| Amphibious Tractors (AmTracs)
Developed during World War II to deliver Marines over
the coral reefs of the Pacific islands, this machine was invented by Donald
Roebling to rescue people lost in the everglades in 1937. By 1940 the first
military tractor was ready for tests. The amphibious tractor plays a major
role in the Marine Corps force projection from "over the horizon" making
the Corps, more than any other unit, capable of being on station and ready
for ground operations any time, any where.
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Marine LVT, (Landing Vehicle Tracked)
of WW2. Several models were produced with the basic one being the Mark 1
Alligator. With a troop load of 20 or 4,500 lb. of cargo, it soon became
the Pacific work horse. The Mark 2 Buffalo could carry 24 troops or a cargo
load of 6,500 lb. There was also a Mark 1 Armored LTV which was the first
tractor equipped with a turret and by 1943 the Mark 2 were being fielded.
Used to ferry troops, supplies, ammo and artillery into an assault beach
and to medivac wounded back to the ships. |
| LVTP's or Amtrak's as they are
known to the Marines, making for shore from an amphibious assault ship. Today's
Amphibious Assault ships carry Hover Craft, Helicopters, Amtrak's and Harrier
VSTOL attack Jet Airplanes, and soon the new V-22 Osprey to put Marines ashore
in the world's littoral regions. |
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New Generation AAV. Scheduled for Fleet induction by 2000. |
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