- Yes, as a tech tree vehicle
- Yes, as a premium vehicle
- Yes, as an event vehicle
- Yes, as a squadron vehicle
- No, I would not like to see the L.C.S.(M)(2) in game.
L.C.S.(M)(2) №33, the last of the Mark IIs, at sea. It’s clear she’s a very different beast than her haphazard predecessor.
Description
The Landing Craft, Support (Medium)s (L.C.S.(M)s) were three distinct support vessels based on the hull of the Landing Craft, Assault (L.C.A.). For support operations, these craft were equipped with heavy weapons and fought alongside the infantry landing craft to support beach landings.
Compared to the L.C.S.(M)(1), the Landing Craft, Support (Medium) (Mark II) incorporated a great number of improvements to the design. Whereas before, the L.C.S.(M)(1) was effectively an L.C.A. with some duct tape holding guns to it, the L.C.S.(M)(2) takes its rightful place as a true conversion. The normally open deck was sealed off save for the anchor cockpit and a new mortar well just in front of the conning tower. Behind the conning tower, the previous model’s two .50 caliber Vickers machine guns were consolidated into a powered turret mounting with better gun shields. The 4" BL Mark 1N mortar was retained and again could use either smoke candles or H.E. bombs.
The extra weight of these modifications brought down the already unimpressive top speed of the L.C.S.(M)(1), but it was a worthy sacrifice for the benefits it gave. Despite its improvements, only eight of the over 200 L.C.S.(M)s were Mark IIs, as the further improved Mark III was already on the way.
Specifications
Landing Craft, Support (Medium) (Mark II)
Dimensions:
- Length: 41 ft. 2 in. (12.55 m)
- Beam: 10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 m)
- Draught:
- Forward: 1 ft. 8 in. (0.51 m)
- Aft: 2 ft. 5 in. (0.74 m)
Displacement: 12.5 tons
Crew: 11
Propulsion: 2 x Ford V8 (130 shp)
Max Speed: 9 kt. (10.4 mph, 16.7 km/h)
Range: 60 miles
Armament:
- Primary: 1 x 1 4" BL Mark 1N mortar
- Secondary: 1 x 2 .50 caliber Vickers machine gun (2,400 rpg, 4,800 rounds total)
Armor:
- Sides: 6.4 mm
- Deck plate: 6.4 mm
- Bulkheads: 6.4 mm
- Conning tower: 12.7 mm
Additional Equipment:
- 1 meter rangefinder
- C.S.A. smoke generator
Conclusion
The L.C.S.(M)(2) is a significant evolution of the L.C.S. type as a whole and is significant despite her obscurity. I believe she would fit well in the tech tree at reserve or 1.3 BR after the L.C.S.(M)(1). Alternatively, she could be made a premium or event vehicle while the L.C.S.(M)(3) becomes the tech tree variant. Punchy machine guns, a big mortar, and decent armor make up for her very slow speed, and I think she can find success in War Thunder.
Sources:
- C.B. 04304: Details of Combined Operations Landing Craft and Barges (1944)
- ONI-226: Allied Landing Craft and Ships (1944)