Mk IV LCU-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇮🇳 India |
| Category | Amphibious vessel |
| Subtype | Landing craft utility |
| Manufacturer | GRSE |
| Year commissioned | 2017 |
| Approx. unit cost | $540 million |
| Units | Indian Navy: 7 in commission |
| Current operators | 🇮🇳 India |
Description
The Indian Navy operates the Mk IV Landing Craft Utility (LCU) class vessels, which serve as a follow-on from the Mk. III LCU class. Commissioned to enhance amphibious capabilities, these ships are suited for maritime roles involving the transportation of troops and equipment during amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) initiated the design and construction of eight LCU ships as part of a ₹2,100 crore agreement signed with the Indian Navy on September 28, 2011. The first LCU was commissioned in March 2021, with construction having begun in September 2012.
The vessels feature a length of 63 meters and a beam of 11 meters. They display a shallow draught, indicating their capability to operate close to shorelines. Each ship is propelled by two MTU 16V 4000 M53 marine diesel engines producing 1840 KWs, facilitating efficient movement. The class’ armament consists of two 30mm CRN-91 mounted guns along with an electro-optic director developed by Bharat Electronics. Designed with flexibility in mind, an LCU can carry up to 216 personnel and 145 tonnes of cargo, assisted by a hydraulic bow ramp for easy loading and unloading.
Technical specifications
| Mk IV LCU | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1001 tons |
| Range | 2500 km |
| Crew | 56 members |
| Width | 11.0 m (36.1 ft) |
| Length | 62.8 m (206.0 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 MTU 16V 4000 M53 diesel engines |
| Armament | 2 × 30 mm CRN 91 naval gun |
| Maximum speed | 15 knots |
Photo of Mk IV LCU class
