via Defense Media Network...
Programmed for eventual replacement by a new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), the AAV7A1 RAM/RS FoV will continue to serve the Marine Corps until at least 2035. It is perhaps noteworthy that the new 2035 lifespan projection for the FoV is 10 years longer than service projections made as little as one year ago.Let that sink in.
The AAV is set to serve until AT LEAST 2035.
That means that the AAV will be in frontline USMC service for at least 64 years.
If that isn't criminal then what is? Now do you understand why the Marine Personnel Carrier is essential?
Skeptic Here:
ReplyDeleteCould it be that TPTB...those who select America's wars... expect many of these amphibious vehicles to be destroyed in a real combat beach assault anyway, and thus do not wish to spend and funds coveted by the bloated F-35 budget to replace them with newer vehicles that they expect to be destroyed in combat?
I'm just an idiot former USN Corpsman... so feel free to set me straight if I'm missing some important info here.
Just because something is old doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. Take the M2, it was originally designed almost 100 years ago and it's still in use today. Same thing with the BUFF, designed in the 50's. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of reason to replace or upgrade the AAV I just wouldn't use numerical age as one.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it would possible to upgrade the turret to a remote weapons station like the South Koreans did, only instead of the 50cal/40mm combo go with a 20mm. http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/products/item/320-arx%C2%AE20-land-remote-controlled-weapon-station . Maybe to big though, not sure how it compares on weight to the current one. Speaking of weight, I also wonder why they don't take the armor approach of the airborne tank concept. A good suspension capable of carrying a lot, go ashore in lightest mode while your operating closest to all your supporting firepower from sea and air, upgrade with additional levels as you push further in and go into different threat environments. I think the M8 had 3 levels, all which were designed to be put on in the field. Some of the weight from the existing add on armor could be rolled into belly protection as part of the base level, since that would be the hardest spot to upgrade outside of a full shop.
ReplyDeleteHello, I've been following your blog for a while...
ReplyDeleteThought this may spark your interest...
http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140529/DEFREG02/305290035