Utility Landing Craft: LCU 1466 Series 1466 - 1609
Classification. The earlier craft of this series were initially designated as Utility Landing ships (LSU) ; redesignated Utility Landing craft (LCU) on 15 April 1952 and classified as service craft. These are enlarged versions of the World War II built LCT Mk 5s ; constructed during the early 1950s. The main difference between the two is an enlarged crew accommodations.
Displacement, Tons 180 light ; 360 full load
Dimensions, feet 119 x 34 x 6 max
Guns 2 - 20 mm
Complement 14
Main engines 3 diesels ( Gray Marine ) ; 675 bhp
Speed 18 knots
Diagram of a World War II LCT Mk 5 Click on the image for a larger view
| Description | LCT Mk 5 | LCU 1466 class |
| Hull Dimensions Length | 114ft. 2in | 119ft |
| Hull Dimensions Beam | 32ft 8in | 34ft |
| Displacement | 285 tons | 360 tons |
| Draught forward | 36in | ? |
| Loads carried (max tons) | 150 tons | 180 tons |
| Crew | 13 | 14 |
| Engine make | Gray Marine | Gray Marine |
| Horse power | 675 | 675 bhp |
| Number & Type | 3 diesel | 3 diesel |
| Props | 3 | 3 |
| Max speed | 7 knots | 18 knots |
| Range in miles | 700 at 7 knots | ? |
| Armour in the wheelhouse | 2 1/2in | ? |
| Armour in the gunshields | 2 in. plastic ? | ? |
| Armament | 2 -20 mm antiaircraft gun | 2 -20 mm antiaircraft gun |
As you can see from this comparison they are more alike then not.
From this shot of the bow, the bow and tank well deck are almost identical to the LCT Mk5. Howeverthe LSM in the background is a World war II vintage LSM.
© 2000 LCT Flotillas of World War II ETO PTO
