By News 8's Richard Allyn
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (CBS 8) - The Marine Corps provided News 8 a first-hand look at its new Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle in action.
The EFV will replace the aging fleet of Amphibious Assault Vehicle, which were developed in the 1960s and entered service in 1972. This amphibious armored personnel carrier can launch at sea from an amphibious assault ship beyond the horizon, and transport 17 fully combat-loaded Marines to shore.
Capable of traveling 42 mph on land and up to 30 knots at sea, it has three times the speed in water and twice the armor of its predecessor. It also boasts superior fighting power, with a 30-millimeter cannon and coax machine gun.
Over the past several years, the EFV has undergone more than 400 engineering and design improvements.
The EFV program has experienced some delays and maintenance problems which put it behind schedule. The Marines say those issues have been resolved. The first of these vehicles are expected to be operational in the field by 2016, with a full fleet of 573 EFVs in use by 2026.
