[LowCountryJoe]

I never did work on an AAV but I can tell you that many hydraulically operated components need a running engine to drive their hydraulic pumps. And although nearly all tactical vehicles do have a means to operate their hydraulic components – as well as electrical & pneumatic ones too – it is seldom a time efficient process.

[jjm2111]

I'm just a squid, but if I were in a little armored box, I'd want to be able to get out in a hurry. The rear entry door should hinge downward, allowing gravity to pull it down in an emergency. You wouldn't be able to pull it up again, w/out special equipment, but it would beat the poop out of climbing through the driver's hatch one at a time while under fire.

I might be mistaken, but I believe the Bradley works this way.