So we're gonna upgrade the AAV...

Bad news Bat fans.

Looks like the Commandant was in error.  He stated that he would drive the replacement for the canceled EFV before he left office.  And since we now know that's unlikely then the best I can say is that he misspoke.  Be that as it may, what does that leave the Marine Corps with?

Upgrades to the tired AAV and the Marine Personnel Carrier Program (More on that tomorrow.  Thanks to Sarah at BAE public affairs office I've been able to get some information on the Super AV 8x8.  Interesting stuff).

But what's on my wish list for AAV upgrades?  Upgrades that I would like to see started within the next two years...

1.  More horsepower.  We should get a power plant that develops serious horsepower in a compact package.  MTU has some offerings that look like winners.

2.  Upgraded suspension.  On this I have no clue but we need to get a bit more ground clearnace and a smoother ride.

3.  Upgraded firepower.  On this I'm conflicted.  I like the above installation but I worry about the vehicle commander losing situational awareness.  Yes I know that remote weapon station make up for this with cameras and such but nothing beats sticking your head out and have a look with your mark 1 eyeballs.

4.  Upgraded armor.  In particular belly armor.  Upgraded applique armor would also be a winner but I'm not sure PLASAN has anything in development.

5.  Band tracks.  With additional belly armor you won't need the tracks for self righting. Band tracks would theoretically increase mobility. and road speed.

6.  Improved thrusters.  Getting better waterspeed shouldn't be that difficult with the offerings on the market today.  Even without improving the hull, with increased horsepower and thrusters we should improve water speed by at least  several knots.

7.  Improved troop seating.  Benches are out.  Time to install ballistic seating.

8.  Improved hydraulics.  Somehow, someway that ramp needs to come down faster.  A simple thing but important.

A short list but doable and hopefully doable within my two year time limit.  Confidence is not high though.  The AAV, ACV and MPC have all been combined into one program office.  With the failure that we saw with the EFV---a lack of institutional focus, a lack of institutional urgency and finally a lack of institutional supervision of the prime contractor all led to failure.

And now we have one office in charge of three very different programs.

Yep.  Confidence is not high that this will be done in an efficient, military manner.