View source for Assault Amphibious Vehicle

{{Short description|American tracked amphibious landing vehicle}}
{{more citations needed|date=November 2015}}
{{outdated|date=May 2025|operators|dvids reported on May 19, 2025 that "The AAV-P7/A1, a cornerstone of Marine Corps amphibious operations, separated with the last Active Duty AAV-P7/A1s, marking the end of an era for a vehicle that played a crucial role in numerous amphibious assaults and operations spanning over 50 years"}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = AAVP7A1 RAM/RS
| image              = [[File:170606-N-PF515-398 (34973155842).jpg|300px|border]]
| caption            = An Assault Amphibious Vehicle of the U.S. Marines, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Convoy, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during exercise BALTOPS 2017 in Latvia.
| origin             = United States
| type               = Amphibious [[Armoured personnel carrier|armored personnel carrier]]
| designer           = [[United Defense|FMC Corporation]]
| manufacturer       = {{plainlist|
*[[United Defense]] (until 2005)
*[[BAE Systems Platforms & Services#US Combat Systems|
BAE Systems Platforms & Services]] (from 2005)
}}
| design_date        = 1964–1969
| production_date    = 1972–present
| is_vehicle         = yes
| service            = 1972–present
| used_by            = See [[Amphibious Assault Vehicle#Operators|Operators]]
| wars               = {{plainlist|
*[[Falklands War]]
*[[Lebanese Civil War]]
*[[Invasion of Grenada]]
*[[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]
*[[Somali Civil War]]
*[[Iraq War]]
}}
| length             = 7.94 m (26 ft 1 in)
| width              = 3.27 m (10 ft 9 in)
| height             = 3.26 m (10 ft 8 in)
| weight             = {{Convert|29.1|t|lb|abbr=on}}
| suspension         = torsion-bar-in-tube (AAV-7A1); [[Torsion beam suspension|torsion bar]] (AAV-7RAM-RS)
| speed              = {{convert|24|–|32|km/h|abbr=on}} off-road, {{convert|72|km/h|abbr=on}} surfaced road, {{convert|13.2|km/h|abbr=on}} water<ref>Eland, Ivan, ''Putting "Defense" Back Into U.S. Defense Policy'', Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001, p.150</ref>
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|480|km|abbr=in}}; 20 NM in water, including survival in [[Douglas sea scale|Sea State]] 5
| primary_armament   = [[Mk 19 grenade launcher|Mk 19]] 40 mm automatic [[grenade launcher]] (rounds: 96 ready; 768 stowed) and 12.7 mm [[M2 machine gun|M2HB heavy machine gun]](rounds: 200 ready; 1,000 stowed)
| armour             = {{Convert|45|mm|abbr=on}}
| engine             = [[Detroit Diesel]] 8V-53T (P-7), 400 hp [[Cummins]] VTA-903T (P-7A1), 525 hp
| crew               = 3+21
}}

The '''Assault Amphibious Vehicle'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_american_army_light_armoured_vehicle/lvtp-7_aavp-7a1_aav-7_amphibious_assault_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video.html |title=LVTP-7 AAVP-7A1 AAV-7 amphibious assault armored vehicle data &#124; United States American Army light armoured vehicle &#124; United States US Army Military equipment UK |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321224449/https://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_american_army_light_armoured_vehicle/lvtp-7_aavp-7a1_aav-7_amphibious_assault_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video.html |archive-date=2019-03-21 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/aav/ |title=Assault Amphibious Vehicle Systems (AAVS) |publisher=[[Marine Corps Systems Command]] |date=2009-03-19 |access-date=2010-08-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327020128/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/aav/ |archive-date=March 27, 2008 }}</ref> ('''AAV''')—official designation '''AAVP-7A1''' (formerly known as '''Landing Vehicle, Tracked, Personnel-7''' abbr. '''LVTP-7''')—is a fully tracked [[amphibious vehicle|amphibious]] landing vehicle manufactured by [[BAE Systems Land & Armaments#US Combat Systems|BAE Systems Platforms & Services]] (previously by [[United Defense]], a former division of [[FMC Corporation]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/data/151/uruntr/uruntr6.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924105558/http://www.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/data/151/uruntr/uruntr6.html |archive-date=2015-09-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://95.0.165.204/v1.6/index.php?conmenu%3D7# |title=FNSS |access-date=2014-05-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505001322/http://95.0.165.204/v1.6/index.php?conmenu=7 |archive-date=2014-05-05 }}</ref>

The AAV-P7/A1 is the current amphibious troop transport of the [[United States Marine Corps]]. It is used by U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Battalions to land the surface assault elements of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives and to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent mechanized operations ashore. It is also operated by other forces. Marines call them "amtracs", a shortening of their original designation, "amphibious tractor".

In June 2018, the Marine Corps announced they had selected the [[BAE Systems]]/[[Iveco]] wheeled [[Iveco SuperAV|SuperAV]] for the [[Amphibious Combat Vehicle]] (ACV) program to supplement and ultimately replace the AAV.

==History==
===Development===
[[File:AAV-australia.jpg|thumb|A pair of U.S. Marine Corps Assault Amphibious Vehicles emerge from the surf onto the sand of Freshwater Beach, Australia. The one on the left has an applique armor kit installed, the one on the right does not.]]
The U.S. Marine Corps became interested in replacing the [[LVTP-5]] due to its limited range, slow water speed and the difficulty of maintaining the aging platform. In 1964, the Marine Corps solicited proposals to replace meet its requirement. The Marine Corps selected a proposal by FMC. FMC delivered the first of 15 prototypes, designated LVTPX12, in October 1967. Marine Corps testing concluded in September 1969. In June 1970, the Marine Corps awarded FMC a $78.5 million contract for the production of 942 vehicles.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hunnicutt |first1=Richard Pearce |author1-link= R. P. Hunnicutt |title=Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles |date=15 September 2015 |orig-date=1999 |publisher=Echo Point Books & Media |location=Battleboro, VT |isbn=978-1-62654-153-5 |pages=343–|chapter=The LVTP7 Family}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F. |editor1-link=Christopher F. Foss |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 1979–80 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Company |location=London |year=1979 |isbn=0-354-00588-X |pages=288–291 |edition=1st |chapter=Armoured Personnel Carriers |url=https://archive.org/details/janesarmourartil0000unse_e3c2}}</ref>

The LVTP-7 was first introduced in 1972. In 1982, FMC was contracted to conduct the LVTP-7 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which converted the LVT-7 vehicles to the improved AAV-7A1 vehicle by adding an improved engine, transmission, and weapons system and improving the overall maintainability of the vehicle. The Cummins VT400 diesel engine replaced the GM 8V53T, and this was driven through FMC's HS-400-3A1 transmission. The hydraulic traverse and elevation of the weapon station was replaced by electric motors, which eliminated the danger from hydraulic fluid fires. The suspension and shock absorbers were strengthened as well. The fuel tank was made safer, and a fuel-burning smoke generator system was added. Eight smoke grenade launchers were also placed around the armament station. The headlight clusters were housed in a square recess instead of the earlier round type. The driver was provided with an improved instrument panel and a night vision device, and a new ventilation system was installed. These upgraded vehicles were originally called LVT-7A1, but the Marine Corps renamed the LVTP-7A1 to AAV-7A1 in 1984.

Another improvement was added starting in 1987 in the form of a Cadillac Gage weapon station or Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS) which was armed with both a .50 cal (12.7&nbsp;mm) [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2HB machine gun]] and a [[Mk 19 grenade launcher|Mk-19 40 mm grenade launcher]].

Enhanced Applique Armor Kits (EAAK) were developed for the AAV-7A1 in 1989 and fitted by 1993, providing STANAG level 5 and 6 protection against penetration from small arms fire up to 14.5 mm caliber as well as 155 mm artillery fragments.<ref>https://archive.today/20250511124220/https://www.army-guide.com/eng/product3858.html</ref> The added weight of the new armor necessitated the addition of a bow plane kit when operating afloat.

The Assault Amphibious Vehicle Reliability, Availability, Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (AAV RAM/RS) Program was approved in 1997. It encompassed all AAV systems and components to return the AAV to the original vehicle's performance specifications and ensure acceptable readiness until the EFV should become operational. The program replaced both the AAV engine and suspension with US Army [[M2 Bradley]] Fighting Vehicle (BFV) components modified for the AAV. Ground clearance returned to {{Convert|16|in|cm|1}} and the horsepower to ton ratio increased from 13 to 1 to its original 17 to 1. The introduction of the BFV components and the rebuild to standard effort was expected to reduce maintenance costs for the expected remaining life of the AAV through the year 2013.

In March 2015, [[Science Applications International Corporation|SAIC]] was awarded a contract to perform an AAV Survivability Upgrade (SU).<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saic-continues-into-next-phase-of-assault-amphibious-vehicle-survivability-upgrade-300045970.html SAIC Continues into Next Phase of Assault Amphibious Vehicle Survivability Upgrade] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328090256/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saic-continues-into-next-phase-of-assault-amphibious-vehicle-survivability-upgrade-300045970.html |date=2015-03-28 }} - PRNewswire.com, 5 March 2015</ref> Marine Corps and SAIC officials unveiled the AAV SU prototype in January 2016, with survivability enhancements including replacing the angled EAAK with 49 advanced buoyant ceramic armor panels, a bonded [[spall liner]], armor-protected external fuel tanks, an aluminum armor underbelly providing Mine Resistant Ambush Protected ([[MRAP]])-equivalent blast protection, and blast mitigating seats as well as a more powerful engine, new suspension system, and increased [[reserve buoyancy]].<ref name="marinecorpstimes29jan16">[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/01/29/marines-aging-amphibious-vehicle-fleet-get-better-armor-more-power/79487266/ Marines' aging amphibious vehicle fleet to get better armor, more power] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620142115/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/01/29/marines-aging-amphibious-vehicle-fleet-get-better-armor-more-power/79487266/ |date=2017-06-20 }} - MarineCorpstimes.com, 29 January 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/defense/2016/03/16/marines-aav-amphibious-assault-vehicle-survivability-upgrade-saic-quantico/81869442/ US Marine Corps Shows Off Upgraded Amphib Vehicle]{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} - ''Marine Corps Times'' (16 March 2016)</ref><ref name="usni23march16">[https://news.usni.org/2016/03/23/marines-upgraded-aavs-begin-delivering-will-comprise-one-third-of-lift-need-in-2020s Marines’ Upgraded AAVs Begin Delivering, Will Comprise One-Third of Lift Need In 2020s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328154453/http://news.usni.org/2016/03/23/marines-upgraded-aavs-begin-delivering-will-comprise-one-third-of-lift-need-in-2020s |date=2016-03-28 }} - News.USNI.org, 23 March 2016</ref> The AAV SU program was intended to upgrade 392 out of the some 1,000-vehicle fleet to keep them operational through 2035 as the ACV gradually entered service. However, in August 2018 the Marine Corps terminated the AAV upgrade program, instead opting for increased procurement of the ACV.<ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/usmc_aav7_assault_amphibious_vehicle_survivability_upgrade_program_terminated.html USMC AAV7 Assault Amphibious Vehicle survivability upgrade program terminated] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916055822/https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/usmc_aav7_assault_amphibious_vehicle_survivability_upgrade_program_terminated.html |date=2018-09-16 }}. ''Army Recognition''. 13 September 2018.</ref><ref>[https://news.usni.org/2018/09/25/marine-corps-cancels-aav-survivability-upgrade#more-36788 Marine Corps Cancels AAV Survivability Upgrade] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085606/https://news.usni.org/2018/09/25/marine-corps-cancels-aav-survivability-upgrade#more-36788 |date=2018-09-27 }}. ''USNI News''. 25 September 2018.</ref>

In 2021, the [[United States Marine Corps]] started to install the M153 [[Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station]] (CROWS) on their AAVP-7A1s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tobyhanna contractors install CROWS systems on Marine AAVs |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6833920/tobyhanna-contractors-install-crows-systems-marine-aavs |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250210153228/https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6833920/tobyhanna-contractors-install-crows-systems-marine-aavs |archive-date=2025-02-10 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref> The M153 CROWS is a stabilized mount that contains a sensor suite and fire control software. It allows on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement. Capable of target engagement under day and night conditions, the CROWS sensor suite includes a daytime video camera, thermal camera and laser rangefinder. It can be fitted with the Mk-19 grenade launcher, M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, or M240B Medium Machine Gun.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PEO Soldier |url=https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/Equipment/Equipment-Portfolio/Project-Manager-Soldier-Lethality-Portfolio/M153-A1-A2-CROWS/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.peosoldier.army.mil}}{{source-attribution}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" widths="300" heights="170">
File:AAV Survivability Upgrade (SU).jpg|AAV Survivability Upgrade (SU)
File:The Future of Amphibious Warfare - AAV SUP.webm|A USMC officer in 2016 explaining the features of the since-cancelled AAV Survivability Upgrade
File:AAVP-7A1 equipped with CROWS.jpg|AAVP-7A1 with a [[CROWS]]
</gallery>

===Service history===
[[File:USMarines AAV Iraq apr 2004 116 hires.jpg|thumb|left|A US Marine Corps AAV during the [[First Battle of Fallujah]], April 2004]]
Twenty U.S.-built LVTP-7s were used by [[Argentina]] during the [[1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands]]<ref>{{Cite book |title=Battles of the Falklands War |first=Gordon |last=Smith |year=1989 |isbn=9780711017924 |page=21|publisher=I. Allan }}</ref> with most returning to the Argentine mainland before the war ended.

From 1982 to 1984, LVTP-7s were deployed with U.S. Marines as part of the [[Multinational Force in Lebanon|multi-national peacekeeping force in Beirut]], Lebanon. As Marines became increasingly involved in hostilities, several vehicles sustained minor damage from shrapnel and small arms fire.

On October 25, 1983 U.S. Marine LVTP-7s conducted a highly successful amphibious landing on the island of Grenada as part of [[United States invasion of Grenada|Operation Urgent Fury]].

It was heavily used in the 1991 [[Gulf War]] and [[Unified Task Force|Operation Restore Hope]].

After the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], AAV-7A1s were criticized for providing poor protection for the crew and passengers compared with other vehicles, such as the [[M2 Bradley]]. Eight were disabled or destroyed during the [[Battle of Nasiriyah]], where they faced RPG, mortar, tank and artillery fire. At least one vehicle was destroyed by fire from friendly [[A-10 Warthog]] aircraft.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IPEeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=G4QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6764,5938612&dq Deadliest battle of war so far] Sarasota Herald-Tribune, from [[The New York Times]] News Service, March 24, 2003</ref><ref>Zeigler, Martin (2006). ''Three Block War II: Snipers in the Sky''. iUniverse, pp. 34 and 36.{{ISBN|0-595-38816-7}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thefinalrollcall.us/stories/charlie.htm#prof Final Roll Call] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050508235226/http://www.thefinalrollcall.us/stories/charlie.htm#prof |date=May 8, 2005 }}</ref>

On 3 August 2005, 14 U.S. Marines and their Iraqi interpreter were killed when their AAV struck a roadside bomb in the city of Haditha in the [[Euphrates]] river valley in western Iraq.<ref name="marinecorpstimes29jan16"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/03/international/middleeast/14-us-marines-killed-in-iraq-when-vehicle-hits-a.html|title = 14 U.S. Marines Killed in Iraq when Vehicle Hits a Huge Bomb|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 3 August 2005|last1 = Schmitt|first1 = Dexter Filkinsand Eric}}</ref>

During the [[2010 Rio de Janeiro security crisis]], the [[Brazilian Naval Fusiliers]] used AAV-7A1s in support of their operations to occupy the Complexo da Penha and [[Complexo do Alemão]] [[favelas]], where the vehicles were used to clear barricades left by the [[Red Command]].<ref name=gazeta>{{cite web|url=https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/vida-e-cidadania/apos-fuga-bope-ocupa-topo-de-favela-no-rio-de-janeiro-1et6jlfemw6ovt2lt55usc0um/|title=After escape, BOPE occupies top of favela in Rio de Janeiro|language=pt|date=28 November 2010|access-date=20 July 2023|publisher=Gazeta do Povo}}</ref><ref name=veja>{{cite web|url=https://veja.abril.com.br/galeria-fotos/violencia-no-rio-de-janeiro|title=Photo Gallery, Violence in Rio de Janeiro|language=pt|date=24 November 2010|access-date=20 July 2023|publisher=Veja}}</ref>

Eight U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor died on 30 July 2020, when their AAV sank in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Clemente Island, California, during a training exercise, ahead of an upcoming deployment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2020/08/08/sailor-marines-remains-and-sunken-aav-recovered-off-san-clemente-island|title = Sailor, Marines' Remains and Sunken AAV Recovered off San Clemente Island|date = 8 August 2020}}</ref> As a result of the incident, on 15 December 2021 the U.S. Marine Corps announced that it has banned its fleet of amphibious armored personnel carriers from maritime operations except in emergencies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/12/us-marines-ban-amphibious-armored-personnel-carriers-from-maritime-operations/|title = US Marines Ban Amphibious Armored Personnel Carriers from Maritime Operations|date = 16 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burgess |first=Richard R. |date=16 December 2021 |title=Marine Corps to Cease Deployments, Water Ops of AAV7 Vehicles |url=https://seapowermagazine.org/marine-corps-to-cease-deployments-water-ops-of-aav7-vehicles/}}</ref>

===Replacement attempts===
====Cancelled: Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle====
Renamed from the Advanced Assault Amphibious Vehicle in late 2003, the [[Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle]] (EFV) was designed to replace the aging AAV. Able to transport a full Marine rifle squad to shore from an amphibious assault ship beyond the horizon with three times the speed in water and about twice the armor of the AAV, and superior firepower as well it was the Marine Corps' number one priority ground weapon system acquisition. The EFV was intended for deployment in 2015.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=2622633&C=navwar U.S. Marine EFV Delivery Delayed to 2015 and Costs Double]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. defensenews.com</ref> However, in January 2011, United States Defense Secretary [[Robert Gates]] announced plans to cancel the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle. In 2012, the USMC dropped the EFV and cancelled the program.

====Replacement: Amphibious Combat Vehicle====
In June 2018, the Marine Corps announced they had selected the [[BAE Systems]]/[[Iveco]] wheeled [[Iveco SuperAV|SuperAV]] for the [[Amphibious Combat Vehicle]] (ACV) program to supplement and ultimately replace the AAV.<ref name="defensenews19june18">[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/06/19/bae-wins-marine-corps-contract-to-build-new-amphibious-combat-vehicle/ BAE wins Marine Corps contract to build new amphibious combat vehicle]. ''Defense News''. 19 June 2018.</ref><ref name="usni19june18">[https://news.usni.org/2018/06/19/marines-pick-bae-to-build-amphibious-combat-vehicle-total-contract-worth-up-to-1-2b Marines Pick BAE to Build Amphibious Combat Vehicle; Contract Worth Up to $1.2B] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070334/https://news.usni.org/2018/06/19/marines-pick-bae-to-build-amphibious-combat-vehicle-total-contract-worth-up-to-1-2b |date=2018-06-21 }}. ''USNI News''. 19 June 2018.</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:US Navy 020912-N-8087H-005 AAV launches from the well deck.jpg|thumb|An AAVR-7A1 (recovery vehicle) attached to the [[31st Marine Expeditionary Unit]] splashes into the [[Pacific Ocean]] from the [[Well dock|well deck]] of [[USS Juneau (LPD-10)|USS ''Juneau'']] before heading to a beach.]]
* '''LVTP-7''': Original series introduced from 1972. Originally armed with a [[M85 machine gun|M85]] 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50cal) machine gun.
* '''LVTP-7A1''': 1982 upgraded. Renamed to AAVP-7A1 from 1984.
** '''AAVP-7A1 (Personnel)''': This is the most common AAV, as it carries a turret equipped with an M2HB 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50 caliber) heavy machine gun, and a Mk19 40&nbsp;mm automatic grenade launcher. It carries four crew radios as well as the AN/VIC-2 intercom system. It is capable of carrying 21 combat equipped Marines in addition to the crew of 4: driver, crew chief/vehicle commander, gunner, and rear crewman.
** '''AAVC-7A1 (Command)''': This vehicle does not have a turret, and much of the cargo space of the vehicle is occupied by communications equipment. This version only has two crew radios, and in addition to the VIC-2, it also carries two VRC-92s, a VRC-89, a PRC-103 UHF radio, a MRC-83 HF radio and the MSQ internetworking system used to control the various radios. This AAV has a crew of 3, and additionally carries 5 radio operators, 3 staff members, and 2 commanding officers. Recently, the C7 has been upgraded to use Harris Falcon II class radios, specifically the [[AN/PRC-117F|PRC-117]] for VHF/UHF/SATCOM, and the PRC-150 for HF.
** '''AAVR-7A1 (Recovery)''': This vehicle also does not have a turret. The R7 is considered the "wrecker", as it has a crane as well as most tools and equipment needed for field repairs. It is by far the heaviest of the three, and sits considerably lower in the water. Crew of three, plus the repairmen.

Many P7s have been modified to carry the Mk 154 MCLC, or [[Mine-clearing line charge|Mine Clearance Line Charge]]. The MCLC kit can fire three linear demolition charges to breach a lane through a minefield. MCLCs were used in the 1991 [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]] and again in [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in 2003.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Army used an LVTP-7 as the basis for their Mobile Test Unit (MTU), a ground-based high-energy anti-aircraft laser. After several successful test firings at Redstone Army Arsenal, the laser was reportedly transferred to [[NASA]].
* '''KAAV7A1''': KAAV7A1 amphibious vehicle series based on AAV-7A1 by [[Samsung Techwin]] (now Hanwha Defense) and BAE systems developed and manufactured in South Korea by Samsung Techwin.<ref name="PMCK">{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/88434/first-batch-of-assault-vehicles-for-philippine-marine-corps-arrives-home |title=Janes &#124; Latest defence and security news |access-date=2019-05-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510153329/https://www.janes.com/article/88434/first-batch-of-assault-vehicles-for-philippine-marine-corps-arrives-home |archive-date=2019-05-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Training systems==
The [[Office of Naval Research]] (ONR) under the Virtual Training and Environments (VIRTE) program, led by then LCDR [[Dylan Schmorrow]], developed a prototype training system called the AAV Turret Trainer. The system consists of an actual surplus turret mounted with ISMT (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer) weapons firing on a projected screen displaying the VIRTE Virtual Environment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.physorg.com/news3678.html|title=Virtual reality, real ingenuity|work=physorg.com|access-date=19 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301200459/http://www.physorg.com/news3678.html|archive-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A total of 15 systems were produced for the USMC and one system for Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tjinc-eng.com/pastperformance.asp |title=TJ, Inc |publisher=Tjinc-eng.com |access-date=2013-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308044603/http://www.tjinc-eng.com/pastperformance.asp |archive-date=2015-03-08 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Early prototype of the AAV Turret Trainer.jpg|Early pre-production prototype of the AAV TT
File:AAVs preparing to debark USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).jpg|[[Well deck]] with AAVs
File:AAV-Nsry.jpg|A USMC AAV destroyed near Nasiriyah in 2003
File:US Navy 090425-N-4879G-393 A group of multinational amphibious assault vehicles from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) deploy smoke to cover their landing during a simulated amphibious landing demonstration.jpg|Landing force demonstration
File:Amphibious Assault Vehicles fire smoke grenades.jpg|USMC AAVs firing smoke grenades during a training exercise 
</gallery>

==Operators==
{{more citations needed section|date=June 2015}}

<!-- READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you. -->

[[File:AAVP7 operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with AAVP7 operators in blue]]
[[File:LVTP7-IMARA-17may07.jpg|thumb|[[Argentine Navy]] LVTP-7]]
[[File:05.25 總統視導漢光33號演習 (34039375924).jpg|thumb|[[Republic of China Marine Corps]] AAVs during a training exercise]]
[[File:ROCMC AAV-7A1 in ROCA Infantry School Ground 20120211.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Republic of China Marine Corps]] AAV-7]]

* {{flag|Argentina}}: [[Naval Infantry Command]] originally received 21 vehicles (19 LVTP-7, 1 LVTC-7 and 1 LVTR-7), 11 of them (9 LVTP-7, 1 LVTC-7 and 1 LVTR-7) were upgraded locally by MECATROL with Caterpillar C7 diesel engines and minor changes to running gear and other components<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mecatrol.com.ar/ |title=Mecatrol |publisher=Mecatrol |access-date=2013-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215162748/http://www.mecatrol.com.ar/ |archive-date=2013-12-15 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flag|Brazil}}: [[Brazilian Marine Corps]] has 49<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/bae-systems-to-provide-assault-amphibious-vehicles-to-brazilian-marine-corps|title=BAE Systems to Provide Assault Amphibious Vehicles to Brazilian Marine Corps|website=BAE Systems - United States|access-date=2017-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111324/http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/bae-systems-to-provide-assault-amphibious-vehicles-to-brazilian-marine-corps|archive-date=2017-07-30|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Greece}}: 76 will be procured for use with the [[32nd_Marines_Brigade_(Greece)|Hellenic Marine Corps]] of the [[Hellenic Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Five new armament programs were approved by the Greek Parliament |url=https://defea.gr/five-new-armament-programs-were-approved/ |website=defea.gr |date=6 July 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/greece-assault-amphibious-vehicles-aavs | title=Greece – Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) &#124; Defense Security Cooperation Agency }}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: 15 in service with the [[Indonesian Marine Corps]]; donated by South Korea.<ref>Data Ranratfib Korps Marinir, 2020</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indomiliter.com/hut-tni-ke-72-inilah-fakta-menarik-dari-stupid-crazy-lvtp-7-korps-marinir//korsel.hibahkan.10.tank.amfibi.buatan.as.untuk.ri|title=Korsel Hibahkan 10 Tank Amfibi Buatan AS untuk RI|date=14 November 2009|website=[[Kompas]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117151119/http://cetak.kompas.com/read/xml/2009/11/14/0302434/korsel.hibahkan.10.tank.amfibi.buatan.as.untuk.ri|archive-date=17 November 2009|access-date=24 December 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Italy}}: Due to be replaced by the Italian Marines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://breakingdefense.com/2016/09/bae-unveils-1st-amphibious-combat-vehicle-for-marines/|title=BAE Unveils 1st Amphibious Combat Vehicle For Marines|first=Sydney J. Jr.|last=Freedberg|date=27 September 2016|access-date=2017-07-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730105844/http://breakingdefense.com/2016/09/bae-unveils-1st-amphibious-combat-vehicle-for-marines/|archive-date=2017-07-30|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Japan}}: [[Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade]] has 58 (46 personnel, 6 command and 6 recovery) After a period of testing 6 AAVP-7A1s, Japan on 7 April 2016 announced it would purchase 30 systems. Vehicles are AAV7A1 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) versions, with a more powerful engine and drive train and an upgraded suspension system, providing improved mobility, command, control and repair capabilities. Deliveries to take place in mid to late 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140413/DEFREG03/304130016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140414000936/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140413/DEFREG03/304130016 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 14, 2014 |title=Big-Ticket Buys Could Hurt Japan |last1=KALLENDER-UMEZU |first1=PAUL |date=13 April 2014 |website=www.defensenews.com |publisher=Gannett Government Media |access-date=13 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201308210037 |title=Defense Ministry preparing Japanese version of U.S. Marines |last1=SONODA |first1=KOJI |date=21 August 2013 |website=asahi.com |publisher=The Asahi Shimbun Company |access-date=9 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014100631/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201308210037 |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Wasserbly|first1=Daniel|title=Japan buys new BAE Systems AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicles|url=http://www.janes.com/article/59391/japan-buys-new-bae-systems-aav7a1-amphibious-assault-vehicles|website=Jane's IHS 360|publisher=Jane's IHS|access-date=8 April 2016|location=Washington, DC|language=en|date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411134130/http://www.janes.com/article/59391/japan-buys-new-bae-systems-aav7a1-amphibious-assault-vehicles|archive-date=11 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160412133056/http://www.defensetech.org/2016/04/08/bae-systems-to-provide-upgraded-amphibious-assault-craft-to-japan/ BAE Systems to Provide Upgraded Amphibious Assault Craft to Japan]}} - Defensetech.org, 8 April 2016</ref>
* {{flag|Philippines}}: [[Philippine Marine Corps]] All 8 AAV units have been delivered as of 2019 and currently operated by the Philippine Marine Corps, plans to order at least 16.<ref name="PMCK"/>
* {{flag|Romania}}: [[Romanian Naval Forces#Naval infantry|307th Marine Infantry Regiment]] Romania purchased 21 AAV-7A1 in three configurations: AAVP-7A1, AAVC-7A1, AAVR-7A1. The vehicles will enter service with the naval infantry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/romania-assault-amphibious-vehicles|title=Romania – assault amphibious vehicles|work=[[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]]|date=27 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rumaniamilitary.ro/infanteria-marina-romana-primeste-aav-assault-amphibious-vehicles|title=Infanteria marina romana primeste AAV – Assault Amphibious Vehicles|language=ro|work=rumaniamilitary.ro|date=31 July 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Taiwan}}: [[Republic of China Marine Corps]] has 90 (78 personnel, 8 command and 4 recovery) and 1 AAV Turret Trainer.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Obama's Plan to Arm Taiwan|url = http://warisboring.com/articles/obamas-plan-to-arm-taiwan/?mc_cid=e814c542d4&mc_eid=6f473f22c5|website = warisboring.com| date=16 December 2015 |access-date = 2015-12-17|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222132130/http://warisboring.com/articles/obamas-plan-to-arm-taiwan/?mc_cid=e814c542d4&mc_eid=6f473f22c5|archive-date = 2015-12-22|url-status = live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Spain}}: [[Spanish Navy Marines]] have 19 (16 personnel, 2 command and 1 recovery)
* {{flag|South Korea}}: [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201410100496438415 |title=&#91;단독&#93; 기관총에도 뚫리는 해병대 장갑차 |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=2019-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430171443/http://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201410100496438415 |archive-date=2019-04-30 |url-status=live }}</ref> has approximately 168 KAAV variants
* {{flag|Thailand}}: [[Royal Thai Marine Corps]] has 36, AAVP-7A1, AAVC-7A1, AAVR-7A1. Upgraded locally by [[Chaiseri]] to match with the [[BAE Systems]]'s AAV7A1 RAM/RS standard. On March 10, 2022, it is reported that Chaiseri will create a local version, known as the AAVP1A1.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2022_global_security_army_industry/thailand_selects_chaiseri_to_develop_prototype_of_aav_amphibious_assault_vehicle_type_aavp1a1.html | title=Thailand selects Chaiseri to develop prototype of AAV Amphibious Assault Vehicle type AAVP1A1 &#124; Defense News March 2022 Global Security army industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 &#124; Archive News year | date=18 March 2022 }}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}: [[United States Marine Corps]] possesses 1,311 of them.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
* {{flag|Venezuela}}: [[Venezuelan Marine Corps]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armyrecognition.com/united_states_american_army_light_armoured_vehicle/lvtp-7_aavp-7a1_aav-7_amphibious_assault_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video.html | title=AAV LVTP7 AAVP7A1 AAV-7 amphibious assault armored vehicle data &#124; United States American Army light armoured vehicle &#124; United States US Army Military equipment UK | date=7 July 2023 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion]]
* [[WWII/Korea LVT Museum]]
* [[ZAHA Marine Assault Vehicle]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|35em}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/aavp7a1.htm FAS AAV article]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060603023758/http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/0/adeb1da833ced848852562b30060c5ab?OpenDocument AAV Fact File at the official USMC website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061023132844/http://www.aerowebspace.com/High_Energy_Laser/HEL%20history.shtml Paper regarding high energy lasers and the MTU]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101113030002/http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/archives/missiles/missiles0013.html Images of the MTU]
* [http://armour.ws/amphibious-assault-vehicle-aav-7a1/ AAV 7A1 on Armour.ws]
* [http://www.amtrac.org/ USMC Amtrac Association Website]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Tracked amphibious vehicles]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1972]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of South Korea]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of Japan]]
[[Category:Armored personnel carriers of the United States]]
[[Category:Amphibious armoured personnel carriers]]
[[Category:FMC Corporation]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]