Posted on 05/18/2010 8:20:18 AM PDT by AJKauf
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has signaled that the long-awaited and seriously over-budget Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) may be the next high-profile project scrapped — the latest in a series of moves meant to streamline the Pentagon’s budget and refocus the military on future challenges.
The EFV, an amphibious armored troop transport, was designed to replace the tired AAV-7A1, a 1970s-era vehicle that has had its service life extended several times as the Marine Corps has sought a replacement.
Both vehicles occupy a specific niche that few vehicles in the world can (or try) to match. They are purpose-designed to transport Marines from the well deck of amphibious assault ships — “swimming” out the back of these massive carrier-like ships and carrying Marines ashore to conduct assaults on defended beaches. Once ashore, the Marine infantry pile out the back of the vehicles to conduct ground operations, while the armored amphibians use their tracks to crawl off the beach and provide close-in and mid-range fire support for the infantry through turret-mounted weapons systems. After the amphibious landing is over and the beach is secured, these tracked vehicles are used much as traditional armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.....
(Excerpt) Read more at pajamasmedia.com ...
“Buy more LCAC’s instead”
LCACs are awesome! Up to the beach that is. And inland too!! (anywhere you could navigate a 2500 Sq. ft. suburban home, floating 3 feet above the road.)
An AAV isn’t an LCAC,,, And an LCAC can’t do what an AAV can. That is why you need both.
Just turn the tables, and let the Marines run the Navy for the next 60+ years.
Typo? Or were you thinking of wheels vs. tracks?
(not a cheap shot, just seeking clarification)
Wheels, of course.
Although I’d note that the LAV rides much better than you’d expect. I spent a few hours doing turret power analysis in one and was surprised.
‘course I didn’t have to worry about anything coming through the walls...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.