Landing Craft Infantry pt 2

grabcad

The initial LCI(L) model faced issues, prompting a significant redesign from LCI(L) 351 to 1598. Constructed in various shipyards, these vessels featured expanded superstructures and forecastles, along with improved internal layouts for troops' temporary accommodations and better communications spaces. Innovative aft deck designs were trialed in the first batch, but anti-submarine depth charge racks proved ineffective. Each shipyard had slight construction variations, and design changes occurred throughout the series. LCI(L) 351 showcased the original design with two skegs, later replaced by three skegs with separate shaft supports for better performance. The majority of vessels followed LCI(L) 374's layout, with a few transferred to the Royal Navy under Lend-lease for operations in Europe. Additional features included a fifth 20mm gun on some examples from LCI(L) 354, and Mark 10 mounts in later constructions starting from late 1943. For more details about the 20mm Oerlikon gun, refer to my separate entry.