Assault Amphibian Vehicle, Personnel, Mark 7A1

A service life extension program was instituted in the early 1980s to bring the LVTP7 up to speed in reliability, communications, and safety. The Cummins VT400 diesel engine replaced the GM 8V53T, and this was driven through FMC's HS-400-3A1 transmission. The hydraulic traverse and elevation of the weapon station was replaced by electric motors, which eliminated the danger from hydraulic fluid fires. The suspension and shock absorbers were strengthened as well. The fuel tank was made safer, and a fuel-burning smoke generator system was added. Eight smoke grenade launchers were also placed around the armament station. The headlight clusters were housed in a square recess instead of the earlier round type. The driver was provided with an improved instrument panel, a night vision device, and a new ventilation system was installed. These upgraded vehicles were originally called LVTP7A1, but the Marine Corps renamed the LVTP7A1 to AAVP7A1 in 1984. Another improvement was added in the form of a Cadillac Gage weapon station which was armed with both a .50cal machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. Applique armor kits were developed for the AAVP7A1, and the added weight of the new armor necessitated the addition of a bow plane kit when operating afloat.

In November 1998, a program to further prolong the life of the AAVP7A1 began. Under this AAV Reliability, Availability, Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (AAV RAM/RS) plan, the AAVP7A1 will inherit the engine and transmission of the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.