LARC

Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo

LARC carrying supplies ashore

LARC carrying supplies ashore

The Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo vehicle known as a LARC, is an aluminium constructed craft that is capable of propelling itself through water as well as over land.

The LARC is an ideal all-terrain vehicle.

It can make surf landings in all types of weather, whereas the AAD's jet barges are unable to get close to shore in rough seas, a critical issue, particularly to operations in and around Australia's subantarctic islands

Its design allows for the transition from water to land, or reverse, to be done on a range of shorelines, often needing little or no preparation.

Large balloon tyres provide suspension and also aid in floatation. A HIABB crane is fitted to each craft. This is positioned aft of the operator's cabin.

Previously, the AAD used these multipurpose vessels for the resupply of its bases in Antarctica, Macquarie Island and Heard Island. Today, LARCs are used primarily in the resupply of Macquarie Island and for operations conducted at Heard Island.

For many years the LARCs were supplied and operated by the Australian Army on behalf of the AAD. As of 2008, the Australian Army agreed to transfer eight surplus vehicles to the AAD.

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This page was last modified on June 29, 2011.