The AAVP7A1 is an armored assault amphibious full-tracked landing vehicle. The vehicle carries troops in water operations from ship to shore, through rough water and surf zone. It also carries troops to inland objectives after ashore. The amphibious capability of the AAV makes it unique among all DOD systems. This forcible entry amphibious capability is the unique capability that sets the Marine Corps apart from the other services. A portion [64%] of the AAV fleet will undergo a reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) upgrade, and a rebuild to standard (RS) retrofit, to ensure Marine AAVs remain maintainable until the arrival of the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV).

The primary responsibility of the AAVs during an amphibious operation is to spearhead a beach assault. They disembark from ship and come ashore, carrying infantry and supplies to the area to provide a forced entry into the amphibious assault area for the surface assault element. Once the AAVs have landed, they can take on several different tasks: manning check points, Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) missions, escorting food convoys or mechanized patrol. The standard AAV comes equipped with a MK-19 grenade launcher and a M2 .50 caliber machine gun. With a 10,000 pound capacity, the AAV can also be used as a bulk refueler or a field expedient ambulance. It is easily the most versatile vehicle in the Marine Corps.

At 8.16m long, 3.31m high, and 3.27m wide, it is a large vehicle. AAVs (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) were instrumental in carrying Marines all the way from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq in "Operation Iraqi Freedom", 2003. All details are accurately reproduced, including the attachment points for the EAAK (Enhanced Armor Applique Kit). The 1:72 scale model is actually a Personnel variant of the AAV7A1 that has been upgraded to RAM/RS standard. This is signaled by such modifications as the exhaust system mounted on the roof. This particular vehicle was attached to the 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion and features the Enhanced Applique Armor Kit surrounding its body. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: February 2007

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.