering better mobility, greater speed, ease of operation and comfort and safety conditions for the on-board troupe, contributing to the increase of the Force's ability to perform Amphibious Operations.