The Marine Corps is in the midst of testing an amphibious landing vehicle. It's called the 'Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector', which came ashore at the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Hawaii during the 'Advanced Warfighting Experiment' on July 10.
The Marine Corps is testing a massive amphibious landing vehicle. It's called the 'Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector', and its prototype recently came ashore at the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Hawaii during the 'Advanced Warfighting Experiment' on July 10 as part of the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014.
For the past 6 years, the US Marines have been hoping to replace their "Landing Craft Air Cushioned" hovercrafts in use since the 1980's. Building the 'Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector' started back in 2012.
The new prototype measures 42' long, 26' wide, and 17' high. That size is a half-scale demonstration of the future version which will reportedly be able to carry between 150 and 190 tons of gear and offer 2,500 square feet of parking room on the deck.
The amphibious vehicle will carry three times the payload, increase launch range to 200 nautical miles and haul three main battle tanks to shore. Thanks to new air cell landing runners, it will also be able to venture through various terrains including mud flats, marshes and sea walls.
As another bonus, the UHAC as it is known, reportedly costs about half of landing crafts used now.