The Marine Corps Is Testing A Monster Of A New Amphibious Assault Vehicle

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research, is currently testing a beast of an amphibious lander.

The Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC) has been developed as a replacement to the current Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC). The UHAC would be used to bring ashore troops, equipment, and vehicles. It can even land multiple tanks at once.

The UHAC began testing on July 9 at the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows on Oahu, Hawaii and it is taking part in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014 which is currently underway until August 1. We have highlighted some of the amazing capabilities of the UHAC below.

The current iteration of the UHAC is only half the size of the expected final version, although it is still massive: 42 feet long, 26 feet wide, and 17 feet high.

Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg/USMC

At full capacity, the UHAC should be able to carry three main battle tanks ashore from a range of 200 nautical miles.

Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg/USMC

Altogether, the UHAC can carry payloads up to 190 tons, almost three times as much as the LCAC.

Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg/USMC

Unlike the LCAC, the UHAC can continue moving while onshore across mud flats, tidal marsh areas, and even over sea walls of up to 10 feet in height.

Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg/USMC

This movement is due to the UHAC's treads, which are composed of low pressure captive air cells held within foam casings.

Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg/USMC

But the vehicle is limited to speeds up 20 knots, half that of the LCAC, due to drag from its foam treads.

Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg/USMC