BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to produce new Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. This contract supports the ongoing development of an amphibious capability within the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force.
AAV7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV). (Photo: BAE Systems)
“We’re proud to support the Japanese military’s recapitalization by providing this enhanced amphibious capability,” said DeanMedland, vice president of programs at BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business. “As the original equipment manufacturer of the AAV fleet, we have a strong history of supporting this platform.”
BAE Systems will provide 30 new AAV7A1 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) vehicles, plus supply tools and test equipment to support maintenance. The company will also provide training aids for the vehicles to the Japanese military.
The AAV7A1 RAM/RS variant provides a more powerful engine and drive train, as well as an upgraded suspension system, allowing the new vehicles to meet or exceed original AAV7A1 performance. The variant also provides improved mobility, command, control, and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore.
Work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems’ York, Pennsylvania facility. Production is expected to begin in August with vehicle deliveries beginning one year later. Final delivery to Japan is expected to take place by the end of 2017.
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AAV7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle
The Assault Amphibious Vehicle AAV7A1 is a fully-tracked amphibious landing vehicle manufactured by Samsung Techwin and United Defense (now part of BAE Systems Land & Armaments).
The AAV7A1 family currently serves as amphibious troop transport vehicles for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It is used to ground surface assault components and equipment of the landing forces in a single lift from assault ships during amphibious operations. It also supports mechanised operations ashore.
The AAV7A1 of the USMC are often referred to as Amtracks.
The vehicle designated Korea Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV) KAAV7A1 is in service with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. AAV7A1 was also exported to Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, Italy, Taiwan, Spain, Thailand and Venezuela.
The hydraulically controlled bow plane provides stability when operating afloat. Extra protection is provided by the enhanced applique armor kits (EAAK).
Enhanced applique armor kits (EAAK)
Armament
The new turret carries an MK19 40mm grenade launcher (K4) and a .50 machine gun (K6) in a coaxial mount.
The weapon station allows the gunner to engage targets within 1,500m range and to traverse a full 360° at a speed of 45° per second.
MK19 40mm grenade launcher (K4) @iracllc.com
MK19 40mm grenade launcher (K4) and a .50 machine gun (K6) in a coaxial mount. @armyrecognition.com
Self-protection
The all-welded aluminium hull safeguards the crew from small arms fire, shell splinters and flash bums. The enhanced applique armor (EAAK) fitted to the hull suppresses the residual penetration of shaped charge munitions.
The AAV7A1 is also installed with auto fire suppression and NBC protection system for enhanced survivability.
Engine
The AAV7A1 is powered by a 400hp turbocharged multi-fuel, liquid cooled V-8 diesel engine coupled to a HS-400-3A1 automatic transmission integrating shifting, steering and braking functions in one unit.
Mobility
The two 14,000gpm water jet pumps provide a cruising speed of 9.7km/h on the sea and the ability to negotiate 10ft plunging surfs flowing towards sea or shore.
The flat track torsion bar suspension system with heavy-duty shock absorbers provides excellent mobility over all terrains at a top speed of 72.4km/h.
Thai Military and Asian Region 