ATC (H)

The Armored Troop Carrier (ATC) was a rebuilt LCT-6(M). The ATC served as the MRF’s primary transport and support boat. It could carry a full rifle platoon, a single artillery piece, or a single transport, such as an M113 tracked vehicle.

Known as a Tango boat due to the T-designation on their hull numbers, a river division had up to 13 ATCs available to move a battalions of infantry upriver. Some ATCs were fitted with a helipad over the troop compartment to serve as a medevac boat. Designated ATC(H) (Helicopter), these “Aid Boats” had a surge on on board. Other ATC(H)s were equipped with massive tanks filled with aviation fuel and ammunition to resupply gunships. The helipad also served as overhead protection against mortars and falling debris. The ATC(H) was known as the world’s smallest aircraft carrier.