From open water to rough shoreline, the Australian Army is introducing a new amphibious logistics vehicle built to operate where sea and land operations overlap.
Known as the Amphibious Vehicles-Logistics (AV-L), the platform features advanced propulsion using fully guarded water jets, removing exposed propellers to improve resilience in debris-heavy waters.
High maneuverability is achieved through independent suspension, front and rear steering, and a locking differential to maintain grip during operations.
A central tire inflation system allows crews to adjust tire pressure on the move, helping the vehicle stay mobile across soft, slippery, and uneven terrain.
Engineered to operate as a deep-sea vessel, AV-L can transition through surf zones while remaining compliant with Australian road safety standards once ashore.
In terms of safety, the platform boasts automated detection of wheel bogging and slippage, and can dynamically adjust power output to help the vehicle clear hazardous wave zones quickly.
The vehicle can carry payloads up to 4.7 tonnes (10,360 pounds) and features a single-point lift and tie-down system, enabling air transport aboard C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
Path to Service
Developed by Australian firm Birdon, AV-L is set to replace the aging Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo Vehicle (LARC-V), which has been in service for decades.
The company recently landed a $125 million Australian dollar contract to design and build one prototype and 15 AV-L vehicles for the Australian Army under Land 8710 Littoral Manoeuvre initiative.
All vehicles will be produced at Birdon’s shipyard in Port Macquarie, supporting local industry jobs and boosting Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability.
