How much lift will the AAV have once its made IED "Capable"? Will we need more than projected?

Around 17 Marines in practice, but 25 in literature is the lift capability of the current AAV.

But that's with Vietnam era bench seats.  Since this vehicle is about to be extended in service even longer, I wonder what the new number will be.

If you consider everything Qinetiq North America listed in their brochure, I would guess it would drop to around 10 to 12.  Consider the fact that it appears that Blast Seating, Spall Liners, Bouyancy Aids and even extra armor is all part of this upgrade (and we still haven't seen anything regarding the vehicles suspension) and it makes me wonder if the number of vehicles in the AAV Battalion isn't going to have to be plussed up in order to get the same number of Marines transported.

According to the program office they're looking at upgrading 493 AAVs.  Something tells me that's using "legacy" AAV lift as a guide.

After the upgrade that won't be applicable.

If I'm right about this then the Marine Corps really does need to pay me a consulting fee.  Someone needs to be working on getting our armor in shape!