Tag Archives: AAV7A1

Ground Forces

Assault Amphibious

BAE Systems has been awarded an $82 million contract to modernize and deliver 23 upgraded Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV7A1) for the Brazilian Marine Corps. The vehicles, which will be the Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) variant, will significantly enhance the current capabilities of the Brazilian Marine Corps.

At sea, a 400 hp turbocharged diesel V-8 engine with propulsion enabled by two 14,000 gpm water jet pumps provides AAV7A1 vehicles with a cruising speed of 7 knots and the ability to negotiate 10-foot plunging surfs heading either seaward or to shore
At sea, a 400 hp turbocharged diesel V-8 engine with propulsion enabled by two 14,000 gpm water jet pumps provides AAV7A1 vehicles with a cruising speed of 7 knots and the ability to negotiate 10-foot plunging surfs heading either seaward or to shore

«These new vehicles will have major capability enhancements, which will give the Brazilian military an amphibious vehicle with improved speed and reliability beyond the current configuration», said Deepak Bazaz, director of new and amphibious vehicles at BAE Systems. «We have a strong track record of supporting the Brazilian military and will continue that close working relationship throughout this program».

Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems will provide 23 AAV7A1 RAM/RS vehicles and supply all tools and test equipment to support vehicle maintenance. The company will also provide an initial sustainment capability to the Brazilian Marine Corps to include spare parts and field service support, as well as training for the vehicle users.

The AAV7A1 RAM/RS variant provides a more powerful engine and drive train, as well as an upgraded suspension system, allowing the vehicles to meet or exceed original AAV7A1 performance requirements. The RAM/RS variant also provides improved mobility and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ships.

Work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems’ York, Pennsylvania facility. Production is anticipated to start in June with vehicle deliveries beginning in February 2017. Final delivery to Brazil is expected to take place by the end of 2017, when the training and support for these vehicles will begin.

«BAE Systems has served the Brazilian military for more than 15 years and is also working on other vehicle enhancement programs here, such as the Brazilian Army’s upgrade of its M113B vehicles to the M113A2 Mk1 configuration», said Marco Caffe, the company’s general manager for Brazil. «In the fall of 2015, we completed our 150th M113 upgrade».

On land, the proven torsion bar suspension and BAE Systems signature «Big Foot» track makes for outstanding mobility on all terrains at a top speed of 45 mph
On land, the proven torsion bar suspension and BAE Systems signature «Big Foot» track makes for outstanding mobility on all terrains at a top speed of 45 mph

 

Specifications

Crew Three plus 21 combat troops
Engine 400 hp/298 kW
Armament .50 cal/12.7-mm M2HB/40-mm MG (Mk-19)
Cruising speed
Land 20-30 mph/32-48 km/h
maximum 45 mph/72 km/h
Water 8 mph/13 km/h
Cruising range
Land 200+ miles/321 km
Water 7+ hours
Slope (longitudinal) 60%
Side slope 40%
Trench crossing 96 inch/2.4 m
Vertical wall crossing 36 inch/0.9 m
Surf 120 inch/3.0 m
Overall length 321 inch/8.1 m
Width
With armor 144 inch/3.6 m
Without armor 129 inch/3.2 m
Height 130 inch/3.3 m