Landing Craft, Heavy (LCH)

The Landing Craft, Heavy (LCH) is an extremely important vessel, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore. A very shallow draft allows these ships to deliver troops and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable.

The Royal Australian Navy currently uses the Balikpapan Class LCH.

Vessels

Vessel Pennant Type Class Commissioned Decommissioned
HMAS Balikpapan L 126 Amphibious Warfare Balikpapan Class 2441293.58 December 1971
HMAS Betano L 133 Amphibious Warfare Balikpapan Class 2442086.58 February 1974
HMAS Brunei L 127 Amphibious Warfare Balikpapan Class 2441687.55 January 1973
HMAS Labuan L 128 Amphibious Warfare Balikpapan Class 2441750.59 March 1973
HMAS Tarakan L 129 Amphibious Warfare Balikpapan Class 2441848.515 June 1973
HMAS Wewak L 130 Amphibious Warfare Balikpapan Class 2441904.510 August 1973

Video


Leading Seaman Ben Aspland with a Chinese sailor from Zhangziang during friendly basketball match....

Leading Seaman Ben Aspland with a Chinese sailor from Zhangziang during friendly basketball match....