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2015-06-01

AAV7A1 RAM/RS -ONE OF A KIND

Since its introduction in 1984, the AAV7A1 vehicle has earned the reputation as the finest Assault Amphibious Vehicle in the world. The vehicle’s rugged durability and its superior mobility at sea and on land provides a significant fighting edge in battle.

The AAV7A1 RAM/RS (Reliability, Availability and Maintainability / Rebuild to Standard) Family of vehicles is the latest version of the amphibious assault vehicles now operational with the US Marine Corps.

The vehicles provide armor protection, command and control, and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore, negotiating 3.1 meter plunging surf, difficult beaches, and rough terrain. The unique boat-like hull design and powerful water jets make the AAV7A1 family highly mobile amphibious vehicles.

There is a worldwide inventory of over 1600 units which are currently operating in eight countries. The family includes the AAVP7A1 RAM/ RS Personnel Carrier, the AAVC7A1 RAM/ RS Command Vehicle, and the AAVR7A1 RAM/RS Recovery Vehicle.

Amphibious troop transport

The AAV7A1 family currently serves as amphibious troop transport vehicles for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It is used to ground surface assault components and equipment of the landing forces in a single lift from assault ships during amphibious operations. It also supports mechanized operations ashore.

The AAV7A1 of the USMC are often referred to as Amtracks. The AAV7A1 family currently serves as amphibious troop transport vehicles for the USMC.

The vehicle designated Korea Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV) KAAV7A1 is in service with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. AAV7A1 was also exported to Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, Italy, Taiwan, Spain, Thailand and Venezuela.

BAE Systems has designed the vehicles to be fully amphibious and all vehicle systems are designed for improved corrosion resistance, maintainability and water tightness.

The vehicles provide armor protection, command, control and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore negotiating ten-foot plunging surf, difficult beaches, rough terrain and long range maneuvers. The AAV can perform ingress and egress operations from numerous naval vessels including the LSD and LPD.

The AAV7A1 first entered service as LVT-7 to replace the LVT-5 in 1972. The LVT-7 vehicle was converted into the improved AAV7A1 vehicle under the LVT-7 Service Life Extension Program completed between 1983 and 1986.

A new advanced engine, transmission and weapons system were added and overall maintainability of the vehicle was improved. The upgraded vehicles were originally called LVT-7A1, but renamed as AAV7A1 by the USMC in 1984.

AAV7A1 design and features

The AAV7A1 features a vessel-shaped hull. The headlight clusters are housed in a square recess. The improved versions are fitted with new instrument panel, a night vision device and a new ventilation system.

The hydraulically controlled bow plane provides stability when operating afloat. Extra protection is provided by the enhanced applique armor kits (EAAK).

Mission variants
AAV7A1 is available in three variants, namely the AAVC7A1 Command Vehicle, AAVP7A1 Personnel Vehicle and AAVR7A1 Recovery Vehicle.

The AAVC7A1 Command Vehicle lacks a turret. The communications equipment is accommodated in the cargo space of the vehicle. This version is equipped with modern communication systems, supporting arms and logistical support units.

The variant can carry three crew members, five radio operators, three staff members and two commanding officers. The vehicle has been upgraded to accommodate Harris Falcon II class radios.

The AAVP7A1 Personnel Vehicle features a turret fitted with a M2HB .50 calibre heavy machine gun and an Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher. It is equipped with four crew radios and an AN/VIC-2 intercom system. The variant can carry a driver, a crew chief / vehicle commander (gunner) and rear crewman, and 25 combat equipped Marines. The P7 can be modified to carry the Mk 154 Mine Clearance Line Charge kit.

The AAVR7A1 Recovery Vehicle is not equipped with a turret. The R7 features a crane, capacity recovery winch, cutting, welding and other portable maintenance equipment to provide support maintenance to vehicles in the field. It is used to recover similar or smaller size vehicles.

Armament

The AAVP7A1 RAM/RS is equipped with a M2HB .50 caliber machine gun, M7 smoke grenade launcher and Mk19 40mm (grenade) machine gun mounted on a 360 degree traversing turret. The enclosed weapon station is controlled by a power assisted traverse motor for rotation of the turret and manual gun elevation. The weapon station allows the gunner to engage targets within 1,500m range and to traverse a full 360° at a speed of 45° per second.

The weapon is loaded and serviced from inside the vehicle with the ammunition magazine, feed chutes and weapon space sealed.

Noxious fumes from the firing weapon are force-vented with the empty cartridges to the vehicle exterior. The M36E3 weapon sight includes a unity-power and an 8X - optical system.

Self-protection

The all-welded aluminium hull safeguards the crew from small arms fire, shell splinters and flash bums. The enhanced applique armor (EAAK) fitted to the hull suppresses the residual penetration of shaped charge munitions.

The AAV7A1 is also installed with auto fire suppression and NBC protection system for enhanced survivability.

Engine

The AAV7A1 is powered by a 400hp turbocharged multi-fuel, liquid cooled V-8 diesel engine coupled to a HS-400-3A1 automatic transmission integrating shifting, steering and braking functions in one unit.

Mobility

A 400 hp turbocharged diesel V-8 engine and two 14,000 gpm (53,000 lpm) water jet pumps provides excellent sea performance at a speed of 7 knots and the ability to negotiate 10ft plunging surfs flowing towards sea or shore..

The proven torsion tube suspension and BAE Systems track make for outstanding land mobility in all terrains along with a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h).

Supplemental/optional kits

The MK154 Mine Clearance Line Charge (MCLC) kit can be mounted in the cargo compartment of the AAVP7A1 RAM/RS. The MCLC is used to clear a 16 meter wide, 100 meter long path through a minefield which can be deployed from water or land. It is equipped with three M59 100 meter long demolition charges which are propelled via MK22 rockets. The system is fully self contained and only requires electrical power from the AAVP7A1 RAM/RS .

The litter kit can be installed in the cargo compartment of the AAVP7A1 RAM/RS. It consists of a series of chains which provide mounting points for 3 litters on each side of the vehicle.

The visor is made of reinforced fiberglass with laminated glass windows on the front and sides of the driver. The visor provides the driver with protection from overspray during water operations. It is equipped with a wiper blade and defrost attachment to ensure good visibility in all weather conditions.

The Marine Corps Transparent Armor Gun Shield (MCTAGS) provides the AAVP7A1 RAM/RS driver, troop commander and vehicle commander with a 7.62mm ball protection level. Retrofit tooling and all necessary technical manuals are available for this kit.

Training courses

Operator and Maintenance Training is available at the end user’s desired location or at any of our BAE L&A facilities worldwide. Full operator, maintenance and parts manuals are available.

Life Cycle Management

Contractor Engineering and Technical Support (CETS) can be provided by BAE Systems worldwide. BAE Systems can provide the appropriate level of spare parts based on user yearly vehicle usage including land/ water estimated operational tempo. Spares are based on OEM and USMC historical usage and include appropriate normal operational and supplemental spares.

Suspension

In addition to the upgraded powertrain, the AAV7A1 RAM/RS suspension has also been upgraded to the same system used on the Bradley Fighting vehicle. The modified torsion bar suspension restores the ground clearance to between 16-18 inches. This new system provides for improved cross-country performance.

Mobility

The unique boat-like hull design and powerful water jets make the AAV7A1 RAM/RS family highly mobile amphibious vehicles. They travel 8.0 mph in the water and up to 45 mph on land. Improved power train and suspension contribute to upgraded AAV7A1 RAM/RS performance. The stabilized bow vane improves vehicle trim during water operations and is retractable for land operations.

Payload

The hydraulically-operated stern ramp with an integral personnel door lowers to provide fast entry and exit. For cargo missions, seats along each side of the cargo compartment fold down and away and the removable center seat stows on the port bulkhead. Easy access to the cargo compartment is offered through either the stern ramp or the large top hatches. Counter-balanced top hatches permit the loading of troops and cargo alongside ships at sea. The cargo compartment is 13.5 feet (4.0 meter) long, 6.0 feet (1.8 meter) wide and 5.5 feet (1.6 meter) high; large enough to handle fuel drums, palletized supplies and supporting equipment.

Powertrain

The AAV7A1 RAM/RS integrates the Bradley Fighting Vehicle engine and modified AAV7A1 RAM/RS transmission. This improved the mobility, reliability and maintainability of the vehicle. The vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0-20 mph in seven seconds and has a maximum land speed of 45 mph•

Photo/Ref:

www.baesystems.com

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