Landing Craft Infantry pt 1

grabcad

The LCI(L) emerged in early '42 as a response to a Brit concept for a Large Raiding Craft, designed to transport commandos across the English Channel for coastal assaults. It evolved into a troop transporter for opposed landings, with over 900 vessels constructed and active during WWII across all fronts. Post-WWII, these ships served in various navies, including those of Allied nations like Britain, Canada, France, the USSR, and were even converted to commercial ferries. The initial design (LCI(L) 1-350) featured a raised navigating bridge and main bridge above the superstructure deck, with only LCI(L) 1 having a single skeg. Original troop benches weren't used in combat and radio aerials were replaced to reduce visibility. The Royal Canadian Navy received three groups of vessels built to initial design and British specs. The US Navy found this layout insufficient for forward view, hence the LCI(L) 1 layout was adopted. Notably designed for coastal operations, these vessels crossed both Atlantic and Pacific oceans to reach their operational areas. Standard armament included four 20mm AA guns on Mk4 mounts, while two groups of Detroit Diesel/GM 6-71 diesels powered the vessel through 13ft diameter variable pitch propellers. A complement of 24 crew members could transport 200 troops at landing, with a displacement of 230 tons.