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Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo - LARC-V

The Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo vehicle known as a LARC, is an aluminium constructed craft that can propel itself through water as well as over land.

The LARC is an ideal all-terrain vehicle. Its design allows for the transition from water to land, or reverse, to be done on a range of shorelines, often needing little or no preparation. Jet barges are unable to get close to shore in rough seas, a critical issue, particularly on Macquarie Island. The LARC, however, can make surf landings in all types of weather. Large balloon tyres provide suspension and also aid in flotation.

3 basic models of the LARC were developed from 1952 to 1959. The Australian Antarctic Division [AAD] uses the LARC-V, which was designed in 1959. The LARC-V went into production in 1963, with a total of 950 being manufactured.

For many years LARCs were operated by the Australian Army. The Australian Army transferred eight surplus vehicles to the AAD in 2008. At over 35 years old the AAD’s LARCs are basically historic machines. Some 600 LARCs were disposed of during the US withdrawal of Vietnam by sinking them at sea. The fact they are no longer in production makes fully operational examples rare. However, this goes to show how well adapted and enduring the design is for sub-Antarctic ship to shore operations.

A new Amphibious Vehicle will built to replace Army’s current LARC-V which will offer significant opportunities for Australian industry in the vehicle’s design, build, maintenance and through-life support phases. On 04 February 2021 the Morrison Government announced plans to invest up to $800 million to acquire new fleets of Australian-built amphibious vehicles and landing craft that will be able to transport land forces with enhanced speed and protection. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Army Littoral Manoeuvre – Light project, LAND 8710 Phase 1 will strengthen the ADF’s amphibious capabilities.

While it’s unlikely the Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo vehicle (LARC-V) will markedly change shape, the Landing Craft Mechanized, Mark 8 (LCM-8), which is also being replaced under the $800 million program Land 8710-1, is likely to change significantly.