Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:06:52-2:07:14

The missions survive even when LCI and LSM labels fade

True medium landing ships are uncommon, while smaller LPDs and troop-carrying craft now cover much of the old LSM and LCI design space.

Amphibious WarfareLanding CraftLanding Craft Vehicle PersonnelLanding Ship MediumLPD
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Question

What are the modern equivalents of the LCI and LSM?

Short answer

True LSMs are uncommon and smaller LPDs fill much of that role, while infantry delivery continues through craft such as British LCVPs and their equivalents.

Notes

Few contemporary ships are true successors to the Second World War landing ship medium because smaller LPDs occupy much of that range. The infantry-delivery function remains visible in smaller craft, including the LCVP label used in British service and equivalent boats in other navies. The missions have survived even where the old labels have faded. Modern hulls do not need to preserve a one-for-one historical ship type to perform the same task.