LCVP (United Kingdom)



The Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) in British service is a small vessel designed to carry light vehicles or about 30 troops from ship to shore during amphibious landings. The designation was first used in British service for the landing craft introduced with the two Fearless class amphibious warfare vessels, the role having previously been carried out by the Landing Craft Assault developed during the Second World War. They are manned and operated by 1 Assault Group Royal Marines.

LCVP Mk2
Built by the Dorset Yacht Company at Poole in the 1960s, the Mark 2 LCVP was powered by two Foden diesel engines and could carry 35 fully equipped Royal Marines Commandos or two Land Rovers. Foxtrot 7, one of four carried by HMS Fearless, rescued 41 crew members from the burning HMS Antelope on 24 May 1982 during the Falklands War. It is preserved at the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth.

LCVP Mk4
These landing craft came into service in 1986. Most are operated by the Royal Marines. They are mostly used in independent Royal Marine formations. They have a draught of 75cms at the stern and are powered by twin Perkins 6 cylinder turbo diesel engines Four were used by the British Army's Royal Logistics Corps.

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LCVP Mk5
These operate from HMS Ocean, Albion and Bulwark. Built by Vosper Thornycroft and FBM Babcock Marine the first entered service in 1996. They represent a considerably improved capability over the preceding MK4s. Four of the vessels can transport a full Royal Marine company.