Note: This is just a quick and dirty overview. It isn't a complete list, just a few boats that tickle my fancy. I'll list more later.
L-CAT
The current darling of the naval world. For some reason this boat has captured everyone's imagination but for the life of me I can't understand why. It isn't particularly speedy, has a decent but not remarkable load carrying ability and the platform raising and lowering seems a bit complex without delivering promised performance returns. Already they're working on an enlarged version which practically says it all. Its biggest selling point might be that it isn't made in the USA.
LCM-1E
Selected by the Spanish and Australian Navies, this landing craft seems to be an overlooked powerhouse. Navantia is pumping these out like candy on Halloween and its easy to see why. With a decent water speed and fantastic load carrying (120 short tons) it really should be considered for purchase to replace our own aging LCM's. The only negative is that its restricted to the same type beaches as traditional landing craft.
LCU 1600
An unappreciated workhorse for the US Navy and Marines, this is a big, often overloaded stud of a boat that just works. It isn't fancy, it isn't loved but a replacement is no where to be found. A true multi-mission boat, you'll find it working amphibious assaults, shuttling cargo from ship to shore, used as a troop barge and doing anything else that must get done.
LCU Mark 10
A British powerhouse. Operated by the Royal Marines for the Royal Marines, I am personally intrigued by its concept of operation. It is and has proven capable of operating independently for up to 14 days. Remember the British Raid on the Somali Pirates in which they landed Bvs-10's (if I remember correctly) to conduct a mechanized attack? They launched from these landing craft and did the deed. If I'm reading the concept of operations correctly they could then re-embark, sail down the coast and attack a different target. Assault from the sea indeed!
L-CAT
The current darling of the naval world. For some reason this boat has captured everyone's imagination but for the life of me I can't understand why. It isn't particularly speedy, has a decent but not remarkable load carrying ability and the platform raising and lowering seems a bit complex without delivering promised performance returns. Already they're working on an enlarged version which practically says it all. Its biggest selling point might be that it isn't made in the USA.
LCM-1E
Selected by the Spanish and Australian Navies, this landing craft seems to be an overlooked powerhouse. Navantia is pumping these out like candy on Halloween and its easy to see why. With a decent water speed and fantastic load carrying (120 short tons) it really should be considered for purchase to replace our own aging LCM's. The only negative is that its restricted to the same type beaches as traditional landing craft.
An unappreciated workhorse for the US Navy and Marines, this is a big, often overloaded stud of a boat that just works. It isn't fancy, it isn't loved but a replacement is no where to be found. A true multi-mission boat, you'll find it working amphibious assaults, shuttling cargo from ship to shore, used as a troop barge and doing anything else that must get done.
LCU Mark 10
A British powerhouse. Operated by the Royal Marines for the Royal Marines, I am personally intrigued by its concept of operation. It is and has proven capable of operating independently for up to 14 days. Remember the British Raid on the Somali Pirates in which they landed Bvs-10's (if I remember correctly) to conduct a mechanized attack? They launched from these landing craft and did the deed. If I'm reading the concept of operations correctly they could then re-embark, sail down the coast and attack a different target. Assault from the sea indeed!
