The AAV7A1 family of vehicles is the newest rendition of the LVTP7 that originally made its appearance in 1971. Developed by FMC Corporation (now United Defense, LP), this 17-ton amphibious vehicle can achieve speeds of up to 64km/h on roads and 13.5km/h in water. It is the mainstay of the U.S. Marine amphibious vehicle fleet today, as well as being used by marine forces from a number of other nations. These 'tuna boats' have most recently been proving themselves in the dusty heat of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Dragon Armor has previously released a 1:72 AAVP7A1, but the newest member in the family offers something extra. The new collector item includes an accurately depicted MK-154 MICLIC (Mine Clearance Line Charge) system mounted atop the AAV. Firing up to three rocket-projected explosive line charges into a minefield, the MK-154 system can produce a safe lane up to 16m wide and 100m long. This self-contained electric and hydraulic mine-clearing equipment is ideal for beach assaults, and was deployed in OIF during the initial invasion. This particular model lacks nothing! It is finished in a three-color NATO camouflage scheme. All the relevant detail of the real AAV7A1 is glorious portrayed. This unique model represents an unusual vehicle in the USMC inventory, one that is sure to please fans of modern armored equipment. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-3/4-inches
Width: 1-3/4-inches

Release Date: January 2008

Historical Account: "On to Baghdad" - The 1st Marine Division, then under the command of Major General James Mattis, was one of the two major U.S. land forces that participated in the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. The division was the land component of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and fought its way to Baghdad and then pushed further to secure Tikrit. After the invasion the division settled in to conduct security and stablization operations in southern Iraq. For actions during the war as part of I MEF the division was awarded its 9th Presidential Unit Citation.

The division deployed back to Iraq in February 2004 and took control of the Al Anbar province in western Iraq. They were the lead unit in Operation Vigilant Resolve and Operation Phantom Fury in 2004.

In the early morning hours of January 26th, 2005, a CH-53E Super Stallion used in the transport of 30 of the division's Marines, along with 1 sailor, crashed in Ar Rutba, Iraq, killing all on board. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the incident.

As of early 2006, the division is once again in Iraq as the ground combat element for I MEF in the Al Anbar province.