That is interesting as the Bays operate the LCU10 which are significantly larger than the LCM1E or LCM-8, though smaller than the USNs LCUs that are similar in capacity to the RANs old LCHs.I have another question about HMAS Choules. I read some where that she can only embark LCM8's and the LCM1e's do not fit.
This surprised me as both vessels have similar dimensions (although the LCM1e is 1 meter longer), if correct the only thing I can think of is that the LCM1e has a bigger air draft, or is it a case that the LCM1e's have not been certified to work from the Choules yet.
I have only seen photographs of HMAS Choules working with LCM8's. Is any one in a position to clarify if the LCM1e can be accommodated on board HMAS Choules?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Craft_Utility
LCM1E
General characteristics
Type: Roll-on/roll-off landing craft mechanised
Displacement: 56.6 tonnes (55.7 long tons; 62.4 short tons) light
110 tonnes (110 long tons; 120 short tons) loaded
Length: 23.3 metres (76 ft)
Beam: 6.4 metres (21 ft)
Draught: 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) loaded
Ramps: Bow ramp and stern gate
Propulsion: 2 × MAN D-2842 LE 402X diesel engines (809 kW each)
2 × waterjets
Speed: 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph) light
13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph) loaded
Range: 190 nautical miles (350 km; 220 mi) at economic speed
Capacity: 1 × main battle tank, or
1 × self-propelled howitzer plus resupply vehicle, or
2 × MOWAG Piranha, or
6 × light tactical vehicles, or
170 personnel with equipment
Complement: 4
General characteristics LCU Mk.10[2]
Displacement: 240 t (240 long tons; 260 short tons)
Length: 97 ft 10 in (29.82 m)
Beam: 25 ft 3 in (7.70 m)
Draught: 4 ft 11 in (1.50 m)
Propulsion: 2 × MAN D2840 LE diesel engines (400 kW / 2150 r.p.m. each)
Speed: 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Range: 600 nautical miles (1,100 km)
Capacity: 1 main battle tank, 4 large vehicles, or 120 troops
The LCU10 was designed with the Challenger MBT in mind so would be easily able to lift even an up armoured Abrams.