The Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) is a fully tracked, armored amphibious transport used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to carry troops from ship to shore and support ground operations. Developed and manufactured by U.S. Combat Systems, the AAV has played a crucial role in amphibious warfare for decades, providing mobility, protection, and firepower in various combat environments. It is designed to operate on both land and water, making it an essential asset for expeditionary forces.
Equipped with a Cummins VT400 diesel engine, the AAV can travel at speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) on land and 8.2 mph (13.2 km/h) in water. It features a turret-mounted Mk 19 grenade launcher and an M2 .50 caliber machine gun, offering fire support during amphibious assaults. The vehicle can transport up to 25 Marines and their gear, enhancing rapid deployment capabilities.
Despite its long service history, the AAV faced increasing concerns regarding survivability and modernization. As a result, in 2018, the USMC announced the selection of the BAE Systems/Iveco SuperAV, an 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle, as part of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program. This program aimed to complement and eventually replace the aging AAV fleet with a more modern and survivable platform.
The ACV offers improved mobility, protection, and firepower, with better mine and IED resistance compared to the AAV. Its wheeled design provides greater speed and efficiency on land, while its advanced amphibious capabilities maintain the USMC’s expeditionary warfare advantage. The transition from AAV to ACV marks a significant modernization effort, ensuring that Marines remain well-equipped for future amphibious operations.
