Required Operational Capability for the Product Improvement of the LVT7A1 Family of Vehicles and the Development of an LVTE7A1 Variant

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Required Operational Capability for the Product Improvement of the LVT7A1 Family of Vehicles and the Development of an LVTE7A1 Variant

The LVT7 family of vehicles (LVTP7, LVTC7, and LVTR7) was fielded in 1972 with a designed service life of 10 years. In order to maintain an assault amphibian capability for the years between the end of the LVT7 planned service life and the introduction of the LVT(X), the Marine Corps established the LVT7A1 Service Life Extension Program. This comprehensive rebuild effort incorporated a variety of engineering improvements designed to increase vehicle reliability, maintainability, and durability. Because of the urgency involved in fielding a replacement vehicle for the LVT7, many technological advances in firepower, armor protection, NBC, and mobility were not available for integration into the LVT7A1 configuration. A requirement exists to provide an up-gunned weapons station on all of the product improved LVTP7A1 (PI) in order that offensive operations may be conducted with matching threat vehicles to include the BMP. The LVT7A1(PI) will be assigned to the assault amphibian and tracked vehicle battalions. The IOC FOR THE LVT7A1(PI) in the areas of firepower, survivability, waterborne mobility, communications, and obstacle clearing will be from FY85 to FY88. There is a continuing requirement to provide for a .50 caliber weapon capability on all vehicles. Additionally, the Marine Corps requires a nonexplosive obstacle breaching capability during amphibious assaults through surf and beach areas.