Landing Craft Utility
{{short description|Type of boat designed for transporting amphibious forces and cargo to shore}}
A Landing Craft Utility (LCU) is a type of boat used by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore. They are capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers.
Colombia
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image= LCU Quetzal (BL-1601).webp |Ship caption= Quetzal (BL-1601) of the Guatemalan Navy }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=Golfo de Tribugá class |Builders=COTECMAR |Operators=*{{navy|COL}} |Class before=LCU-1466-class landing ship utility |Class after= |Cost= |Built range= |In service range=2014–present |In commission range=2014–present |Total ships completed=8 |Total ships active=8 |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Ship type=Landing Craft Utility |Ship displacement={{convert|574.6|t|LT|abbr=on}} |Ship length={{convert|49.0|m|abbr=on}} |Ship beam={{convert|11.0|m|abbr=on}} |Ship draught={{convert|1.5|m|abbr=on}} |Ship propulsion=*2 × Caterpillar C18 diesel motors, {{convert|412|kW|shp|abbr=on}} |Ship speed={{convert|8.5|kn}} |Ship range=*{{convert|1500|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at {{convert|8.5|kn|km/h|abbr=on}}
|Ship endurance=*20 days with 51 crew.
|Ship capacity={{convert|120|t|ST|abbr=on}} |Ship troops=36 |Ship complement=15 (3 officers) |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament= |Ship notes= }} |
The Golfo de Tribugá-class landing craft is an LCU developed by COTECMAR for the Colombian National Navy. The vessel class is also known as BDA ({{langx|es|Buque de Desembarco Anfibio}}) and an unarmored version for logistical and humanitarian services has also been developed, known as BALC ({{langx|es|Buque de Apoyo Logístico y Cabotaje}}).{{Cite web|url=https://www.cotecmar.com/index.php/productos|title = Productos Cotecmar | COTECMAR}}
=Operators=
- {{Navy|COL}}: 5 in service, 1 on order
- {{Navy|GUA}}: 1 in service{{cite press release | url=https://dca.gob.gt/noticias-guatemala-diario-centro-america/presidente-recibe-buque-bl-1601-quetzal/ | title= Presidente recibe buque BL-1601 Quetzal | publisher=Diario de Centro América | language=es | date=13 November 2019 | access-date=13 November 2019}}
- {{Navy|HND}}: 2 in service{{cite press release|url=http://www.cotecmar.com/node/271|title=Colombia entrega a Honduras buque elaborado por Cotecmar|publisher=COTECMAR|language=es|date=7 November 2017|access-date=8 November 2017}}
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France
The Engin de débarquement amphibie rapide (EDA-R) landing catamaran or L-CAT, entered service in January 2011. They can carry a main battle tank like other European LCUs but are capable of much higher speeds, up to {{convert|30|kn}}.
Germany
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=MZL auf Abwegen.jpg |Ship caption=Stör }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Builders= |Operators=*{{navy|Germany}}
|Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Built range= |In service range= 1965– |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed=22 |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active=2 |Total ships laid up=3 |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship type=Landing craft |Ship displacement={{Convert|430|t|LT}} (full load) |Ship length={{Convert|40|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship beam={{Convert|8.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship draft={{Convert|2.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship propulsion= {{convert|750|kW|abbr=on}} |Ship speed={{Convert|11|kn|km/h mph|lk=in}} |Ship range= |Ship complement=17 |Ship capacity=Up to {{Convert|150|t|LT}} |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament=*1 or 2 × Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 {{Convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}} autocannon
|Ship armor= |Ship notes= }} |
Germany has two Barbe-class utility landing craft (Type 520), dating from the mid-1960s, which remain in service under the SEK-M Naval Special Forces' command. Five Barbe landing crafts were transferred to Greece at the end of the Cold War.
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India
| {{Infobox ship begin
}} {{Infobox ship image | image = File:Mk. IV LCU L51 at sea (cropped).jpg | Ship caption = MK.IV LCU (L51) at sea. }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name = LCU MK IV class |Builders = GRSE |Operators = {{navy|India}} |Class before = Mk. III LCU |Class after = |Subclasses = |Cost = {{INRConvert|2100|c|lk=on|year=2011}} |Built range = 2011-20 |In service range = |In commission range = |Total ships building = |Total ships planned = 8 |Total ships completed = 8 |Total ships cancelled = |Total ships active = 8 |Total ships laid up = |Total ships lost = |Total ships retired = |Total ships preserved = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Header caption = | Ship class = | Ship type = Landing craft utility | Ship length = {{cvt|62.8|m}} | Ship beam = {{cvt|11|m}} | Ship height = | Ship draught = {{cvt|2.2|m}} | Ship draft = | Ship depth = | Ship hold depth = | Ship decks = | Ship deck clearance = | Ship ramps = | Ship ice class = | Ship propulsion = *2 × MTU 16V 4000 M53 diesel engines
| Ship sail plan = | Ship speed = {{cvt|15|kn|km/h}} | Ship range = {{cvt|1500|nmi|km}} at {{cvt|12|kn|km/h}} | Ship endurance = | Ship test depth = | Ship boats = | Ship capacity = | Ship crew = | Ship time to activate = | Ship sensors = * SATCOM - LINK II Mod 1 tactical datalink
| Ship EW = | Ship armament = * 2 × 30 mm CRN 91 naval gun
| Ship armour = | Ship armor = | Ship aircraft = | Ship aircraft facilities = | Ship notes = }} |
India currently has 8 Mk IV class LCU. Last MK IV class of LCU was delivered by GRSE in 2020.
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Netherlands
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=File:NL LCU MK2.jpg |Ship caption= }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=LCU Mk.II (NL) class |Builders= |Operators={{Navy|Netherlands}}, Netherlands Marine Corps |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Cost= |Built range= |In service range= |In commission range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed= |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active= 5 |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship tonnage= |Ship type=Ro-Ro landing craft |Ship displacement={{Convert|255|t|LT|0}} |Ship length= {{Convert|36.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship beam= {{Convert|6.85|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship height= |Ship draft=*{{Convert|0.85|m|ftin|abbr=on}} forward, full load
|Ship depth= |Ship hold depth= |Ship decks= |Ship deck clearance= |Ship ramps= |Ship power= |Ship propulsion= |Ship speed= |Ship range= |Ship endurance= |Ship capacity={{Convert|65|t|LT|0}} |Ship troops= |Ship complement=7 |Ship time to activate= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament=2 × Browning .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine guns |Ship armor= |Ship notes= }} |
With the launch of the amphibious transport ship {{Ship|HNLMS|Rotterdam|L800|6}} in 1998 there was a need for LCUs. The Dutch LCUs are similar to the British LCU Mk.10 with the bridge being set to one side allowing for a roll-on roll-off design. Until 2005 the Netherlands Marine Corps used the LCU Mark I (NL).
In 2005 and 2006 the five vessels were modernized to the type Mark II. The vessels have been stretched by 9 meters to decrease their draft, which increased their load carrying capacity by 20 tons and allows them to come closer to shore. In addition they were fitted with a strengthened bow ramp, and they can now accommodate the Royal Netherlands Army Leopard 2 A6 main battle tank.
Because of the lengthening of the Mark II, the Rotterdam can take two LCUs (plus three LCVPs) in its dock. The dock of Rotterdam{{'}}s sister ship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, has the capacity to transport two LCUs, but carries four LCVPs in davits.
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Russia
=Dyugon=
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=Image:«Мичман Лермонтов».jpg |Ship caption= }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=Dyugon-class landing craft |Builders= |Operators={{Navy|Russia}} |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Cost= |Built range= |In service range= |In commission range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed=5 |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active=5 |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Ship tonnage= |Ship displacement=*{{Convert|280|t|LT|0}} |Ship length= {{Convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}} |Ship beam= {{Convert|8.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} |Ship height= {{Convert|5.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} |Ship draft={{Convert|1.9|m|ft|abbr=on}} |Ship depth= |Ship hold depth= |Ship decks= |Ship deck clearance= |Ship ramps= |Ship power= |Ship propulsion=Two M507A-2D diesel engines with 9000 hp each |Ship speed={{convert|35|kn|lk=in}} |Ship range=*{{Convert|500|nmi|km|abbr=on|lk=in}} |Ship endurance= |Ship complement=7 |Ship capacity=*{{Convert|120-140|t|ST|0}}
|Ship troops= |Ship time to activate= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament=2 KPV 14.5 mm machine guns |Ship armor= |Ship notes= }} |
The Dyugon-class landing craft are operated by the Russian Navy.
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Spain
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=300px |Ship caption=L-602 }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=LCM-1E |Builders=Navantia |Operators=*{{ESP}}
|Class before=LCM-8 |Class after= |Cost= |Built range= |In service range= |In commission range= |Total ships planned=30 |Total ships building= |Total ships completed=26 |Total ships active=24 |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired=2 |Total ships scrapped= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship class= |Ship type=Roll-on/roll-off landing craft mechanised |Ship displacement=*{{convert|56.6|t|LT}} light
|Ship length={{convert|23.3|m}} |Ship beam={{convert|6.4|m}} |Ship draught={{convert|1|m}} loaded |Ship ramps=Bow ramp and stern gate |Ship propulsion=*2 × MAN D-2842 LE 402X diesel engines (809 kW each)
|Ship speed=*{{convert|22|kn}} light
|Ship range={{convert|190|nmi}} at economic speed |Ship endurance= |Ship capacity=*1 × main battle tank, or
|Ship complement=4 |Ship time to activate= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament= |Ship notes= }} |
The Armada has 26 LCM-1E in service since 2001 and has been exported to Australia and Turkey.
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Sweden
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{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=File:Lätt trossbåt 671.jpg |Ship caption= }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=Swedish: Lätt trossbåt |Builders=Djupviks varv |Operators={{Navy|Sweden}} {{Navy|United Arab Emirates}} |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Cost= |Built range=1995- |In service range= |In commission range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed= |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active=16 |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship tonnage= |Ship type=Fast landing craft |Ship displacement={{Convert|65|t|LT|0}} |Ship length= {{Convert|24.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship beam= {{Convert|5.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship height= |Ship draft=*{{Convert|1.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship depth= |Ship hold depth= |Ship decks= |Ship deck clearance= |Ship ramps= |Ship power= |Ship propulsion=3 x Scania V8 Water jet (3 x 675 hp) |Ship speed=25 knots |Ship range= |Ship endurance= |Ship capacity= |Ship troops=18 |Ship complement= |Ship time to activate= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament=1 × 12.7 mm machine gun Mines and depth charges |Ship armor= |Ship notes= }} |
Sweden operates 16 small and fast (25 kn) water jet landing craft (Swedish: Lätt trossbåt) with a displacement of 65 tonnes. They are armed with one 12.7 mm machine gun but can also lay out mines and are equipped with depth charges for anti submarine warfare. The vessel type has been exported to the United Arab Emirates.
HSwMS Loke (A344) is a larger vessel with a displacement of 305 tonnes, capable of carrying 150 tonnes. The ship has a crew of 7 and is armed with two 7.62 mm machine guns.
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United Kingdom
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=File:Royal Marines, landing craft utility, 26Feb2003.jpg |Ship caption=LCU Mk.9 (now retired) }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=Landing Craft Utility |Builders= |Operators={{Navy|United Kingdom}}, Royal Marines |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses=LCU Mk.9 and LCU Mk.10 |Built range= |In commission range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed= |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active=9 LCU Mk.10s |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired=LCU Mk.9s |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= LCU Mk.10{{cite web|url=http://www.schottel.de/uploads/tx_schottel/PDF1176992341.pdf |title=Landing Craft LCU MK 10 |publisher=Schottel.de |access-date=2015-07-18}} |Ship type= |Ship displacement={{convert|240|t|LT|abbr=on}} |Ship length={{Convert|97|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} |Ship beam={{Convert|25|ft|3|in|m|abbr=on}} |Ship draught={{Convert|4|ft|11|in|m|abbr=on}} |Ship propulsion=2 × MAN D2840 LE diesel engines (400 kW / 2150 r.p.m. each) |Ship speed={{convert|10|kn}} |Ship range={{convert|600|nmi|km|lk=in}} |Ship complement= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament= |Ship armour= |Ship aircraft= |Ship capacity=1 main battle tank, 4 large vehicles, or 120 troops |Ship aircraft facilities= |Ship notes= }} |
=LCU Mk.9=
The LCU Mk.9 was built for use on the LPDs {{HMS|Fearless|L10|2}} and {{HMS|Intrepid|L11|2}} where they were operated from the dock in the rear of the ships.The Royal Navy Handbook, page 106 Each ship carried four LCUs and four davit mounted LCVPs. The Mk.9 was to see many changes and upgrades during its service including a move from propeller to jet in many cases. The Mk.9 was capable of traveling as an ocean-going vessel and a number would be converted into a version, affectionately known as the "Black Pig", for use in Norway. The crew had full living quarters aboard with galley and heads. In the Falklands War during the Bluff Cove Air Attacks LCU F4 from {{HMS|Fearless|L10|2}} was bombed and sunk in Choiseul Sound by an Argentine Air Force A-4B Skyhawk of Grupo 5.{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/F62-Falklands-British_ships_lost.htm|title=British Ships sunk and damaged - Falklands War 1982|website=www.naval-history.net}} The Mk.9, like the LPDs, served longer than ever anticipated, providing the backbone of Britain's amphibious assault capabilities.
Three Mk.9s, pennant numbers 701, 705, and 709, remained in service by 2012."The Military Balance 2012", International Institute for Strategic Studies, pp. 170–171 However, by 2014, they had all 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}}
=LCU Mk.10=
The LCU Mk.10 class vessels are operated by the Royal Marines. They are intended for use on board the assault ships {{HMS|Albion|L14|2}} and {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|2}} and can also be used by the Bay class landing ships. Deliveries of the class started from 1998 and the fleet currently consists of nine vessels. Both Albion and Bulwark are capable of carrying four LCUs each. These vessels are capable of operating independently for up to 14 days with a range of 600 nautical miles. They are capable of operating worldwide, from Arctic operating areas to tropical operating areas. The Mk.10 differs greatly from the Mk.9 with the bridge being set to the side allowing for a roll-on roll-off design. This greatly increases efficiency over the old Mk.9 as loading of the rear LCUs can take place without the LCUs being launched, the LPD having to dock down to do so, to change over and load up, which was a problem prior to the Falklands landings. The LCU Mk.10 has a 7-man crew and can carry up to 120 Marines or alternatively 1 battle tank or 4 lorries. British assault ships also carry smaller LCVPs on davits to transport troops and light vehicles.
Ten Mk.10s, pennant numbers 1001 to 1010, were in service as of 2012. In 2023 it was reported that 9 of the craft 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}}
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United States
The United States Navy built 1,394 Landing Craft Tank (LCT) in World War II. Those that were still in use in 1949 were redesignated as Landing Craft Utility (LCU).
Seventy old LCUs (likely ex-LCTs) were retired from amphibious duties and reclassified as Harbor utility craft (YFU).
=LCU 1466, 1610 and 1627 classes=
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=Image:LCU1627.jpg |Ship caption=LCU-1627 }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=LCU 1466, 1610 and 1627 classes |Builders= |Operators={{Navy|USA}} |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Cost= |Built range= |In service range= |In commission range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed= |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship tonnage= |Ship displacement= see table |Ship length= see table |Ship beam= see table |Ship height= |Ship draft= see table |Ship depth= |Ship hold depth= |Ship decks= |Ship deck clearance= |Ship ramps= |Ship power= |Ship propulsion= see table |Ship speed= see table |Ship range= see table |Ship capacity= see table |Ship troops= see table |Ship complement= |Ship time to activate= |Ship sensors=LN 66 or SPS-53 I band navigation radar |Ship EW= |Ship armament=2 × Browning .50 caliber machine guns |Ship armor= |Ship notes= }} |
The LCU 1466, 1610 and 1627 class vessels are operated by the United States Navy at support commands.Friedman, 2002, p 390{{cite web|title=Landing Craft Utility (LCU)|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/18/18idx.htm|website=NavSource Photo Archives|publisher=NavSource Naval History|access-date=19 July 2015}} They are a self-sustaining craft complete with living accommodations and mess facilities for a crew of thirteen. Each LCU is assigned a non-commissioned-officer-in-charge (Craft Master) who is either a chief petty officer or petty officer first class in the boatswain's mate, quartermaster or operations specialist rating. These vessels have bow ramps for onload/offload and can be linked bow to stern gate to create a temporary pier-like structure. Its welded steel hull provides high durability with deck loads of 3,900 kg/m2 (800 pounds per square foot). Arrangement of machinery and equipment has taken into account built-in redundancy in the event of battle damage.
The craft features two engine rooms separated by a watertight bulkhead to permit limited operation in the event that one engine room is disabled. An anchor system is installed on the starboard side aft to assist in retracting from the beach. These vessels are normally transported to their areas of operation onboard larger amphibious vessels such as LSDs, LHDs and LHAs.
Introduction of the larger LCU-1610 class resulted in the US Navy constructing the {{sclass|Anchorage|dock landing ship|4}} of Landing Ships, Dock (LSD).Friedman, 2002, pp 331-334
LCU-1618 was converted to support the testing of Remotely operated underwater vehicles and Autonomous underwater vehicles and was given the name USS Orca (IX-508).{{cite web|title=NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive |url=https://www.navsource.org/archives/10/18/181618.htm |website=NavSource Photo Archives|publisher=NavSource Naval History|access-date=12 June 2023}}
The 40-year-old craft will be replaced under LCU 1700{{Cite web|url=https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-orders-four-new-lcu-1700-utility-landing-craft-from-swiftships/|title = Navy Orders Four New LCU 1700 Utility Landing Craft from Swiftships|date = 3 April 2020}} (ex-Surface Connector (X) Recapitalization, or SC(X)R), project starting in 2017.{{cite news | url=http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065975637 | title=US scopes objectives for new surface connector workhorse | first=Richard | last=Scott | date=28 January 2013 | newspaper=Jane's Navy International}}
| class="wikitable" | |||
| style="text-align:left;"|{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1600&ct=4|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805065259/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1600&ct=4|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 5, 2012|title=The US Navy -- Fact File: Landing Craft, Mechanized and Utility - LCM/LCU|first=Dan|last=Petty|website=www.navy.mil}}
! style="text-align:left;"|LCU 1466 ! style="text-align:left;"|LCU 1610 ! style="text-align:left;"|LCU 1627 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement – light | {{Convert|180|LT|t|0}} | {{Convert|172|LT|t|0}} | {{Convert|200|LT|t|0}} |
| Displacement – full | n/a | {{Convert|353|LT|t|0}} | {{Convert|386|LT|t|0}} |
| Length overall | {{Convert|115|ft|1|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|134|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|134|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} |
| Beam | {{Convert|34|ft|0|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|29|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|29|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} |
| Draft – full load, forward | {{Convert|6|ft|0|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|4|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|6|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} |
| Draft – full load, aft | {{Convert|2|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|3|ft|6|in|m|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|3|ft|6|in|m|abbr=on}} |
| Power – sustained | {{Convert|675|hp|0|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|1000|hp|0|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|680|hp|0|abbr=on}} |
| Propulsion | 3 x Gray Marine diesel engines | 2 x Detroit 12V-71 diesel engines | 4 x Detroit diesel engines |
| Shafts | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Speed | {{Convert|8|kn|lk=in}} | {{Convert|11|kn}} | {{Convert|8|kn}} |
| Range | {{Convert|1200|nmi|km|abbr=on|lk=in}} at {{Convert|6|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|1200|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at {{Convert|8|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|1200|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at {{Convert|6|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |
| Complement | 14 | 14 | 12–14 |
| Capacity – troops | 300 | 400 | 350 |
| Capacity – cargo | {{Convert|167|LT|t|0}} | {{Convert|180|LT|t|0}} | {{Convert|125|LT|t|0}} |
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=LCU 2000=
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image |Ship image=Image:LCU2000.jpg |Ship caption= }} {{Infobox ship class overview |Name=Runnymede-class large landing craft |Builders= |Operators={{Army|USA}} |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Cost= |Built range= |In service range= |In commission range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed= |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active= |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships preserved= }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship tonnage= |Ship displacement=*{{Convert|575|LT|t|0}} light
|Ship length= {{Convert|174|ft|m|abbr=on}} |Ship beam= {{Convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on}} |Ship height= |Ship draft=*{{Convert|9|ft|m|abbr=on}} light
|Ship depth= |Ship hold depth= |Ship decks= |Ship deck clearance= |Ship ramps= |Ship power= |Ship propulsion= |Ship speed={{convert|11.5|kn|lk=in}} |Ship range=*{{Convert|10000|nmi|km|abbr=on|lk=in}} at {{Convert|12|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} light
|Ship endurance= |Ship complement=13 |Ship capacity=*{{Convert|350|ST|t|0}} (8 C-17 loads)
|Ship troops= |Ship time to activate= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament= |Ship armor= |Ship notes= }} |
The Runnymede-class large landing craft or LCU 2000 class vessels are operated by the United States Army.
{{cite news
| url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/N00p/pressrel/press98/press46.htm
| archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212215423/http://www.msc.navy.mil/N00p/pressrel/press98/press46.htm
| url-status=dead
| archive-date=December 12, 2012
| title=Creative thinking offers stowage solution
| publisher=Military Sealift Command
| author=Marge Holtz, Lisa Gates
| date=October 29, 1998
| access-date=2008-02-03
}}{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/4712/army-boat-supports-dive-teams-trying-to-raise-russian-sub/|title=Army Boat Supports Dive Teams Trying to Raise Russian Sub|author=Spc. Morrene E. Randell|date=5 September 2007|work=army.mil}} They transport rolling and tracked vehicles, containers, and outsized and general cargo from ships offshore to shore, as well as to areas that cannot be reached by oceangoing vessels (coastal, harbor, and intercoastal waterways). They can be self-deployed or transported aboard a float-on/float-off vessel. They are classed for full ocean service and one-man engine room operations and built to U.S. Coast Guard standards. The vessel can sustain a crew of 2 warrant officers and 11 enlisted personnel for up to 18 days and 10,000 miles. This class is also equipped with an aft anchor to assist in retracting from the beach.
Image:LCU 2000 being loaded as deck cargo on a chartered vessel.jpg
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=LCU 1700=
The LCU 1700-class boats are destined to replace the existing LCU 1610-class of amphibious landing craft on a one-to-one basis. The LCU-1700 is 139 feet long, can reach speeds of 11 knots, has a range of 1,200 nautical miles at 8 knots, and has accommodations for a mixed gender crew of 14. It can carry two M1A1 tanks, or 350 combat troops, or 170 short tons of cargo.{{cite web | url=https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Team-Ships/PEO-Ships/LCU/ | title=LCU }}
The contract announcement noted that the LCU 1700s will recapitalize the LCU fleet as a similarly rugged steel craft (to the LCU 1610) with a design life of 30 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensedaily.com/navy-awards-swiftships-50-million-lcus/navy-usmc/|title=Navy awards|date=3 April 2020 |publisher=Defensedaily|access-date=26 April 2022}} The similarities of these two classes of ships will help the U.S. Navy to improve efficiency and reduce cost of the training programs, operations and overall ownership cost. The craft will enter, exit and be transported in well decks of current and programmed U.S. Navy amphibious warfare ships, for design purposes defined by the dimensions of LHD, LPD, LSD and LHA classes without ship alterations, while transporting loads up to 11 feet high above the craft’s vehicle deck.{{cite web|url=https://militaryleak.com/2021/05/09/us-navy-awards-swiftships-59-million-in-landing-craft-utility-1700-class-1707-1711/|title=US Navy awards Swiftships|date=9 May 2021 |publisher=Militaryleak|access-date=25 April 2022}} The contract was awarded to Swiftships in 2018 to design and build the prototype and up to 32 vessels. Work was to be performed in Morgan City, Louisiana, and was expected to be completed by November 2023.{{cite web|url=https://defbrief.com/2020/04/03/us-navy-orders-further-lcu-1700-landing-craft-utility-vessels/|title=US Navy orders|date=3 April 2020 |publisher=debrief|access-date=25 April 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/02/swiftships-to-deliver-further-two-lcu-1700-units-for-us-navy-amphibious-forces/|title=Swiftships to deliver|newspaper=Naval News |date=6 February 2019 |publisher=NavalNews|access-date=25 April 2022}} By 2020, the Navy had ordered six vessels from Swiftships at a total cost of about $95 million. In January 2024, following delays in the scheduled delivery of the first three vessels and continued design changes, the Navy ordered Swiftships to stop work on construction; the contract was terminated entirely the following month.{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2024/02/23/us-navy-orders-swiftships-to-stop-work-on-its-landing-craft-program/ | title=US Navy orders Swiftships to stop work on its landing craft program }}
In September 2023, the Navy awarded Austal USA a $92 million contract to build three LCU 1700 vessels.{{cite web | url=https://news.usni.org/2023/09/07/navy-sets-up-second-lcu-1700-shipyard-with-92m-award-to-austal | title=Navy Sets Up Second LCU-1700 Shipyard with $92M Award to Austal | publisher=USNI News | date=7 September 2023 | accessdate=5 August 2024}} In August 2024, the Navy ordered two more vessels from Austal for $55 million, with options for seven more remaining.{{cite web | url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/us-navy-orders-two-landing-craft-utility-515690 | title=US Navy Orders Two More Landing Craft Utility Vessels from Austal USA | publisher=Marine Link | date=5 August 2024 | accessdate=5 August 2024}}
References
=Citations=
{{reflist}}
= Sources =
- {{cite book |last=Friedman|first=Norman |author-link= |title=U.S. Amphibious Ships and Craft: An Illustrated Design History |publisher=United States Naval Institute |year=2002|location=Annapolis, Maryland |url= |doi= |isbn=1-55750-250-1}}
External links
{{commons category|Landing craft utility}}
- [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/commando/landing-craft Royal Marines – Landing Craft] (royalnavy.mod.uk)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20050527204154/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1600&ct=4 U.S. Navy fact sheet]