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The LARC-LX was the largest wheeled amphibious vehicle ever made up until that point. Entering service in 1952, it saw its first combat action in Vietnam in 1967 and was used by the Army for just short of 50 years. Over time, the military sold some of them off to the public as they were gradually retired, so surprisingly, a lot of them are still around and running just fine. Today, they’re used for everything from joyrides to real marine logistics.
Originally called the BARC, the 100-ton behemoth was powered by four Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines producing 265-horsepower apiece, with each engine driving one wheel. Thanks to more-than 1,000 combined horsepower, the LARC-LX was capable of 15 mph over land or 7.5 mph at sea when empty, despite its immense weight.
Interestingly, all four wheels could steer independently. Really was a 60-foot-long, 26-foot wide, and nearly 20-foot tall monstrosity.
Typically, the LARC-LX was tasked with carrying heavy machinery to the shore in order to prepare a landing area. Sometimes it would also carry equipment like tanks and fighting vehicles, and obviously troops.
Originally called the BARC, the 100-ton behemoth was powered by four Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines producing 265-horsepower apiece, with each engine driving one wheel. Thanks to more-than 1,000 combined horsepower, the LARC-LX was capable of 15 mph over land or 7.5 mph at sea when empty, despite its immense weight.
Interestingly, all four wheels could steer independently. Really was a 60-foot-long, 26-foot wide, and nearly 20-foot tall monstrosity.
Typically, the LARC-LX was tasked with carrying heavy machinery to the shore in order to prepare a landing area. Sometimes it would also carry equipment like tanks and fighting vehicles, and obviously troops.
