AAAV/ EFV, swim mode
(click to view full)

The US Marine Corps’ AAVP7 Amtracs have been their primary ship to shore amphibious armored personnel carrier for a long time; the AAV7A1 was initially fielded in 1972, and underwent a major service life extension program and product improvement program from 1983-1993. The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is the USMC’s plan to replace the aging AMTRACS that continue to see extensive service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The personnel version of the new EFVs will have a high-tech weapons station: a stabilized ATK 30mm MK 44 Bushmaster cannon with advanced sights replace the AAV’s .50 caliber machine gun, and the new vehicle will carry a crew of 3 plus a reinforced rifle squad of 17 combat-loaded Marines. A command variant will carry an array of communications and computer systems and staff personnel. The EFV is one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ the top land acquisition priorities, with a number of new capabilities surpassing the AA7 Amtracs it would replace – along with a much heftier price tag. Indeed, before recent program reductions, the US GAO reported that EFV had accounted for 25.5% of the Corps’ total acquisition budget during FY 2006-2011.

This DID article addresses some of the EFV’s capabilities, and tracks ongoing contracts related to the program as works toward successful system design & development. The most recent updates involve new pictures, a pair of contracts to help address the EFV’s technical issues, and some sharp scrutiny and comments from both sides of the political aisle in the Congressional Seapower and Expeditionary Forces subcommittee…

• EFV: Capabilities & Characteristics (aka. “Continue reading…”)
• EFV: The Program
• EFV: Controversies & Arguments
• EFV: SDD Phase Contracts & Key Events [updated]
• Additional Readings & Sources

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