Mexeflote

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Mexeflote
A Mexeflote raft
TypeLanding raft
Place of origin United Kingdom
Specifications
LengthStandard: 20.12 m (66.0 ft)
Maxi: 38.41 m (126.0 ft)
WidthStandard: 7.42 m (24.3 ft)
Maxi 12.20 m (40.0 ft)
Crew6

Engine2 x Hydromaster 6cyl diesel at 75 hp each or 2x Thrustmaster OD150N Propulsion Units
150 hp combined
Payload capacityStandard: 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

Falklands conflict, and has been used in humanitarian aid missions. The system is very similar to the Rhino ferry
.

History

The Mexeflote was introduced to the UK military in the 1960s,

British Navy ships going to the Falklands.[3] Mexeflotes were used as causeways between ships in the open ocean, stores were driven between ships over a mexeflote causeway with Fiat Allis forklifts.[4] Sgt Boultby of 17 Port Regiment, RCT was awarded the Military Medal for using his Mexeflote to rescue survivors at Bluff Cove.[5]

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

HMAS Choules for Australian service), two Mexeflotes were also acquired.[7]

  • A Mexeflote suspended from the starboard flank of HMAS Choules
    A Mexeflote suspended from the starboard flank of HMAS Choules
  • RFA Lyme Bay (L3007) with a Mexeflote on its port side
    RFA Lyme Bay (L3007)
    with a Mexeflote on its port side
  • Mexeflote transporting disaster relief teams ashore from RFA Lyme Bay
    Mexeflote transporting disaster relief teams ashore from RFA Lyme Bay
  • Royal Logistics Corps Mexflote arrives in Anguilla
    Royal Logistics Corps Mexflote arrives in Anguilla
  • Mexifloat unloading on the beach at Grand Tuck with heavy plant for use in the rebuild after the hurricane
    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

  1. ^
    Jane's
    , 27 April 2009, retrieved 18 May 2010
  2. ^ a b "The Landing Ships and Landing Craft". www.britains-smallwars.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  3. .
  4. ^ "Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence".
  5. ^ "Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence".
  6. ^ "RFA Largs Bay delivers aid to isolated Haitian village". www.mod.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  7. ^ *"HMAS Choules commissioned". News. Royal Australian Navy. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  8. ^ a b "Mexeflote Raft". www.army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 8 April 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "What is a Mexeflote". www.thinkdefence.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  11. ^ "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.