Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc., of Seattle, WA, recently delivered three MPF/UB-40 utility boats for the United States Navy. Two remaining boats in the five boat order are under construction. A total of 21 vessels have already been delivered to the Navy and are in operation. The 40’ high-speed landing craft are replacing the Navy’s existing LCM-8 craft as part of the Improved Navy Lighterage System in support of pre-positioned Marine Amphibious assault missions.
The 40’ x 14’ landing craft have a loaded flank speed of ~38 knots and a lightened flank speed of ~42 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 features a power bow door and high-level engine suctions for beach deployment.
Additional craft features include:
- Twin Cummins QSm-11 engines rated at 660 hp
- 6kW Northern Lights gen-set with shore power
- Integrated Furuno Navnet electronics package
- Ship board stowage cradle
- Three weapon mounts for M2 / MK19 and M60E3 weapons
- Manuals and spares packages
