Chapter II
Characteristics of Landing Ships, Landing Craft, Landing Boats,
Amphibian Tracked vehicles, and Amphibian Trucks

Index

Section 1. General
Section 2. Landing Ships
Section 3. Landing Craft
Section 4. Landing boats
Section 5. Amphibian Vehicles

Section 1. General

    1. The characteristics of Landing Ships, Craft and Landing Boats are set forth in FTP 211, Chapter II, Section 201 and 202 and O.N.I. Bulletin 226.[*]

    2. The development of tracked amphibious vehicles, amphibious trucks, new landing craft and changes in specifications and designs of older types have made it necessary to supplement the data and to provide the diagrams of landing ships, craft, boats and vehicles, Figures 1 to 9 of this Chapter.

Section 2. Landing Ships

  1. The Landing Ship Vehicle, (LSV), is the newest addition to the fleet of specialized vessels for landing operations. The LSV (1) and (2) are converted from the Terror class of Cruiser Minelayer and LSVs (3) (4) (5) and (6) are conversions of the "AN" class of Net Tenders and Carriers. Both types are designed to carry amphibious vehicles and troops. The LSV (1) and (2) cannot carry LVTs because of overhead clearance. The remaining LSVs can carry both types of amphibious vehicles. The LSV is fast enough to accompany assault Transport Groups and is heavily enough armed to provide really effective additional fire-power for the unit to which attached.

  2. The Landing Ship Dock (LSD) is a recent addition to the specialized fleet of the Amphibious Forces. Originally was designed as a drydock capable of operation in forward areas to effect salvage and repair of smaller landing craft. Tactical development has resulted in their use as carriers of amphibious vehicles of both types and tanks loaded in LCMs and LCTs. Their speed being about fifteen knots permits their assignment to Assault Transport Groups. Their multiple uses make them extremely valuable in landing operations. It is necessary for them to flood down to launch their amphibious vehicles.
[* Much of this information has been incorporated on the HyperWar pages "Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1940-1045.]

»II-1«

  1. The Landing Ship Medium, (LSM), was originally designated the LCT(7). It was developed to meet the need for an ocean going tank Lighter of the LCT type. It combines the features of most of the other specialized amphibious vessels -- the bow gates of the LST, the well-deck of the LCT(6), and the conning tower of the LCI. Its speed and cruising range permits its operation with Transport Groups if desired. Its cargo capacity is the same as the LCT(6).

  2. The wide use of the Landing Ship Tank, (LST), in all amphibious operations make it one of the best known of the specialized Amphibious Force Ships. Earlier types of the LST were equipped with elevators for unloading the Main Deck. Starting with LST 513 and excepting LST 531 a Main Deck ramp was substituted for the elevators. The slow speed of this type requires its movement in separate convoy. Use of these vessels in assault operations require their dispatch to forward areas well in advance of the main body. Other characteristics require special consideration to be given in their use.

Section 3. Landing Craft

  1. The Landing Craft Infantry, (LCI(L)s are of two main types: LCI(L) side ramp type; LCI(L) Centerline ramp type.

    1. The LCI(L) side ramp type as a troop carrier is definitely limited by its size and accommodations for troops. Generally speaking, forty-eight (48) hours is the longest practical period to keep troops on board. It is ocean going, however, and has good cruising range. Its speed is too slow to permit it to accompany Assault Transport Groups.

    2. The LCI(L) Centerline ramp type will accommodate troops as follows:

      1. With troops aboard for an extended operation of 6 to 8 days, the number of troops carried should be limited to 9 officers and 173 men.

      2. For a period of not more than two days, 9 officers and 185 men can be transported without hardship.

      3. For short periods of less than 24 hours, a maximum of 9 officers and 223 men may be carried.

  2. The need for more adequate close-in fire support resulted in the conversions of LCI(L)s into Gunboats, (LCI(G)). Equipped with rapid firing automatic weapons, rockets, and recently mortars, and favored with a very shallow draft, these LCI(G)s have proven extremely valuable in leading the assault waves of LVTs to the beach and in close support landings.

  3. Landing Craft Support (Large), (LCS(L)), are adaptations of the basic LCI design, but are originally constructed as support craft. Their use is the same as the LCI(G)s.

  4. The Landing Craft Tanks, (LCT), are of two general types, the Mark FIVE and the Mark SIX. Because the superstructure of the Mark SIX is not athwartships, as in the Mark FIVE, it is more difficult to handle

»II-2«

    alongside transports and larger ships. Neither type is oceangoing, but as a cargo carrier in an unloading over a beach they have no equal. Both can be carried in an assault operation in LSDs or on the main decks of LSTs.

Section 4. Landing Boats

  1. Landing boat characteristics are set forth page II-5 and illustrated in diagrams on pages II-11, Figure 6; II-12, Figure 7; II-13, Figure 8; II-14, Figure 9, herein.

Section 5. Amphibian Vehicles

  1. Landing Vehicles, Tracked, are pontooned tanks of an all steel construction and are designed to be operated in water as well as on land. The tracks are equipped with grousers which provide traction on land and propel the vehicle in water.

  2. The LVT(2) is an unarmored personnel and cargo carrier with a hull construction of 10, 12 and 14 gauge steel. A glass windowed cab is provided for the operator.

  3. The LVT(4) is similar in most respects to the LVT(2), except that the engine is located forward and a ramp has been installed aft, to expedite unloading and permit the use of palletized cargo.

  4. The LVT(A)(1) is identical to the LVT(A)(2) in construction, hull and cab design except that a turret similar to that used on a light tank is mounted on top of the cargo compartment. A 37MM gun and a caliber .30 machine gun are installed in the turret. Directly behind the turret, in a flat plate between the engine compartment and turret, are two circular manholes equipped with scarf mounts for machine guns.

  5. The LVT(A)(4) is the heaviest Amphibious Vehicle tracked, with a weight of 38,000 lbs. It is a turret type, similar to the LVT(A)(1) except that it carries greater armament (one 75MM gun and one 50 cal. machine gun.)

  6. Pertinent Data on LVT's:
      LVT(2) LVT(4) LVT(A)(1) LVT(A)(4)
    Overall length 26'1" 26'1" 26'1" 26'1"
    Overall width 10'8" 10'10" 10' 10'8"
    Overall height 8'1" 8'1" 10'1" 10'1"
    Weight, unloaded with crew, unarmored 25,200 25,300    
    Weight, unloaded with crew, armored 28,500 28,600 32,800 38,000
    Cargo capacity (lbs) 6,500 8,000    
    Cargo capacity (men) 20-24 30    
    Cargo space, length 129" 150"    
                           width 94" 84"-94"    
                           depth 52" 64"    
    NOTE: Ramp is capable of 5000 lbs. weight on LVT(4)

»II-3«

  1. The Amphibian Truck is a vehicle designed for service operation on land or water. It has automotive characteristics of a conventional truck but is in addition equipped with an integral water tight hull designed in such a manner that the truck chassis and drive units are attached to and in the body of the hull. For land operation, the vehicle utilizes six driving wheels driven by a conventional six cylinder valve-in-head engine through the transmission, transfer case and propeller shaft. For water operation, the vehicle is propelled with a water propellor powered from the engine through the transmission and a water propeller case. As a truck, the front wheels are steered with conventional steering assembly. When operating in water, the vehicle is steered with combined use of the front wheels and a rudder which is inter-connected to and operated by the steering gear column.

  2. Pertinent Characteristics of SNL G-501 Amphibian Truck 21/2-ton 6x6 (DUKW-353) are typical of all DUKW models are listed as follows:

    Maximum overall length 31'
    Maximum overall width 8'
    Maximum overall height (Top up) 8'10"
    Maximum overall height (Top down) 8'2"
    Maximum overall height (Windshield down) 7'5"
    Weight (Light) 13,000
                (Loaded) 18,600
    Cargo capacity (lbs) 5,000
    Cargo capacity (men) 25
    Cargo space 6'93/4" x 12'5"

»II-4«

Symbol Length
Overall		 Beam Landing Draft Landing
Displace-
ment
(Tons)		 Speed
Normal		 Type of
Engine		 Radius
Normal		 Fresh
Water
Capacity		 Fuel
Capacity		 Troops Armament Armor Boats
Carried		 Crew Cargo Capacity
at Landing Draft
(Tank Deck Only)
Fwd Aft Off. Enl. Off. Enl.
LSV (1-2) 453'101/2" 60'21/2" (1) 18'
(2) 17'		 18'
17'		 7,927 19.5 Steam Turbine 9,000 Evaps 1,700T 80 788 2'5" .38 Cal
4-40MM Twin
20-20MM		 Splinter 16-LCVPs 33 442 31 DUKWs (10 LVTs) plus 33,439 cu.ft. Cargo
LSV 3-4 457'111/8" 60' 18' 18' 7,927 19.5 Steam Turbine 9,000 Evaps 1,700T 78 689 2'5" .38 Cal
4-40MM Twin
20-20MM		 Splinter 14-LCVPs 33 434 29 DUKWs or 17 LVTs plus 32,317 cu.ft. Cargo
LSV (5-6) 457'111/2" 60' 18' 18' 7,927 19.5 Steam Turbine 9,000 Evaps 1,970T 80 693 2-5" .38 Cal
4-40MM Twin
20-20MM		 Splinter 10 LCVPs 33 426 31 DUKWs or 19 LVTs plus 30,335 cu.ft. Cargo.
LSD 457'9" 72' 15'51/2" 16'2" 7,930 15 Steam Turbine or Recio 8,000 Evaps 1,770T 20 230 1-5" .38 Cal
2-40MM Quad
2-40MM Twin
16-20MM		 Splinter 2 LCVPs 17 309 3 LCTs, 20 LCM(3)s, 41 LVTs or 47 DUKWs (Well deck only)
LST 328' 50' 3'1" 9'6" 2,160 9 2-900 HP Diesel 12,000 Evaps 595T 12-16 150 2-40MM(T)
4-40MM(S)
12-20MM		 Splinter 2-LCVPs
or
6-LCVPs		 7
 
9		 106
 
122		 500 tons -- 15 Medium Tanks or 17 LVTs
LSM 203'6" 34' 3'5" 6'111/4" 741 12.5 2-1400 HP Diesel 3,600 LST Evaps 168T 2 41 1-40MM(T)
4-20MM
7-50 Cal MG		 Splinter 1 Dinghy 4 55 165 Tons -- 7 LVTs or 10 DUKWs or 5 Medium Tanks
LCI(L) 0-350 160' 23'3" 2'8" 5'1/4" 238 12 8-225 HP Diesel 8,700 36T 120T 6 182 4-20MM Splinter 1 Dinghy 3 25 75 tons, only cargo capable of being man handled
LCI(L) 351-Up 160'33/4" 23'3" 2'10" 5'3" 257 12 8-225 HP Diesel 8,000 37T 110T 9 196 5-20MM Splinter 1 Dinghy 3 25 32 tons, only cargo capable of being man handled
LCI(G) 351-Up 160'33/4" 23'3" 5'8" 5'8" 387 12 8 225 HP Diesels 8,000 37T 110T None None 3-40MM(S)
4-20MM
10-Mk7 Rocket Launchers		 Splinter 1 Dinghy 5 65 None
LCS(L)(3) 158'51/2" 23'3" 4'8" 6'6" 387 12 8-225 HP Diesels 5,000 10T Evaps 76T None None 3-40MM(T)
4-20MM
10-Mk7 Rocket Launchers		 Splinter 1 Dinghy 5 65 None
LCT(5) 117'6" 32' 2'10" 4'2" 286 8 3-225 HP Diesels 700@7Kts 2.5T 11.12T 400
(Ferry)		 2-20MM Splinter 1 Dinghy 1 10 5 Medium Tanks or 150 tons cargo
LCT(6) 119'01/2" 32' 3'63/4" 4'0" 309 8 3-225 HP Diesels 1200@7Kts 6.4T 11.12T 400
(Ferry)		 2-20MM Splinter 1 Dinghy 1 12 5 Medium Tanks or 150 tons cargo
LCC 56' 13'7" 3'-111/2" 28 13.5 Max 2-225 HP Diesel 240@Max 40 Gal 550 Gal None None 2-50 Cal (T) M.G. Mark II None --- 1 8 None
LCM(3) 50' 14'1" 3'6" For.
(Loaded)		 24 10 2-225 HP Diesel 150@11Kts   400 Gal   100 2-50 Cal M.G. 1/4" on Conn     5 1-30 ton tank or 60,000 lbs cargo
LCM(6)**
Stand.		 56' 14'1" 3'4" For.
(Light)		 64,514 lbs. 11 2-225 HP Diesels 300@11Kts 120 gal. 850 gal.   120 2-50 Cal M.G. 1/4" on Conn     5 1-30 ton tank or 63,000 lbs cargo
LCM(6)***
Convert.		 56' 14'1" 3'4" For.
(Light)		 57,558 lbs. 11 2-225 HP Diesel 150@11Kts   400 Gal   120 2-50 Cal M.G. 1/4" on Conn     5 1-34 Ton Tank or 68,000 lbs cargo
LCV(P) 36' 10'51/4" 3'-2" 9 9 1-225 HP Diesel 100   200 gal.   36 2-30 Cal M.G. 1/4" Sts ramp & Hull     4 8100 lbs.
LCP(R) 35'10" 10'9" 3'-6" 13,000 lbs. 11 1-225 HP Diesel 200   150 gal.   36 2-30 Cal M.G. (3) 1/4" Plate Transverse Bulk Heads     4 6,700-8100 lbs.
LCP(L) 36'8" 10'10" 3'-6" 13,000 lbs. 8 1-225 HP Diesel 130   150 gal.   36 2-30 Cal M.G. 3 Transverse Bulk Heads     4 6,700-8100 lbs.
LCS(S) 36'81/2" 10'111/2" 3'6" 22,000 lbs. 111/2" 1-225 HP Diesel 135   150 gal. None None 2-50 Cal MG's
2-30 Cal MG
Smoke Pots
Rocket Projectors		 1/4" Plating to Bridge     5 None
LVT(2) 26'1" 10'8" 4' 12.5
14.5		 5.5W*
25L*		 Gasoline 50W
150L		   110 gal.   30 2-50 Cal MG
2-30 Cal MG		 1/2" Bow and Cab
1/4" Hull when armored		     3 6,600 lbs.
LVT(4) 26'1" 10'8" 4' 12.5
14.5		 5.5W
25L		 Gasoline 65W
200L		   150 gal.   30 2-50 Cal MG
2-30 Cal MG		 Same as Mark (2) when armored     3 6,600 lbs.
LVT(A)(1) 26'1" 10'8" 4'-3" 16.2 5.5W
25L		 Gasoline 50W
150L		   104 gal. None None 1-37MM
3-30 Cal MG		 1/2" turret
1/4" hull		     6 1,000 lbs (ammunition)
LVT(A)(4) 26'1" 10'8" 4'-3" 19 5.5W
25L		 Gasoline 50W
150L		   140 gal. None None 1-75MM
1-50 Cal MG		 Same as LVT(A)(1)     6 5,000 lbs (ammunition)
21/2" 6x6 DUKW 31' 10'8" 3'8" 4'4" 9.2 5.5W
50L		 Gasoline 400 Miles@35MPH   40 gal.   25 Varies None     1 5,000 lbs.
* L=Land   W=Water   (Speed in M.P.H.)
** Hoisting Weight 64,514 -- including full equipment and outfit, armament and ammunition as allowed by BuShips.
*** Hoisting Weight 57,558 -- including full equipment and outfit, armament and ammunition as allowed by BuShips.

»II-5«

Diagram of LSV(1)
Vehicle Deck

Figure 1. Diagram of LSV(1) Vehicle Deck
Figure 1

»II-6«

Diagram of LSD
Dock Deck

Figure 2. Diagram of LSD Dock Deck
Figure 2

»II-7«

LST
Landing Ship Tank
Scale 1/4"=111/4

Figure 3. LST Deck Diagram
Figure 3

»II-8«

LST
LCT(5)
Scale 1/16"=1'0"

Figure 4. LCT(5) Deck Diagram
Figure 4

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LST
LCT(6)
Scale 1/16"=1'0"

Figure 5. LCT(6) Deck Diagram
Figure 5

»II-10«

LCM

Figure 6. LCM Deck Diagram
Figure 6

»II-11«

LCV(P)

Figure 7. LCV(P) Deck Diagram
Figure 7

»II-12«

LCP(R)

Figure 8. LCP(R) Deck Diagram
Figure 8

»II-13«

LCM(6)

Figure 9. LCM(6) Deck Diagram
Figure 9

»II-14«

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