Korea Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV) is an amphibious vehicle series based on AAV-7A1 by Samsung Techwin (now Hanwha Defense) and BAE systems developed and manufactured in South Korea by Samsung Techwin. Since its introduction, the KAAV has undergone a series of modifications and upgrade programs which earned the reputation as the finest amphibious assault vehicle in the world. KAAV7A1 family of vehicles now being coproduced by Samsung Techwin and BAE systems is the most advanced version of the AAV7/LVT7.
The unique vessel-shaped hull design, powerful water jet and power train make KAAV7A1 Family a highly mobile fleets of amphibious vehicle. They travel 13km/h in the water and 72km/h on the land enabling them to achieve effective ship to shore transporting operations in a variety of adverse sea/land conditions. The Cummins 400HP turbocharged multifuel,liquid cooled V8 diesel engine replaced the GM 8V53T, and this was driven through FMC’s HS-400-3A1 transmission.
The all-welded aluminum hull of KAAV7A1 protects the crew from small arms fire, shell splinters and flash-bums. To suppress residual penetration of shaped-charge ammunitions, the state-of-the-art enhanced applique armor (EAAK) has been added to the hull. Other improvements on KAAV7A1 which add to vehicle survivability is the installation of auto fire suppression and NBC protection system. The added weight of the new armor necessitated the addition of a bow plane kit when operating afloat.
KAAVP7A1 is equipped with a 360 degree traversing turret station that is more reliable and provide greater fire-power than previous models. It mounts an MK19 40mm 40x53mm high-speed automatic grenade launcher (S&T Motiv K4) and .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine gun (S&T Motiv K6) in coaxial mount. The new Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS) allows the gunner to engage targets out to 1,500 meters and to traverse a full 360o at a speed of 45o per second.
