AAV-7 Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-04-10

The AAV-7 series of assault amphibious vehicles was born as the LVTP-7 in the late 1960s. The initiative called for an armored personnel carrier with sea-going qualities that could serve the United States Marine Corps in transporting men and supplies from off-shore ships to positions inland. The tracked nature and distinct hull design of the vehicle ensured that it could fulfill both requirements and the AAV-7 series has since served with distinction for several decades now. The vehicle is also known as the "Amtrack" or "Battle Bus" and is utilized by the Assault Amphibian Battalions of the USMC. It is expected to be replaced by the results of the ongoing "Amphibious Combat Vehicle" (ACV) program. The AAV-7 has served beyond the USMC with the forces of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela and Indonesia. However, the USMC is, by far, the largest supporter of the AAV-7 vehicle - managing some 1,300 examples in inventory. South Korea is second with approximately 162 units.