Australia will replace the Landing Craft Mechanized Mark 8


According to information published by Asia Pacific Defence Reporter on May 2021, Australia will replace the two Landing Craft Mechanized, Mark 8 (LCM-8) by Land 8710 Army Littoral Manoeuvre Phase 1. The Request for Tender for the LCM8 replacement is planned to be issued in the 3rd quarter of 2021.
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Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 The Australian Landing Craft Mechanized Mark 8, LCM8, during Operation Sumatra (Picture source: Chosun Ilbo)


The Australian Government will invest up to $800 million to upgrade the ADF's amphibious vehicles and landing craft,

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 and subsequent operations. They are currently used by governments and private organizations throughout the world. The acronym stands for "Landing Craft Mechanized, Mark 8".

The vessel weighs 135,000 pounds (61,200 kg) and has a crew of four: a Boatswain's Mate petty officer, an Engineman petty officer, a non-rated fireman, and a seaman. US Army specifications call for a crew of six during 24-hour operations: two coxswains, two seamen and two enginemen. The LCM-8s are constructed from welded steel and powered by four 6V71 or two 12V71 diesel engines, twin propellers, and rudders. The ship can carry 60 short tons of cargo. It was designed by Marinett Marine Corp Dimensions. It has a range of 190 miles at 9kts with a full load.

During the mid-1990s, the Australian LCM-8 received a life of type extension with a re-engine program. The original twin-pac 6-71 two-stroke Detroit Diesel engines and Allison mechanical transmissions were replaced with 8v-92 Silver Series Detroit Diesel engines and Allison Hydraulic Transmissions thus extending the life of the craft for another 20 years.

The vessels are also installed with a full suite of electronics allowing the craft to navigate in all weather, day or night in military operations anywhere in the world with little to no special training requirements for an indefinite period.