In response to the ever increasing challenge for small craft to carry higher payloads, UK design consultancy IMAA has devised a new type of fast amphibious landing craft designed to fit within the confines of the narrow well-docks in amphibious type landing support ships. The 23m long craft has been designed to carry a disposable load of about 20t at 30kt in sea state 2-3, with the ability to land equipment and men, dry onto a beach. This craft would also be capable of being lifted aboard ships by their cranes and carried as deck cargo. In order to validate this concept IMAA has constructed a 1/3rd scaled 7.6m long sea-going manned model of the HOVCAT which has tested at sea during 2012. A description of the HOVCAT design and results from the trials is presented.
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