LCM-1E

The LCM-1E is a class of amphibious mechanized landing craft manufactured by Navantia at their factory in San Fernando. These craft are intended to deliver troops and equipment onshore from amphibious assault ships during amphibious assaults.

Project history and design
In 1999, a contract for the construction of two prototypes landing craft (L-601 and L-602), for evaluation and testing in different conditions was signed. These craft would replace the LCM-8s in Spanish Navy service. After undergoing trials, 12 additional units were ordered to service the two Galicia class landing platform dock ships (Galicia and Castilla) and amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I.

The landing craft have the ability to operate over-the-horizon, as they are equipped with radar navigation, GPS, gyro needle/magnetic compasses and HF communications equipment, VHF and UHF. This allows them to operate up to 20 nmi from their mothership. Propulsion is supplied by two MAN D-2842 LE 402X diesel engines, which supply 809 kW each to the two waterjets, allowing the craft to reach 22 kn unladen, and 13.5 kn loaded. Maximum range at economical speeds is 190 nmi.

The LCM-1E incorporates a stern gate, facilitating the loading/unloading of rolling stock within the flood levee, not necessary the output of the front two boats to load / unload from the rear, with a limit of 12 tons maximum for the transfer of vehicles from one barge to another.

Spanish Navy
They are assigned to Naval Beach Group, based at Naval Station Props. Since joining the Navy, four of the twelve units built in the shipyards of San Fernando and Puerto Real and have been involved in a mission abroad, developed by the Spanish forces in Lebanon, where they came into action for the beach landing of Marines.

After Haiti earthquake, 4 LCM1-E were extense and successfully used to land relief personnel and first aid material directly on the beach, avoiding the partially destroyed and highly congested harbours.

Foreign orders
Sweden has shown some interest in acquiring the LCM-1E.

In 2009, the Australian Defence Force began plans to acquire landing craft for the under-construction Canberra class landing helicopter dock ships. Arrangements were made to acquire craft from Navantia (the builder responsible for the LHDs), and in September 2011, the purchase of 12 LCM-1E craft was approved by the Australian government. The first four will enter Australian service in 2014.