LVT-5

LVTP-5

LVTP-5 on display at the USS Alabama (BB-60) memorial in Mobile, Alabama. The front of the vehicle is facing right in this picture.
Type Armored personnel carrier
Place of origin  United States
Specifications
Weight 37.4 t
Length 9.04 m
Width 3.57 m
Height 2.92 m
Crew 3+34 passengers
Main
armament
 .30 caliber MG
Engine Continental LV-1790-1 V-12 gasoline
704 hp
Power/weight 19 hp/tonne
Suspension Torsilastic
Operational
range
 306 km (road), 92 km (water)
Speed 48 km/h, in water 11 km/h

The LVTP-5 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked, Personnel) was a family of amphibious armored fighting vehicles used by the United States Marine Corps. It was designed by the BorgWarner company and built by FMC (Food Machinery Corporation) along with a few other companies. It was first accepted into service in 1956. Some 1,124 basic units were produced, plus the specialist variants, and many saw action in the Vietnam War.

History

It was an evolution of the LVT-1 to LVT-4 World War II era Landing Vehicle Tracked series, but was considerably larger and could carry 30-34 combat-armed troops. A smaller design based on the M59 APC was also produced as the LVT-6, but only a handful built.

The LVTP-5 was replaced in service by the LVT-7 family.

The most common type was the LVTP-5, an armored personnel carrier, with mine-sweeper, command, recovery and fire support variants, the latter mounting a 105 mm howitzer. An anti-aircraft version was prototyped, but never saw service.

Variants

Operators

See also

References

  1. ↑ Dunham, George R (1990). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series). History and Museums Division Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. pp. 19–20. ISBN 9780160264559.
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