LCVP (United Kingdom)#LCVP Mk2
{{short description|United Kingdom landing craft}}
{{About||American LCVP used by Allied forces in WW2|LCVP (United States)|modern Australian LCVP|LCVP (Australia)}}
File:A Royal Marine LCVP Landing Craft MOD 45150169.jpg
The Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) is a versatile amphibious landing craft designed to transport troops or armoured vehicles from ship to shore during amphibious landings. The designation was first used in British service for the LCVP Mk2s introduced with the two Fearless class amphibious transport docks, the role having previously been carried out by the Landing Craft Assault developed during the Second World War. They are manned and operated by 1 Assault Group Royal Marines.[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/commando/landing-craft Royal Marines - Landing Craft], royalnavy.mod.uk, Retrieved 15 June 2014.
LCVP Mk2
The LCVP Mk2 was built by the Dorset Yacht Company at Poole during the 1960s. The craft was powered by two Foden diesel engines and could carry 35 fully equipped Royal Marines Commandos or two Land Rovers. Foxtrot 7, one of four carried by HMS Fearless (L10), rescued 41 crew members from the burning HMS Antelope (F170) on 24 May 1982 during the Falklands War. It is preserved ashore at the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth.[http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/rm-museum/landing-craft.htm Memorials and Monuments in the Boathouse 4 (Landing Craft)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319151457/http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/rm-museum/landing-craft.htm |date=2012-03-19 }}, memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk Foxtrot 8 is located in Boathouse 4 of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard who in November 2015 were awarded funding to restore her back to sea-going condition. Tango 5, one of HMS Intrepid's LCVPs, is currently the "Gate Guardian" at RM Chivenor.
The LCVP Mk2 is no longer in service.
LCVP Mk4
The LCVP Mk4 came into service in 1986 replacing the older LCVP Mk2. Throughout their service they were mostly used in independent Royal Marine amphibious formations. They had a draught of 75 cm at the stern and were powered by twin Perkins 6 cylinder turbo diesel engines[http://www.safetyboatservices.co.uk/shifter.html LCVP Mk4], safetyboatservices.co.uk Four were used by the British Army's Royal Logistic Corps.
As of 2012, the LCVP Mk4 has been withdrawn from service."The Military Balance 2012", International Institute for Strategic Studies, pp. 170-171
LCVP Mk5
The LCVP Mk5 was built by Vosper Thornycroft and FBM Babcock Marine, with the first entering service in 1996.{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lpd/|title=Albion Class LPD (R) Landing Platform Dock}}[https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C&dq=babcock+marine+lcvp&pg=PA855 The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems] p855 They represent a significant improvement in capability over the preceding Mk4s. Four Mk5s together can transport a full Royal Marine company (around 140 troops).The Royal Navy Handbook, p. 108 Presently, the Mk5s operate from the amphibious warfare ships HMS Albion (L14) and HMS Bulwark (L15).{{Cite web|url=http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6914|title=Royal Marines website}}
In 2012, a total of 23 Mk5s were in service with pennants 9473, 9673 to 9676 and 9707 to 9724.The Royal Navy Handbook (2003), Conway Maritime Press.{{cite journal|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly |volume=46 |issue=21 |date=27 May 2009|page=28|title=Special Delivery|author=Jim Dorschner}} By 2014 LCVPs 9473, 9673, 9674 and 9708 had been withdrawn from service.{{cite book|last=Bush|first=Steve|title=British Warships and Auxiliaries|year=2014|publisher=Maritime Books|pages=35–39 |isbn=978-1904459552}} In 2023 it was reported that 8 Mk5Bs remained in service.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/royal-navy-responsive/images/navynews/archivepdfs/2020s/2023/navy-news-february-2023-issue-823.pdf?rev=d6ed03242b4e475684f2ea061fb2d2d3 |title=Royal Navy Fleet Poster p.21 |date=February 2023 |website=Navy News |access-date=13 June 2023}}
In 2023 it was reported that the Royal Navy and Marines were seeking a replacement for the LCVP Mk 5 with the objective of securing service entry by 2027. The new Commando Insertion Craft were to have a low signature and be able to carry a strike team and small vehicle over a distance of 150 miles at a speed of 25 knots. A production contract was reportedly envisaged by 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/cne-2023/2023/05/uk-plans-new-commando-insertion-craft-cic/ |title=UK Plans New Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) |date=30 May 2023 |website=Naval News |last=Scott |first=Richard |access-date=30 May 2023}}
=Specifications=
The LCVP Mk5 has the following specifications:[http://www.eliteukforces.info/uksf-gear/lcvp/ LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle/Personnel)], eliteukforces.info, Retrieved 15 June 2014
- Weight (full): 24,000 kg (24 tonnes)
- Length: {{convert|15.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
- Width : {{convert|4.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
- Speed (full): {{convert|25|kn|abbr=on|lk=in}}
- Endurance: In excess of {{convert|210|nmi|km|lk=in}}
- Troops: 38 Royal Marines (3 crew, 35 fully equipped troops)
- Cost: £1,000,000
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/commando/landing-craft Royal Marines - Landing Craft] (royalnavy.mod.uk)
- {{commons category-inline|LCVP (United Kingdom)}}