LCT Landing Crafts Information

LCTs were built in two models. The MK5 was 112 foot, 9 inches in length with a beam 32 feet, a displacement of 286 tons and a crew of 13. The MK5 had a bow ramp only in contrast to the MK6 which had both a bow and stern ramp and was 119 feet long with a beam of 32 feet and a displacement of 284 tons with a crew of 12. LCTs were the Navy’s all-purpose general duty vessel. Besides carrying tanks ashore, they were used for many different purposes. Some were converted and equipped with guns, others with rockets, while still others served as minesweepers. 26 MK5s were designated LCT(A), armored. Armor was added to these LCTs to allow them to go into the Normandy beachhead with the firepower of two tanks. At wars end all MK5s were disposed of while the MK6s were re-designated as Utility Landing Ship LSU in 1949 and re-designated Landing Craft Utility LCU, 15 April 1956.

LCT Landing Crafts Information