Building a Better Mousetrap: The Unnecessary Capability of the EFV

摘要

The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) is a phenomenal leap ahead of the current Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV). Upon its arrival, the EFV will immediately provide greatly enhanced battlefield capabilities. The Marine Corps needs this vehicle. However, the institutional commitment to the high water speed capability of the EFV has dictated engineering constraints that sacrifice overall combat performance. Further, the engineering efforts required to make the EFV swim at high speeds increase the cost and complexity of the vehicle. Few battlefield instances will allow the use of this vehicle's maximum water speed: none will require it. The high-water-speed capability of this vehicle will prove an unnecessary and costly distraction throughout the service life of the EFV.