Mk. III LCU: Difference between revisions

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{{Use British English|date = May 2022}}
{{short description|Vessel class}}
{{Use dmy dates|date = May 2022}}
{{Use British English|date = May 2017}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin
{{Use dmy dates|date = May 2017}}
{{Infobox ship
|section1={{Infobox ship/image
| image = INS LCU 39.jpg
| image_caption = L39 LCU during shore operations
}}
 
|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview
|name = ''LCU MK III'' class |builders = [[Goa Shipyard Limited]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990
|isbn = 9788170622666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC&q=mk+III+LCU&pg=PA49|last1 = Hiranandani|first1 = G. M.|year = 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref>
|operators = {{navy|India}} |class_before = LCU Mk II |class_after = [[Mk. IV LCU|LCU MK IV]]  |subclasses =  |cost =  |built_range = 1986 – 87 |in_service_range = 1986 – 2019 |in_commission_range =  |total_ships_building =  |total_ships_planned = 4 |total_ships_completed = 4 |total_ships_canceled =  |total_ships_active =  |total_ships_laid_up =  |total_ships_lost =  |total_ships_retired =4  |total_ships_preserved =  }}
 
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics
| hide_header =
| header_caption =
| class =
| type =
| displacement = 560 tons<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Guardianship-07Apr16.pdf#page=70|title=Transition to Guardianship, The Indian Navy 1991–2000|accessdate=2019-11-16}}</ref><ref name="Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class">{{Cite web|title=Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/l-mk2.htm}}</ref><ref>[http://ww2lct.org/history/stories/lctevolution.htm The Evolution Of the Landing Craft Tank] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601045740/http://ww2lct.org/history/stories/lctevolution.htm |date= 1 June 2013 }}</ref>
| length = 57.5 m <ref name="Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class">{{Cite web|title=Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/l-mk2.htm}}</ref>
| beam = 8.2 m
| height =
| draught =
| draft = 1.57 m
| depth = 4 m
| hold_depth =
| decks =
| deck_clearance =
| ramps =
| ice_class =
| power =
| propulsion = 3 [[Kirloskar Group|Kirloskar]]-MAN V8V 17.5/22 AMAL [[diesel engines]] x 562 bhp driving 3 shafts.<ref name="Mark 3 Landing Craft">{{Cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref>
| sail_plan =
| speed = 11.5 kn
| range = 1,000 nmi at 8 kn
| endurance =
| test_depth =
| boats =
| capacity =
| troops = 120
| complement = 207
| crew = 87
| time_to_activate =
| sensors = 1 Racal Decca 1629 [[radar]] at I-band [[frequency]].
| EW =
| armament = * 2 x [[Bofors]] 40mm/60 guns (aft) & [[Naval mine|mine]]s
| armour =
| aircraft =
| aircraft_facilities =
| notes =
}}
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship image
| image = INS LCU 39.jpg
| Ship caption = L39 LCU during shore operations
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name = ''LCU MK III'' class|Builders = [[Goa Shipyard Limited]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990
|isbn = 9788170622666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC&q=mk+III+LCU&pg=PA49|last1 = Hiranandani|first1 = G. M.|year = 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref>
|Operators = {{navy|India}}|Class before = LCU Mk II|Class after = [[Mk. IV LCU|LCU MK IV]] |Subclasses = |Cost = |Built range = 1986-87|In service range = |In commission range = |Total ships building = |Total ships planned = 4|Total ships completed = 4|Total ships cancelled = |Total ships active = |Total ships laid up = |Total ships lost = |Total ships retired =4 |Total ships preserved = }}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header =
| Header caption =
| Ship class =
| Ship type =
| Ship displacement = 560 tons<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Guardianship-07Apr16.pdf#page=70|title=Transition to Guardianship, The Indian Navy 1991–2000|accessdate=2019-11-16}}</ref><ref name="Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class">{{Cite web|title=Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/l-mk2.htm}}</ref><ref>[http://ww2lct.org/history/stories/lctevolution.htm The Evolution Of the Landing Craft Tank] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601045740/http://ww2lct.org/history/stories/lctevolution.htm |date= 1 June 2013 }}</ref>
| Ship length = 57.5 m <ref name="Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class">{{Cite web|title=Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/l-mk2.htm}}</ref>
| Ship beam = 8.2 m
| Ship height =
| Ship draught =
| Ship draft = 1.57 m
| Ship depth = 4 m
| Ship hold depth =
| Ship decks =
| Ship deck clearance =
| Ship ramps =
| Ship ice class =
| Ship power =
| Ship propulsion = 3 [[Kirloskar Group|Kirloskar]]-MAN V8V 17.5/22 AMAL [[diesel engines]] x 562 bhp driving 3 shafts.<ref name="Mark 3 Landing Craft">{{Cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref>
| Ship sail plan =
| Ship speed = 11.5 kn
| Ship range = 1,000 nmi at 8 kn
| Ship endurance =
| Ship test depth =
| Ship boats =
| Ship capacity =
| Ship troops = 120
| Ship complement = 207
| Ship crew = 87
| Ship time to activate =
| Ship sensors = 1 Racal Decca 1629 [[radar]] at I-band [[frequency]].
| Ship EW =
| Ship armament = * 2 x [[Bofors]] 40mm/60 guns (aft) & [[Naval mine|mine]]s
| Ship armour =
| Ship aircraft =
| Ship aircraft facilities =
| Ship notes =
}}
|}
'''''Mk III LCU''''' class vessels were follow on class of Mk II LCU operated by the [[Indian Navy]] and were meant to augment the Indian Navy's amphibious capability. The ships were deployed for maritime roles like maritime security, beaching, un-beaching, humanitarian relief operations and evacuation from distant islands, search and rescue operations and peace-keeping missions. The landing craft were meant for use by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore. They were capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. The landing craft were carried on board [[amphibious assault ships]] to the objective area. Built and delivered between 1986-87 the mission of the LCU was to land/retrieve [[personnel]] and equipment ([[tank]]s, [[artillery]], equipment, [[motor vehicles]]) during [[amphibious operations]].<ref name="Mark 3 Landing Craft">{{Cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref> LCU's help land personnel and equipment after the initial [[assault]] waves of an amphibious operation.<ref name="Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class">{{Cite web|title=Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/l-mk2.htm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kumbhir Class, LCU (MK-3) Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kumbhir-class-lcu-mk-3-class|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154710/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kumbhir-class-lcu-mk-3-class|archivedate=31 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
'''''Mk III LCU''''' class vessels were follow on class of Mk II LCU operated by the [[Indian Navy]] and were meant to augment the Indian Navy's amphibious capability. The ships were deployed for maritime roles like maritime security, beaching, un-beaching, humanitarian relief operations and evacuation from distant islands, search and rescue operations and peace-keeping missions. The landing craft were meant for use by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore. They were capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. The landing craft were carried on board [[amphibious assault ships]] to the objective area. Built and delivered between 1986-87 the mission of the LCU was to land/retrieve [[personnel]] and equipment ([[tank]]s, [[artillery]], equipment, [[motor vehicles]]) during [[amphibious operations]].<ref name="Mark 3 Landing Craft">{{Cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref> LCU's help land personnel and equipment after the initial [[assault]] waves of an amphibious operation.<ref name="Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class">{{Cite web|title=Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/l-mk2.htm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kumbhir Class, LCU (MK-3) Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kumbhir-class-lcu-mk-3-class|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154710/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kumbhir-class-lcu-mk-3-class|archivedate=31 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
[[Goa Shipyard Limited]] built and delivered these 4 LCU Mk III ships between 1978 and 1987 alongside the now [[Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] 2 LCU Mk I and 3 LCU Mk II ships. However, the design was not suitable, so no more [[ships]] were ordered of this design from Goa Shipyard.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990
[[Goa Shipyard Limited]] built and delivered these 4 LCU Mk III ships between 1978 and 1987 alongside the now [[Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] 2 LCU Mk I and 3 LCU Mk II ships. These versatile vessels served Indian Navy for over 30 years and were retired in 2018/19. <ref>{{Cite book|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990
|isbn = 9788170622666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC&q=mk+III+LCU&pg=PA49|last1 = Hiranandani|first1 = G. M.|year = 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mark 3 Landing Craft">{{Cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf}}</ref>
|isbn = 9788170622666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC&q=mk+III+LCU&pg=PA49|last1 = Hiranandani|first1 = G. M.|year = 2005}}</ref><ref name="Mark 3 Landing Craft">{{Cite web|title=Mark 3 Landing Craft|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/weapons/specs/165-Mk3-LCU.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf}}</ref>


== Service ==
== Service ==


The LCU Mark-III ships were developed in-house by Goa Shipyard and are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations to be carried out by Indian Navy. In Dec 2016, LCU L38 was part of the operation to rescue 800 tourists stranded in [[Havelock Islands]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navy Ships to Rescue 800 Tourists From Andaman After Heavy Rains|url=https://www.thequint.com/india/2016/12/07/navy-ships-to-rescue-800-tourists-in-havelock-island-andaman-and-nicobar-after-heavy-rains-ins-bitra-bangaram}}</ref> In 1988, Lt Cdr KR Nair; the [[Commanding Officer]] of LCU 36 was awarded [[Nau Sena Medal]] for conducting ''Operation Pawan Patrol'', an anti militant [[patrol]] operation in uncharted waters. LCU 36 was also involved in providing [[cyclone]] relief service in 1990 at Rangat Island part of [[Andaman islands]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990|isbn = 9788170622666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC|last1 = Hiranandani|first1 = G. M.|year = 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://echoofindia.com/port-blair-inlcu-36-inlcu-37-decommissioned-after-30-glorious-years-service-nation-137602|title=Port Blair {{!}} INLCU-36, INLCU-37 decommissioned after 30 glorious years of service to nation {{!}} The Echo of India|work=The Echo of India|access-date=2018-02-14|language=en}}</ref>
The LCU Mark-III ships were developed in-house by Goa Shipyard and are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations to be carried out by Indian Navy. In Dec 2016, LCU L38 was part of the operation to rescue 800 tourists stranded in [[Havelock Islands]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navy Ships to Rescue 800 Tourists From Andaman After Heavy Rains|date=7 December 2016 |url=https://www.thequint.com/india/2016/12/07/navy-ships-to-rescue-800-tourists-in-havelock-island-andaman-and-nicobar-after-heavy-rains-ins-bitra-bangaram}}</ref> In 1988, Lt Cdr KR Nair; the [[Commanding Officer]] of LCU 36 was awarded [[Nau Sena Medal]] for conducting ''Operation Pawan Patrol'', an anti militant [[patrol]] operation in uncharted waters. LCU 36 was also involved in providing [[cyclone]] relief service in 1990 at Rangat Island part of [[Andaman Islands]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990|isbn = 9788170622666|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC|last1 = Hiranandani|first1 = G. M.|year = 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://echoofindia.com/port-blair-inlcu-36-inlcu-37-decommissioned-after-30-glorious-years-service-nation-137602|title=Port Blair {{!}} INLCU-36, INLCU-37 decommissioned after 30 glorious years of service to nation {{!}} The Echo of India|work=The Echo of India|access-date=2018-02-14|language=en}}</ref>


== Ships of the class ==
== Ships of the class ==
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|
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| 10 December 1986
| 10 December 1986
|rowspan="2"|30 March 2019<ref name="L38-L39">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/IndianNavy/posts/867697416918453|title=Indian Navy, Official Facebook Page|date=2019-03-30}}</ref><ref name="L38-L39-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/naval-landing-craft-decommissioned|title=Naval Landing Craft Decommissioned|date=2019-03-30}}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|30 March 2019<ref name="L38-L39">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/IndianNavy/posts/867697416918453|title=Indian Navy, Official Facebook Page|website=[[Facebook]] |date=2019-03-30}}</ref><ref name="L38-L39-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/naval-landing-craft-decommissioned|title=Naval Landing Craft Decommissioned|date=2019-03-30}}</ref>
|-
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mk. III LCU}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mk. III LCU}}
[[Category:Naval ships of India]]
[[Category:Amphibious warfare vessels of the Indian Navy]]
[[Category:Ships built in India]]
[[Category:Ships built in India]]
[[Category:Landing craft]]
[[Category:Landing craft]]

Latest revision as of 19:59, 31 January 2026


Template:Infobox ship Mk III LCU class vessels were follow on class of Mk II LCU operated by the Indian Navy and were meant to augment the Indian Navy's amphibious capability. The ships were deployed for maritime roles like maritime security, beaching, un-beaching, humanitarian relief operations and evacuation from distant islands, search and rescue operations and peace-keeping missions. The landing craft were meant for use by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore. They were capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. The landing craft were carried on board amphibious assault ships to the objective area. Built and delivered between 1986-87 the mission of the LCU was to land/retrieve personnel and equipment (tanks, artillery, equipment, motor vehicles) during amphibious operations.[1] LCU's help land personnel and equipment after the initial assault waves of an amphibious operation.[2][3]

History[edit | edit source]

Goa Shipyard Limited built and delivered these 4 LCU Mk III ships between 1978 and 1987 alongside the now decommissioned 2 LCU Mk I and 3 LCU Mk II ships. These versatile vessels served Indian Navy for over 30 years and were retired in 2018/19. [4][1][5]

Service[edit | edit source]

The LCU Mark-III ships were developed in-house by Goa Shipyard and are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations to be carried out by Indian Navy. In Dec 2016, LCU L38 was part of the operation to rescue 800 tourists stranded in Havelock Islands[6] In 1988, Lt Cdr KR Nair; the Commanding Officer of LCU 36 was awarded Nau Sena Medal for conducting Operation Pawan Patrol, an anti militant patrol operation in uncharted waters. LCU 36 was also involved in providing cyclone relief service in 1990 at Rangat Island part of Andaman Islands[7][8][9]

Ships of the class[edit | edit source]

Yard No Pennant Laid down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned Home-port
L 36 18 July 1986 [2] 9 February 2018[10] Port Blair
L 37 18 October 1986 9 February 2018[10][9]
L 38 10 December 1986 30 March 2019[11][12]
L 39 25 March 1987

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Mark 3 Landing Craft".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Mk.2 & Mk.3 Landing Craft Class".
  3. ↑ "Kumbhir Class, LCU (MK-3) Class". Archived from the original on 31 July 2017.
  4. ↑ Hiranandani, G. M. (2005). Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990. ISBN 9788170622666.
  5. ↑ "Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "Navy Ships to Rescue 800 Tourists From Andaman After Heavy Rains". 7 December 2016.
  7. ↑ Hiranandani, G. M. (2005). Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990. ISBN 9788170622666.
  8. ↑ "Transition-to-Eminence-07Apr16.pdf" (PDF).
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Port Blair | INLCU-36, INLCU-37 decommissioned after 30 glorious years of service to nation | The Echo of India". The Echo of India. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 SpokespersonNavy (9 February 2018). "Indian Naval Landing Craft Utility, IN LCU 36 & IN LCU 37 were decommissioned this evening at Port Blair after completing more than 30 years of glorious service to the nation. LCU 36 was 1st of LCU MK-III class landing craft utility vessels built at GSL followed by LCU 37, 38 &39pic.twitter.com/othoW7XP6x". @indiannavy. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  11. ↑ "Indian Navy, Official Facebook Page". Facebook. 30 March 2019.
  12. ↑ "Naval Landing Craft Decommissioned". 30 March 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

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