LCVP (United Kingdom)


The Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel is a versatile amphibious landing craft designed to transport troops or armoured vehicles from ship to shore during amphibious landings. The designation was first used in British service for the LCVP Mk2s introduced with the two Fearless class amphibious transport docks, 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

The LCVP Mk2 was built by the Dorset Yacht Company at Poole during the 1960s. The craft 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 ashore at the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth. Foxtrot 8 is located in Boathouse 4 of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard who have just been awarded funding to restore her back to sea-going condition. Tango 5, one of HMS Intrepid's LCVPs is currently the "Gate Guardian" at RM Chivenor.
The LCVP Mk2 is no longer in service.

LCVP Mk4

The LCVP Mk4 came into service in 1986 replacing the older LCVP Mk2. Throughout their service they were mostly used in independent Royal Marine amphibious formations. They had a draught of 75 cm at the stern and were powered by twin Perkins 6 cylinder turbo diesel engines Four were used by the British Army's Royal Logistics Corps.
As of 2012, the LCVP Mk4 has been withdrawn from service.

LCVP Mk5

The LCVP Mk5 was built by Vosper Thornycroft and FBM Babcock Marine, with the first entering service in 1996. They represent a significant improvement in capability over the preceding Mk4s. Four Mk5s together can transport a full Royal Marine company. Presently, the Mk5s operate from the amphibious warfare ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.
In 2012, a total of 23 Mk5s were in service with pennants 9473, 9673 to 9676 and 9707 to 9724. However, by 2014, LCVPs 9473, 9673, 9674 and 9708 had been withdrawn from service.

Specifications

The LCVP Mk5 has the following specifications: