Amphibious Combat Vehicles
J.Cohen
Amphibious Combat Vehicles: Requirements and Missions
Sea services globally are introducing, expanding and modernizing amphibious landing capabilities. Naval construction data from AMI International, through 2031 shows 37 countries with new amphibious vessel acquisition programs planned, or currently underway. Most numerous are Landing Platform Dock (LPD), Landing Ship Tank (LST), Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and types similar to the larger Modified DOKDO class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) (LPX-II).
The increase is at least partially justified by the inherent humanitarian assistance value these vessels offer. Natural disasters have shown amphibious landing ships uniquely suited for evacuations and delivery of supplies. This is particularly the case in situations where infrastructure has been damaged or is unavailable. Under ideal conditions, landing craft deliver supplies and personnel ashore. Where local authority has become ineffective due to natural or man-made disaster, armored amphibious vehicles are ideal multi-terrain, ship-to shore connectors.
Amphibious Assault Vehicle Definitions Clarified
According to the US Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, (US Department of Defense, 2005), an amphibious vehicle is a wheeled or tracked vehicle capable of operating on both land and water.
“When referring to amphibious and specifically assault vehicles it is important to clarify exactly what you mean,” noted Stephen Miller, president of Heritage Government Marketing International, a consulting firm specializing in defense and armored vehicle acquisition. Miller, also a former Marine Corps armor officer, spoke with the editor on August 27.
“What exactly does the user need the vehicle to do? What are the operating environments and conditions? Does amphibious mean the vehicle needs to withstand high sea states?” Miller pointed out.
“The final 100 meters of a landing can be the most difficult due to various beach
Amphibious Combat Vehicles: Requirements and Missions
Sea services globally are introducing, expanding and modernizing amphibious landing capabilities. Naval construction data from AMI International, through 2031 shows 37 countries with new amphibious vessel acquisition programs planned, or currently underway. Most numerous are Landing Platform Dock (LPD), Landing Ship Tank (LST), Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and types similar to the larger Modified DOKDO class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) (LPX-II).
The increase is at least partially justified by the inherent humanitarian assistance value these vessels offer. Natural disasters have shown amphibious landing ships uniquely suited for evacuations and delivery of supplies. This is particularly the case in situations where infrastructure has been damaged or is unavailable. Under ideal conditions, landing craft deliver supplies and personnel ashore. Where local authority has become ineffective due to natural or man-made disaster, armored amphibious vehicles are ideal multi-terrain, ship-to shore connectors.
Amphibious Assault Vehicle Definitions Clarified
According to the US Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, (US Department of Defense, 2005), an amphibious vehicle is a wheeled or tracked vehicle capable of operating on both land and water.
“When referring to amphibious and specifically assault vehicles it is important to clarify exactly what you mean,” noted Stephen Miller, president of Heritage Government Marketing International, a consulting firm specializing in defense and armored vehicle acquisition. Miller, also a former Marine Corps armor officer, spoke with the editor on August 27.
“What exactly does the user need the vehicle to do? What are the operating environments and conditions? Does amphibious mean the vehicle needs to withstand high sea states?” Miller pointed out.
“The final 100 meters of a landing can be the most difficult due to various beach