LCM-8
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| General Characteristics (MOD 1) | |
|---|---|
| Introduction of class: | 1959 |
| Displacement: | 57.8 long tons (58.7 t) light, 111.4 long tons (113.2 t) loaded |
| Capacity: | 53.5 long tons (54.4 t) |
| Length: | 74 ft (22.6 m) |
| Beam: | 21 ft 5/8 in (6.4 m) |
| Draft: | 4 ft 6 in (1 m) light, 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m) |
| Speed: | 11 knots (20 km/h) light, 9 knots (7 km/h) loaded |
| Propulsion: | two Detroit 12V-71 diesel engines, twin screws |
| Complement: | 4 - 6 enlisted |
| Armament: | 2 x 12.7mm machine guns |
The LCM-8 ("Mike Boat") is a river boat and mechanized landing craft used by the United States Navy and Army during the Vietnam War. They also saw use during Operation Just Cause in Panama as well as Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. LCM-8s in use by the United States Army Reserve's 464th Transportation Company assisted the United States Coast Guard in patrolling the Potomac River after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In addition, they are currently used by governments and private organizations throughout the world.
The vessel weighs 135,000 pounds (61,200 kg) and has a crew of four: a boatswainmate petty officer, an enginerman petty officer, a nonrate fireman, and a seaman. US Army specifications call for a crew of six: two coxswains, two seaman and two enginemen. The LCM-8s are welded steel and powered by two 12 V-71 diesel engines, twin screws, and rudders. The ship can carry 60 short tons of cargo.
A modified version, the Zippo boat, carries flamethrowers.[1]
Another modified version, the LCM-8 Mod 2 was used to fulfill command, personnel, salvage, and firefighting functions.
They are also in use by the Australian Army, crewed and administered by the Royal Australian Corps of Transport. Two were utilised during the Invasion of Iraq in 2003, patrolling the shallow waters of the Khawr Abd Allah. They were extensively used in East Timor for logistic operations in direct support to multinational peacekeepers. Other usage includes peacekeeping and peace monitoring operations in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands. They are to be replaced in Australian service by waterjet propelled vessels.
[edit] Notes
- ^ "The first Zippo boats were ATCs carrying an M132A1 flame-throwing armored personnel carrier."
'Another type of boat carried a flamethrower that could shoot a stream of burning liquid several hundred yards. These boats ... were called "Zippo" boats.'
