LARC-V Amphibious CraftThe all-aluminum LARC-V (Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo, 5 ton capacity) was used by the US Army during the Vietnam War to transport onto the beach personnel and cargo discharged from deep-water ships. LARC-Vs operated the LST beach at Cam Ranh Bay, and also at Nha Trang, Phan Rang, Phan Thiet, and Vung Ro Bay. At Phan Thiet, five LARC-Vs supported the 2nd Battalion 7th Cavalry during Operation Byrd. About 900 LARC-V vehicles were manufactured. The LARC V was 35 feet long, 9.9 feet wide, and 12 feet high with its top erected. It could go 28 mph on land and 12 mph in water. With a gross weight of 19,000 pounds, it could carry five tons of cargo or 40 soldiers, plus a crew of two. It could navigate shallow water with a draft of only 3 1/2 feet. The LARC-V shares its name with the much larger Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo, 60-ton (LARC-LX). Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the LARC-V Amphibious Craft at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup. LARC-V Photo Gallery
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