Corps obtains Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles

Photo By Marcy Sanchez | An Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle at the Amphibious Test Vehicle Branch is displayed with its bow flap fully extended. ATVB will commence testing of the vehicle this week through various operations for quality assurance prior to low-rate production in 2012.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

07.12.2010

Story by Sgt. Marcy Sanchez  

I Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Amphibious operations made a debut in the Marine Corps during the Revolutionary War when Marines stormed the sands of New Providence, Bahamas in 1776. Technology and concepts have improved since the 18th century, allowing troops to reach inland objectives faster and safer. With a top speed of 40 knots and the ability to travel ashore from more than 25 nautical miles away, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle brings another tool to the Corps’ amphibious arsenal.

Camp Pendleton’s Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch took possession of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Command Variant-1 System Development and Demonstration-2, also known as EFVC-1 SDD-2, June 29. AVTB will begin a series of land, amphibious and firepower tests over the next four to six months to assist General Dynamics, the vehicle’s developer, in evaluation of the advanced features on board prior to production scheduled for fiscal year 2012.

“We’re taking hold of these vehicles and starting the developmental testing this week,” said Capt. Charles R. Ibatuan, AVTB’s communications officer, who added that the communication systems remained the same, but many changes have taken place since the development of the first command variant prototype, the SDD-1, in 2003.

After a series of testing and feedback the SDD-2 was developed, replacing the first prototype, and is now the focus of the EFV program.

Following the SDD-2’s introduction, developmental test operators explained the systems and advantages over the first command variant prototype.

“The capability of the SDD-2 greatly supersedes those of its predecessor. This prototype is much more user friendly,” explained Sgt. Robert Baxter, a developmental test operator with AVTB.

With the command element in mind, the SDD-2’s mission is to provide unit commanders and selected staff the ability to communicate with subordinate units while maintaining survivability, along with water and ground maneuverability, according to EFV program documents.

“The specific mission of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle is to carry troops and cargo ashore. We’re not carrying cargo [in the EFV] but we’re getting troops inland quickly and getting them there safely, while giving them enhanced capabilities to communicate and increasing firepower,” added Baxter, 26, from Scottsdale, Ariz.

Noticeable improvements to the vehicle include a fully-stabilized 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm machine-gun.

“The 30 mm cannon allows Marines to engage enemy vehicles, while the 7.62 mm machine-gun targets infantry in the open,” said Col. Keith M. Moore, EFV program manager.

Improved munitions are one of many changes to the vehicle’s blueprints, offering Marines assurance of lethality and increasing firepower for possible operations on foreign lands.

“The EFV is essential to the Marine Corps mission. There are programs that are absolutely and vitally important. One of those is our EFV,” said Gen. James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

EFV full-rate production is expected by FY15 with 573 being produced by FY25. Once in service, the EFV will allow Marines to penetrate inland objectives by sea from distances over the horizon with more speed and control while offering superb protection against opposing forces.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2010
• Date Posted: 07.12.2010 11:50
• Story ID: 52714
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US