Photo credit: Bill Sutton
Kvichak Marine Industries is currently constructing four each MPF utility boats for the United States Navy. The 40-ft. high-speed landing craft replace the Navy’s existing LCM-8 craft as part of the Improved Navy Lighterage System in support of pre-positioned Marine Amphibious assault missions. These four craft were ordered after the successful completion and delivery of 10 MPF utility boats to the Navy in early 2007.
The 40 x 14 ft. landing craft have a loaded cruise speed of ~25 knots and a lightened flank speed of ~40 knots. The propulsion package includes: twin Cummins QSM11 engines rated for 660hp at 2300 rpm, ZF 325 marine gears, and Hamilton 364 water jets.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of transporting 30 troops, their gear and / or general cargo the craft utilizes a house aft configuration and an articulated bow door for beach deployment.
Delivery of the four MPF boats is scheduled through fall of 2007. Blount Island Command Florida will receive the boats for loading onto pre-positioned MSC ships.