From Shore to Shore: Amphibious Assault Vehicles Past and Present

Amphibious assault vehicles bridge the critical gap between ship and shore, delivering Marines from vessels offshore to contested beaches. These specialized vehicles must swim in ocean swells, survive hostile fire, and fight effectively on land—a demanding combination that has driven continuous innovation since World War II.

World War II Origins

The Landing Vehicle, Tracked (LVT) transformed amphibious warfare during World War II. These “amtracs” could swim from ships to shore and continue inland, crossing coral reefs and beach obstacles that would stop conventional landing craft. Over 18,000 LVTs supported Pacific island assaults.

Early LVTs were lightly armored cargo carriers. Combat experience led to up-gunned variants with turret-mounted guns and improved armor. The concept of an armored amphibious assault vehicle was born.

The AAV-7 Era

The AAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicle entered Marine Corps service in 1972 and remained the primary amphibious vehicle for 50 years. This aluminum-hulled vehicle carries 21 combat-equipped Marines from ship to shore at 8 mph water speed, then transforms into a tracked armored personnel carrier on land.

The AAV-7 weighs 29 tons combat-loaded and mounts a .50 caliber machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher. Its ability to launch from amphibious ships well offshore and deliver infantry directly to objectives made it central to Marine Corps doctrine.

Survivability Challenges

Combat experience exposed AAV-7 limitations. The vehicle’s armor provides minimal protection against modern weapons, and several AAV-7s were lost to IEDs in Iraq. A tragic 2020 training accident that killed nine personnel highlighted concerns about water operations in high sea states.

The Marine Corps has implemented safety improvements while accelerating replacement programs. The AAV-7’s age and limitations have become untenable for modern operations.

The ACV: Next Generation

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is replacing the AAV-7 with vastly improved capabilities. The ACV swims faster (6+ knots vs 4 knots), carries better armor, and provides improved mine protection. Its automotive systems are more reliable, and the crew compartment offers genuine protection against modern threats.

The ACV represents a fundamental shift in amphibious vehicle design, prioritizing survivability alongside amphibious capability. Marines can launch from ships offshore and arrive at beaches with genuine protection.

Future Amphibious Operations

The Marine Corps is exploring distributed operations using smaller, faster craft for ship-to-shore movement. Light Amphibious Warships and autonomous vessels may complement traditional amphibious vehicles. However, the need for protected, capable amphibious assault vehicles will remain for the foreseeable future.