The Amphibious Arena Has a New Marine Craft: Meet Textron Systems' SECAT

Textron used a catamaran design for SECAT to assure the vessel's mobility, speed, and minimal resistance despite transporting high cargoes. According to Textron, the SECAT can transport up to 500 tonnes of cargo over 500 nautical miles at high speeds (50 knots). This implies that the SECAT can carry out its tasks even on the high seas.

Evolution of the amphibious military vehicles

Amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) have proven indispensable in military operations that combine marine and land-based elements. The amphibious tracked vehicle is designed so that it can both cross water and engage in ground defences. AAVs have the power and technology to cross deep water while deploying powerful weaponry and managing all terrains.

AAVs have developed since the first civilian prototype in 1935 to types like the modern Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) deployed by the United States Marine Corps and Navy. These resolute vehicles' design has also improved, with greater armour, mechanical components, and supply and personnel capacity.

The "Alligator," developed by Donald Roebling, was the first AAV designed by a civilian. The Alligator was lightweight aluminium and included cleats on its tracks for added grip. It was created to improve emergency response during floods and storms, and Roebling tried to improve its mechanics and maximise its success potential. Its design, highlighted in LIFE magazine's article "Roebling's Alligator For Florida Rescues," prompted the US military to acquire a prototype in 1938.

How strong is it?

The Amphibious Assault Vehicle and the Amphibious Combat Vehicle vary primarily in that the former is tracked and the latter is wheeled. There are, however, lots of other exciting new additions to the ACV to look forward to. A redesigned V-shaped undercarriage provides additional protection against IED blasts. Handling is considerably enhanced, allowing it to become much faster when travelling on land - a significant advantage in battle.

Beast on land and the water

Like its predecessor the AAV, the new ACV is an amphibious vehicle that can operate on both land and water. The ACV has a 690 horsepower potential and can travel for 12 nautical miles and 325 land miles (at speeds of up to 65 mph!) before requiring refuelling. Inside, there's enough room for 13 Marines and three crew members, as well as storage for equipment and two days' worth of supplies.

Advent Of The AAVP-7A1

In 1977, the LVTP7 was replaced by the LVTP7A1, later dubbed the AAV7A1. The Cummins VT400 diesel engine, Position Location and Reporting System (PLARS), and enhanced diagnostics were all incorporated in this updated vehicle.

Hydraulic, electrical, weaponry, and suspension systems have all been improved to improve usefulness and dependability. An electric weapons station featured an updated M2HB.50-cal machine gun, Cadillac-Gage turret, and MK19 automatic grenade launcher.

Novel Technologies

In the 1980s, General Dynamics began work on an Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle or EFV. After years of development, the EFV was suggested as an armoured tracked vehicle capable of 20 knots on the water and around 27mph on land.

The EFV's performance and dependability were determined to be lacking in 2006, prompting authorities to reassess financing for the project. The project was suggested to be terminated in 2011 due to financial and functionality problems.

Success Of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) was designed when the cancellation of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV). BAE Systems, a business that provides the military with electronic, security, land, and maritime technology, develops the ACV. This vehicle's power, cargo capacity, and countermeasures have improved.

On land, the ACV has a range of over 325 miles and can travel at speeds of over 65 mph. It features a 690-horsepower engine and an 8x8 frame based on the Iveco Superav AAV. According to John Swift, BAE's head of amphibious systems, the ACV has a three-fold higher survival rate than the standard AAV.

The underside of the ACV had a V-shape meant to be more resistant to improvised explosive devices than the EFV, which had a vulnerable flat-bottom design (IEDs). The USMC tested the ACV and offered active comments to the manufacturer to enhance the design. According to February 2020, the US Marine Corps bought more ACVs for operational testing during the Low-Rate Initial Production phase.