- Mexeflote
-
Mexeflote Type landing raft Place of origin 
United KingdomSpecifications Length 20.12 m (Standard)
38.41 m (Maxi)Width 7.42 m (Standard)
12.20 m (Maxi)Crew 6 Engine 2X Hydromaster 6cyl diesel @ 75 hp each
150 hp combinedPayload capacity Standard: 120,000 kg
Larger: 198,000 kg
Smaller: 60,000 kgThe Mexeflote is a landing raft used by the British Royal Logistic Corps to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore. It was first used by British military in the 1960s, and remains in use at present (2010). It was used during the Falklands conflict, and has been used in humanitarian aid missions.
Contents
History
The Mexeflote was introduced to the British military in the 1960s,[1] and it subsequently saw service in the Falklands war, in which three units were used,[2] including in Southampton, where they were used in loading the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Navy ships going to the Falklands.[3]
In 1994 the Army ordered an additional 50 units, and in 2000 they upgraded 60 of the rafts.[1] The Mexeflote was used during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, to transport supplies to the remote Haitian village of Anse-à-Veau from RFA Largs Bay.[4]
Currently the rafts are manned by the Royal Logistic Corps and they are largely used by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Bay class landing ships.[2]
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.[5] The Mexeflote is designed in three sizes; the standard size is 20.12 m in length and 7.32 m in width, with a capacity of 60,000 kg.[6] Two larger versions (Maxi-Mexeflote)[1] are available; the 38.41x7.32m combination has a capacity of 120,000 kg; the 38.41x12.20m combination has a capacity of 180,000 kg.[6] Each version has three components; bow, stern, and center, which can be fitted together as required, making the Mexeflote a versatile craft.[5][7] 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.[8]
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.
References
- ^ a b c d Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics, Jane's, 27 April 2009, http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Military-Vehicles-and-Logistics/MEXEFLOTE-multipurpose-pontoon-and-harbour-equipment-United-Kingdom.html, retrieved 2010-05-18
- ^ a b "The Landing Ships and Landing Craft". www.britains-smallwars.com. http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Falklands/HMS-Fearless.htm. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ Puddefoot, Geoff (2009). The Fourth Force. Major Robin H G Barton, MBE. Appendix 4: Seaforth. ISBN 1848320469.
- ^ "RFA Largs Bay delivers aid to isolated Haitian village". www.mod.uk. http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RfaLargsBayDeliversAidToIsolatedHaitianVillage.htm. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ a b "Mexeflote Raft". www.army.mod.uk. http://www.army.mod.uk/rlc/equipment/763.aspx. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ a b "Landing Craft and Assault Boats; Mexeflote". www.army.mod.uk. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20041227193323/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/ab/ab_mex.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
- ^ "What is a Mexeflote". www.thinkdefence.co.uk. http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2010/01/what-is-a-mexeflote/. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "Modular Causeway Systems". www.globalsecurity.org. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/mcs.htm. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
External links
- Mexeflote Raft, British Army Website
- What is a Mexeflote on Think Defence
Categories:- Military vehicles of the United Kingdom
- Amphibious warfare vessels of the British Army
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