AAV7A1 PIP

The AAV7A1 Product Improvement Program (PIP) is a strategic initiative by the Navy to enhance the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Family of Vehicles. This program aims to ensure cost-effective combat readiness through continuous evaluation and improvement of subsystems. Key objectives include maintaining system supportability and safety, procuring replacement systems to address obsolescence, and implementing Engineering Change Proposals for capability-based improvements. These efforts are designed to reduce total ownership costs and improve the sustainment of AAVs.

The program's specific goals include modernizing critical components such as intercom systems and tactical communication systems. The Tactical Communication Modernization (TCM) initiative is particularly significant, as it replaces outdated radios to comply with NSA cryptographic mandates, ensuring secure communication capabilities. Additionally, the program involves upgrading the legacy manned turret system with a Remote Weapons Station for personnel variants and refreshing technical equipment for command variants. These enhancements are crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness and safety.

As part of the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Force Design initiatives, certain planned modifications were completed by FY 2022, while others like Assured Position Navigation and Timing efforts were canceled. The focus has shifted towards sustaining the fleet until retirement dates set for various AAV variants between FY 2027 and FY 2029. This includes addressing major dead-lining issues, ensuring safety of use, and managing obsolescence through system retirements.

The program also emphasizes Integrated Logistics Support, which will gradually decline as AAVs are phased out. Efforts in this area include Engineering Maintenance and Technical Support, material procurements to replace legacy parts, and software updates necessary to maintain Authority to Operate certifications until retirement. The transition towards sustainment reflects a strategic shift in priorities as the AAV fleet approaches its end-of-service timeline.