ultra heavy-lift amphibious connector (UHAC)

U.S. Marine Corps Designs Crazy-Ass Amphibious Tank

Rob Almeida
Total Views: 304
July 14, 2014

The USMC’s ultra heavy-lift amphibious connector (UHAC, U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda R. Gray/Released

When U.S. Marine Corps steps outside of the box, things tend to get interesting, and indeed they have.

During RIMPAC 2014, a biannual joint military exercise that brings together literally dozens of countries, the Corps unveiled a 1/2 scale concept version of their Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC). Built in Hawaii, this sort of old school, Star Wars-ish, amphibious tank can go places that their LCACs (hovercrafts) simply can’t, while carrying enormous loads.   Instead of steel tracks, it uses a flexible foam-like material which actually helps roll over “unprepared” beachheads and even 10-foot high seawalls.  It can travel at 4 knots through the water.

 Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC)
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg
 Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC)
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg

The full-scale version of this beast is designed to carry three main battle tanks, or in this case, one High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee).

 Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC)
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg

This concept model was designed and built in concert with Honolulu-based R&D firm Navatek, a subsidiary of Pacific Marine.

Here’s some B Roll footage of this thing in action:

Stern view:

The USMC’s amphibious transporter has got nothing on the Canadian Coast Guard’s Arktos however…

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