The LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) Higgins boat could hold either a 36-man platoon, a jeep and a 12-man squad, or 8,000 lb (3.6 t) of cargo. Its shallow draft (3 feet aft and 2 feet, 2 inches forward) & clever design that protected the propeller, enabled it to run right up onto the shoreline.
The steel ramp at the front could be lowered quickly allowing troops to swiftly disembark, the boat could then reverse itself off the beach, and head back out to the supply ship for another load within three to four minutes.
Its protection was afforded by two .30cl turrets positioned either side of the helm.
