Amphibious Assault Vehicle The Assault Amphibious Vehicle ( AAV ) also known as AAV - 7A1 ( formerly known as LVT - 7 ) is a fully tracked amphibious landing vehicle manufactured by U . S . Combat Systems to equip the United States Marine Corps , currently 11 countries operate this assault vehicle . Description . The Amphibious Assault Vehicle , usually known as the AAV7 was once called LVTP7 by the US Marine Corps and other users . It is a bulky amphibious tracked vehicle intended to land troops on open beaches so it has to be seaworthy and is thus scaled accordingly . Intended as a replacement for the LVTP - 5 series the LVTP7 prototype ared in 1967 with production commencing during 1970 - 1971 . In 1985 it was renamed the AAV7 . By the time production has ceased over 1 500 had been produced not only for the US Marines but also for seven export customers , including Argentina , Brazil , Italy , South Korea , Spain and Thailand . It has a crew of three , including commander , gunner and driver . The capacious troop compartment of the AAV7 can hold up to 25 marines or 4 . 5 tonnes of supplies , with entry and exit being via a large rear - mounted ramp or roof hatches . The AAV7 is launched at sea from amphibious assault ships . This armored vehicle is self - deploying . It is intended for a forced entry into the semi - aquatic areas . The main mission of the vehicles during an amphibious assault is to spearhead a beach and to secure coastline for ongoing troops . Once ashore functions of the AAV7 include guarding checkpoints , patrolling and carrying troops and supplies inland . This amphibious armored vehicle has a welded aluminum armor hull . It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters . A kit was devised to permit extra add - on armor to be installed on most US Marine Corps vehicles . The AAV7 has a small turret , armed with a 12 . 7 - mm machine gun . Later it appeared that a single heavy machine gun is insufficient . Heavier turrets with 20 - or 30 - mm cannons were tested on this vehicle , however were not adopted . Engine of the AAV7 is mounted at the front . Originally vehicle was powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V53T turbocharged diesel engine , developing 400 hp . In the water propulsion is provided by two waterjet units at the rear , or alternatively , by spinning tracks . Vehicle has a seaworthiness up to Sea State 3 . The late production model was the AAV7A1 and most earlier models were later brought up to this standard in the late 1970s . AAV7A1 improvements included an new Cummins diesel engine pack , night vision devices , a new weapon station control system , improved ventilation and many other detail changes . Further improvements included universal weapon mounting capable of accommodating a 40 - mm automatic grenade launcher as well as 12 . 7 - mm machine gun . AAV7A1 variants include a command vehicle ( AAVC7A1 ) , a recovery vehicle fitted with a recovery jib ( AAVR7A1 ) , and various mine - clearing vehicles , including one with a mine plough . There was also a prototype amphibious light tank , armed with a 105 - mm gun ( LVTH7 ) , however it never reached production . Various automotive and suspension test beads have appeared , including a project , involving an electric drive system . In the near future the AAV7A1 will be replaced by a programme known as the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle .