General
The EFV is being developed to be the next amphibious Marine transport to take Marines from ship to shore and inland. It is being developed and manufactured by General Dynamics.The original plan was to purchase 1,013 for a total program cost (development and procurement of vehicles) of $7.2 billion. The current budget is to purchase 573 vehicles for a total program cost over $14 billion. The program is 8 years behind the original schedule.
Use
The EFV is used to carry Marines from the ship (such as the Dock Landing Ship) to shore and inland as well as protect the troops and provide firepower. It can leave from a ship 20-25 miles off shore and travel on the water to shore. The EFV travels on water, through rough surf, at speeds over 20 knots powered by two water jets. The diesel engine then powers the vehicle on land at speeds up to 42 miles per hour. On land the EFV can span an 8 foot wide trench or a 3 foot vertical wall. It is armor protected for up to 14.5mm rounds or fragments from 155mm artillery shells. Personnel protection includes fire suppression, climate control and nuclear, chemical and biological weapon defense.A command and control variation is also in development which will carry a commander, staff, communications and equipment.
Weapons
- Mk44 Mod 1 30mm cannon with 215 rounds
- 7.62mm M240 machine gun and 650 rounds
- Smoke grenade launchers from turret and hull
Specifications
- Has a 12 cylinder diesel engine producing 2800 hp in water mode and 850 hp in land mode
- Carries 325 gallons fuel
- 2 23” diameter water jets for ocean propulsion
- Can operate up to 300 miles on land or up to 56 miles on water
- Land speed is 42 mph
- Crew of 3
- Carries 17 troops or 9,150 pounds of cargo
- Weighs 79,300 pounds fully loaded (67,300 pounds empty)
- 368” long and 146” wide, 130”tall on land
- FLIR night vision
