Page 2 of 5 Landing Craft, Mechanized and Utility - LCM / LCU Landing craft are 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. The use of landing craft in amphibious assault dates from World War II. The craft are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to the objective area. Mechanized Landing Craft (LCM) Description: The LCM-6 is intended primarily for the transport of cargo and/or personnel from ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore. The craft is a 56-foot twin-screw, welded-steel craft with forward cargo well and bow ramp. The design of the boat permits its transportation aboard larger vessels. In 1959, the LCM-3 was replaced with the larger 70-ton LCM-8. LCM-8 are manned by a four man crew, Boatswainmate Petty Officer, Enginerman Petty Officer, and a non-rate fireman and seaman. The LCM-8 is constructed of steel and powered by two 12 V-71 diesel engines. The LCM-8 has twin screws and rudders, which can be controlled from the pilothouse. LCM8 is built of welded steel; it's bottom, however, is semiflat. General Characteristics: LCM 8 Type LCM 6 Type Power Plant 2 Detroit 12V-71 Diesel engines, twin shaft, 680 horsepower sustained, Kort nozzles 2 Detroit 6-71 Diesel engines, twin shaft, 348 horsepower sustained; or 2 Detroit 8V-71 Diesel engines, twin shaft, 460 horsepower sustained Length: 73.7 feet (22.5 meters) 56.2 feet (17.1 meters) Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters) 14 feet (4.3 meters) Displacement 105 tons (107 metric tons) 64 tons (65 metric tons) Speed: 12 knots (13.8 mph, 22.2 kmph) 9 knots (10.3 mph, 16.6 kmph) Range: 190 miles at 9 knots (full load) 130 miles at 9 knots Military Lift: 1 M48 or 1 M60 tank or 200 troops 34 tons (34.6 metric tons) or 80 troops Crew: 4 5 Armament: EFTA01108952