Mexeflote
Mexeflote | |
---|---|
Type | Landing raft |
Place of origin | United Kingdom |
Specifications | |
Length | Standard: 20.12 m (66.0 ft) Maxi: 38.41 m (126.0 ft) |
Width | Standard: 7.42 m (24.3 ft) Maxi 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
Crew | 6 |
Engine | 2 x Hydromaster 6cyl diesel at 75 hp each or 2x Thrustmaster OD150N Propulsion Units 150 hp combined |
Payload capacity | Standard: 60,000 kg (130,000 lb) Larger: 120,000 kg (260,000 lb) Largest: 180,000 kg (400,000 lb) |
The Mexeflote is a landing raft used by the United Kingdom's
History
The Mexeflote was introduced to the UK military in the 1960s,
In 1994, the Army ordered an additional 50 units, and in 2000 they upgraded 60 of the rafts.
Currently the rafts are crewed by the
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A Mexeflote suspended from the starboard flank of HMAS Choules
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RFA Lyme Bay (L3007)with a Mexeflote on its port side
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Mexeflote transporting disaster relief teams ashore from RFA Lyme Bay
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Royal Logistics Corps Mexflote arrives in Anguilla
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Mexifloat unloading on the beach at Grand Tuck with heavy plant for use in the rebuild after the hurricane
Design
Mexeflote is a powered raft (two diesel engines), used to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore when a pier is not available.[8] The Mexeflote is designed in three sizes;
Type | Length | Width | Capacity | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard size | 20.12 m (66.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 60,000 kg (130,000 lb) | [9] |
Larger versions (Maxi-Mexeflote)[1] | 38.41 m (126.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 120,000 kg (260,000 lb) | [9] |
38.41 m (126.0 ft) | 12.2 m (40 ft) | 180,000 kg (400,000 lb) | [9] |
Each version has three components; bow, stern, and centre, which can be fitted together as required, making the Mexeflote a versatile craft.[8][10] The different sections allow it to be used as a raft, a floating pontoon, or as a causeway from ship to shore.[1]
Mexeflote was the basis for the design of the Modular Elevated Causeway.[11]
References
- ^ Jane's, 27 April 2009, retrieved 18 May 2010
- ^ a b "The Landing Ships and Landing Craft". www.britains-smallwars.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ISBN 978-1-84832-046-8.
- ^ "Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence".
- ^ "Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence".
- ^ "RFA Largs Bay delivers aid to isolated Haitian village". www.mod.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ *"HMAS Choules commissioned". News. Royal Australian Navy. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
- ^ a b "Mexeflote Raft". www.army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 8 April 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ a b c "Landing Craft and Assault Boats; Mexeflote". www.army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 27 December 2004. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
- ^ "What is a Mexeflote". www.thinkdefence.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "Modular Causeway Systems". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
Further reading
- Operational Testing of the Mexeflote Lashing and Launching System for Pontoon Causeways. - August 1970. Billie R. Karrh; James J. Traffalis; Naval Civil Engineering Lab.