Landing Craft, Mechanised (LCM)
LCM-8
| |
| Type | Amphibious Warfare |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 54.86 tonnes, 113.41 tonnes (full load) |
| Length | 22.45 metres2,245 cm 0.0225 km 0.0139 mi 73.655 ft 883.858 in |
| Beam | 6.4 metres640 cm 0.0064 km 0.00398 mi 20.997 ft 251.969 in |
| Main Machinery |
|
| Speed | 12 knots, 9 knots (full load) |
| Company | 4 |
A heavily modified version of the LCM-8 is in service with the Australian Army, crewed (4) and administered by the Royal Australian Corps of Transport and one engineer from the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). The modifications of the vessels includes an extended enclosed wheelhouse that included full galley facilities, chart table and storage space to aid in extended operations beyond the original design parameters. A water purification system allows the vessels to be somewhat independent for longer periods of time. A fully functioning toilet (head) and shower are also installed as part of the wheelhouse extensions, external provision for bedding is also include for the full crew complement.
The extension of the wheelhouse increased rigidity of the craft leading to excessive vibration and cavitation with the original three-blade propeller. Further development included a more balanced and expensive five-blade propeller, negating the vibration and cavitation of the original. The prop change found a few negative effects in the beaching performance of the vessel but over time tactics have been changed to suit the new system.
The LCM-8 can transport 54.55 tonnes of cargo, 50 equipped troops or 200 personnel.
The LCM-8 will be replaced by the LCM-1E when the Canberra Class LHD's are commissioned.
LCM-1E
| |
| Type | Amphibious Warfare |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 56.6 tonnes (light), 110 tonnes (loaded) |
| Length | 23.3 metres2,330 cm 0.0233 km 0.0145 mi 76.444 ft 917.323 in |
| Beam | 6.4 metres640 cm 0.0064 km 0.00398 mi 20.997 ft 251.969 in |
| Main Machinery |
|
| Speed | 22 knots (light), 13.5 knots (full load) |
| Company | 4 |
| Range | 352 kilometres352,000 m 35,200,000 cm 218.723 mi 1,154,855.645 ft 13,858,267.702 in |
The LCM-1E is a class of amphibious mechanized landing craft manufactured by Navantia who also build the LHD hulls. These craft are purpose built for the LHD and are intended to deliver troops and equipment onshore where there are no fixed port facilities. They have the ability to be used Over The Horizon, which means that the LCM-1E can transport between the ship and the coast starting at a distance greater than that marks the horizon, i.e. greater than 20 nautical miles (37 km). To perform this type of landing, the LCM-1E are equipped with a radar navigation, GPS , gyro needle/magnetic and HF communications equipment, VHF and UHF.
Another important point is the speed and autonomy. The propulsion is by two engines MAN of 806 kW and two water jet propellers (waterjets), offering a speed of 22 knots without load and 13.5 knots laden, with a range of 190 nautical miles (352 km).
The LCM-1E incorporates a stern gate, facilitating the loading/unloading of rolling stock within the flood levee, not necessary the output of the front two boats to load/unload the rear, with a limit of 12 tonnes maximum for the transfer of vehicles one barge to another.
The watercraft will enable transport of troops and equipment from the LHDs to the shore including where there are no fixed port facilities.
The delivery of the first batch of four watercraft will be co-ordinated with the delivery of the first LHD, expected in 2014.
