Samsung Techwin stumps up more firepower for AAV7A1

South Korean prime Samsung Techwin has completed development and firing trials of a new generation remote weapon station (RWS) for the BAE Systems AAV7A1 (LVTP7A1) amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) used by the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (RoKMC).

The RWS was shown integrated onto an AAV7A1 at the Seoul Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2013) in late October. A Samsung Techwin official told IHS Jane's on 6 November that the system was not yet in service with the RoKMC and was unable to confirm when it may be fielded.

The AAV7A1 has been manufactured in South Korea since 1997 under a co-production contract signed by BAE Systems and Samsung Techwin. About 160 variants are believed to be in service with the RoKMC.

A BAE Systems/Samsung Techwin AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicle fitted with applique armour and showing a new Samsung Techwin RWS mounted in place of the standard manned turret. (IHS/James Hardy)

The standard AAV7A1 has a manned turret armed with a .50 calibre Daewoo Precision Industries K6 machine gun (MG) and a 40 mm Daewoo K4 automatic grenade launcher (AGL). These are not stabilised and are laid onto the target using a day/image intensification sight.

According to data provided by Samsung Techwin, the new RWS is fitted with the same .50 K6 MG and 40 mm K4 AGL, in addition to two banks of four electrically operated grenade launchers.

The RWS has electric traverse through 360 degrees with electric weapon elevation from -20 to +60 degrees. The weapons are stabilised in two axis with roll compensation and are laid onto the target using an advanced sighting system, which includes a day charge coupled device camera, thermal night camera and an integrated laser rangefinder with a maximum range of 5.5 km.

An automatic target tracker is fitted as standard and allows stationary and moving targets to be engaged while the AAV7A1 is stationary or moving. This would be especially useful in providing suppressive fire while carrying out a beach assault.

The weapons are laid onto the target by the gunner located in the hull using a 12.1 inch flat panel display. In addition to providing more accurate firepower, especially against moving targets, the RWS also saves weight and frees up some space inside of the AAV7A1.

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