LCVP (United Kingdom)

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 , rescued 41 crew members from the burning on 24 May 1982 during the Falklands War. It is preserved ashore at the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth. 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 '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. Four were used by the British Army's Royal Logistic Corps.

As of 2012, the LCVP Mk4 has been withdrawn from service.

LCVP Mk5

The LCVP Mk5 was built by Vosper Thornycroft and FBM Babcock Marine, with the first entering service in 1996. 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 Mk5s operate from the amphibious warfare ships and .

In 2012, a total of 23 Mk5s were in service with pennants 9473, 9673 to 9676 and 9707 to 9724. By 2014 LCVPs 9473, 9673, 9674 and 9708 had been withdrawn from service. In 2023 it was reported that eight Mk5Bs remained in service.

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 mi at a speed of 25 kn. A production contract was reportedly envisaged by 2025.

Specifications

The LCVP Mk5 has the following specifications:

• Weight (full): 24000 kg
• Length: 15.7 m
• Width : 4.3 m
• Speed (full): 25 kn
• Endurance: In excess of 210 nmi
• Troops: 38 Royal Marines (3 crew, 35 fully equipped troops)
• Cost: £1,000,000

References

References

1. [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/commando/landing-craft Royal Marines - Landing Craft], royalnavy.mod.uk, Retrieved 15 June 2014.
2. [http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/rm-museum/landing-craft.htm Memorials and Monuments in the Boathouse 4 (Landing Craft)] {{webarchive. link. (2012-03-19 , memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk)
3. [http://www.safetyboatservices.co.uk/shifter.html LCVP Mk4], safetyboatservices.co.uk
4. "The Military Balance 2012", [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]], pp. 170-171
5. "Albion Class LPD (R) Landing Platform Dock".
6. [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
7. The Royal Navy Handbook, p. 108
8. "Royal Marines website".
9. ''The Royal Navy Handbook'' (2003), Conway Maritime Press.
10. Dorschner, Jim. (27 May 2009). "Special Delivery". Jane's Defence Weekly.
11. Bush, Steve. (2014). "British Warships and Auxiliaries". Maritime Books.
12. (February 2023). "Royal Navy Fleet Poster p.21".
13. Scott, Richard. (30 May 2023). "UK Plans New Commando Insertion Craft (CIC)".
14. [http://www.eliteukforces.info/uksf-gear/lcvp/ LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle/Personnel)], eliteukforces.info, Retrieved 15 June 2014