WO2021145781A1

WO2021145781A1 - Amphibious landing craft

Info

Publication number: WO2021145781A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2021/050004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurice John Bryham
Original assignee: Maurice John Bryham
Priority date: 2020-01-17
Filing date: 2021-01-18
Publication date: 2021-07-22

Abstract

The transfer of personal or equipment from a boat to a shoreline is often a difficult task where there is no a wharf structure to use. When it is necessary to transfer the personnel or equipment directly onto a beach, it is often necessary for boat to be moored a short distance from the shoreline, and for the personnel or equipment to be unloaded and either carried over the water, or to be moved through the water for the final few metres to shore. The present invention provides a landing craft with an aft mounted multi-role deployable platform or access ramp. The land craft is ideally an amphibious craft with means to pull the craft at least partly onto, or near the beach, allowing the access ramp to extend onto dry ground to facilitate a quick and dry transfer of personnel and equipment onto the beach.

Description

Amphibious Landing Craft FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an amphibious landing craft, and in particular, but not exclusively to an amphibious landing craft for use in military and commercial landing applications. BACKGROUND

The military have used amphibious landing craft for many decades, the Normandy landings during the second world war perhaps being the first large scale use of such craft. And while there are many large military amphibious landing craft designs, there are few that are designed to support smaller and more covert operations. Landing craft are commonly used to transport personnel and equipment from offshore ships and onto beaches. The beaches will generally have waves, or some degree of surf, that must be encountered and managed by the craft during the critical beach unloading or loading phases. Many existing landing craft are not well designed to cope with traversing the surf zone during this critical phase of an operation. In addition, it can be advantageous to load or unload the landing craft in a manner in which the personnel or equipment do not become submerged in the water, that is, in a way in which they can remain largely free from contact with the water. To do this, it is necessary for the landing craft to get very close to the water's edge, and many landing craft are not able to do this. During the unloading or loading phases it is important to be able to maintain control of the craft relative to the water, and to be able to steady the craft relative to the land. What is needed is a craft that can get very close to the water's edge, and which is designed to cope well with the incoming surf, while at the same time providing a steady platform for the loading or unloading operations. In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

OBJECT

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an amphibious landing craft which will at least go some way towards overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a utility access and loading device for a boat or an amphibious vehicle, the utility access and loading device having;

• a base structure that is configured to be attachable to the structure of the boat or amphibious vehicle and to support the other components of the utility access and loading device,

• a first movable component that is pivotally connected to the base structure, and

• a second movable component that is pivotally connected to the first movable component; the utility access and loading device having a stowed configuration in which the first movable component is aligned in a substantially upright orientation, and the second movable component is in a retracted position and is situated adjacent to the first movable component, and the utility access and loading device forms a part of a transom of the boat or amphibious vehicle; and the utility access and loading device has a range of deployed configurations including a ramp configuration in which the utility access and loading device forms an access ramp providing access onto and off the boat or amphibious vehicle.

Preferably the utility access and loading device forms a part of a transom of the boat or amphibious vehicle when in its stowed configuration. Preferably the utility access and loading device further includes an intermediate member, the intermediate member being a structural member situated between the first movable component and the second movable component, the first movable component and the second movable component each being pivotally connected to the intermediate member.

Preferably both the first movable component and the second movable component each have an upper surface that is generally flat, the upper surface being the surface travelled over when the utility loading device is used as an access ramp.

Preferably the upper surface of the first movable component and of the second movable component is a ribbed surface.

Preferable the ribs of the ribbed surfaces are transverse ribs protruding from the upper surfaces, for example ribs made from box section or top hat section metal extrusions attached to a sheet material of the upper surfaces.

Preferably the upper surface of at least the second movable component includes one or more slots or cutaway sections.

Preferably the upper surface of at least the second movable component includes hand holds.

Preferably the upper surface of at least the second movable component includes a plurality of ladder rungs.

Preferably the handholds are formed where the material forming the ribs traverses a slot or a cutaway section of the upper surface.

Preferably the utility access and loading device includes powered actuators configured to control the movement of the first movable component and the second movable component relative to one another, and relative to the base structure.

Preferably the powered actuators are linear actuators, for example hydraulic cylinders or electrical linear actuators.

Preferably the utility access and loading device includes a first actuator, or a first set of actuators, configured to move the first movable component relative to the base structure. Preferably the utility access and loading device includes a second actuator, or set of actuators, configured to move the second movable component relative to the first movable component.

Preferably the utility access and loading device includes a third actuator, or set of actuators, configured to move the second movable component relative to the intermediate member.

Preferably the intermediate member extends in a transverse direction relative to the assembled first and second movable components, and the intermediate member provides three parallel pivot axes; a first pivot axis providing a pivoting joint between the first movable component and the intermediate member, a second pivot axis providing a pivoting joint between the second movable component and the intermediate member, and a third pivot axis providing a pivoting joint between the second actuator or set of actuators and the third actuator or set of actuators and the intermediate member.

Preferably the intermediate member has a substantially "Y" shaped profile when viewed end on, with each one of the three pivot axes being situated adjacent to an extremity of the "Y" shaped profile.

Preferably the assembled structure comprising the first movable component, the second movable component, the intermediate member, the second actuator or set of actuators and the third actuator or set of actuators forms a trussed bridge structure when the utility access and loading device is extended.

Preferably the intermediate member forms a compression strut of the trussed bridge structure.

Preferably the utility access and loading device includes a fourth pivot axis where the first movable component pivots relative to the base structure.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in an amphibious landing craft, the amphibious landing craft incorporating at least one utility access and loading device substantially as specified herein. Preferably the amphibious landing craft has a hull with a bow and a stem, and has land engagement means configured to allow the amphibious landing craft to travel over land.

Preferably the hull includes a vee-shaped hull bottom.

Preferably the hull includes a raked bow. Preferably the amphibious landing craft has two aft land engagement means situated at or adjacent a stem of the hull.

Preferably the two aft land engagement means are attached to the transom of the amphibious landing craft.

Preferably the amphibious landing craft includes a stem mounted marine drive system. Preferably the stem mounted marine drive system includes a steerable jet propulsion unit.

Preferably the amphibious landing craft has at least one forward land engagement means situated at or adjacent the bow of the hull.

Preferably each of the land engagement means includes a wheel.

Preferably at least two of the land engagement means are powered to enable powered locomotion over land .

Preferably at least one of the land engagement means is steerable.

Preferably each of the land engagement means is retractable.

Preferably each of the land engagement means includes a movable leg, with each movable leg being pivotally connected at an upper end to the hull, and with each movable leg being movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in an amphibious landing craft, the amphibious landing craft having a hull with a bow and a stem, and having land engagement means configured to allow the amphibious landing craft to travel over land, a transom section of the stem of the hull of the landing craft including an extendable loading ramp, the extendable loading ramp being movable between a stowed or retracted position and an extended or deployed position.

Preferably the extendable loading ramp has a hinged connection to the hull at a level that is the same as, or which is adjacent, to the level of a deck of the amphibious landing craft. Preferably the extendable loading ramp forms a part of the transom of the hull when the extendable loading ramp is in its retracted position.

Preferably the extendable loading ramp is moved to and between its stowed and deployed positions by one or more powered actuators.

Preferably the extendable loading ramp includes the features of the utility access and loading device for a boat or an amphibious vehicle specified herein.

Preferably the hull includes a vee-shaped hull bottom.

Preferably the hull includes a raked bow.

Preferably the amphibious landing craft has two aft land engagement means situated at or adjacent a stem of the hull. Preferably the two aft land engagement means are attached to the transom of the amphibious landing craft.

Preferably the amphibious landing craft includes a stem mounted marine drive system.

Preferably the stem mounted marine drive system includes a steerable jet propulsion unit.

Optionally the loading ramp includes more than one ramp section, with each ramp section having a hinged connection to the or each adjacent ramp section.

Preferably each of the land engagement means includes a wheel. Preferably at least two of the land engagement means are powered to enable powered locomotion over land.

Preferably at least one of the land engagement means is steerable.

Preferably each of the land engagement means is retractable. Preferably each of the land engagement means includes a movable leg, with each movable leg being pivotally connected at an upper end to the hull, and with each movable leg being movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

DESCRIPTION

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an amphibious landing craft according to the present invention,

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a utility access and loading device of the amphibious landing craft, shown in a stowed configuration,

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of the utility access and loading device,

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a ramp,

FIGURE 5 is a side view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a ramp, FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a platform,

FIGURE 7 is a side view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a platform,

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a diving access platform,

FIGURE 9 is a side view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a diving access platform,

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a lifting device,

FIGURE 11 is a side view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a lifting device,

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a crane, and

FIGURE 13 is a side view showing the utility access and loading device in use as a crane.

With reference to Figures 1 to 5, an amphibious landing craft (11) according to the present invention will now be described. The amphibious landing craft (11) has been designed primarily for use in military applications, for example, landing a person or a small team of military personnel, along with transportation and equipment, onto a beach. The transportation deposited by the amphibious landing craft (11) may include motorbikes or quad bikes for example. It is envisaged that the amphibious landing craft (11) could have a wide range of uses, for example landing conservation workers and a quad bike onto a remote island to help conservation activities.

The amphibious landing craft (11) has a hull (13) with a bow (15) and a stem (17). The amphibious landing craft (11) also includes land engagement means in the form of retractable legs (19), and in this example the amphibious landing craft (11) has two rear wheels (21) and a single front wheel (22) that are configured to enable the amphibious landing craft (11) to travel over land.

A transom section (23) of the stem (17) includes a utility access and loading device (25). The utility access and loading device (25) is movable between a stowed or retracted position and an extended or deployed position. The utility access and loading device (25) is structurally attached to the hull (13). In this example, the structural attachment includes the use of two attachment fittings (27) that form a base structure (29) of the utility access and loading device (25).

The attachment fittings (27) provide a hinged connection at a level that is the same as, or which is adjacent to, the level of a deck (31) of the amphibious landing craft (11).

The utility access and loading device (25) forms a part of the transom (23) when the utility access and loading device is in its retracted configuration. The utility access and loading device (25) is moved to and between its stowed and deployed configurations by powered actuators. In Figures 2 and 3, the utility access and loading device (25) is shown in its retracted configuration, and in Figures 4 and 5, the utility access and loading device (25) is shown in one of its deployed configurations.

The hull design includes a raked bow (15) and a vee-shaped hull bottom, with the vee shaping extending to the forward tip of the bow (15). This hull shape enables the amphibious landing craft (11) to be controllable in surf conditions, when the stem (17) of the craft (11) is backed onto a beach. The vee-shape of the hull (13) also allows fast travel through rough seas as it is a planing hull.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the amphibious landing craft (11) has two rear retractable legs (19) situated on, and are attached to, the transom (23), at the stem of the hull (13). The amphibious landing craft (11) has one forward retractable leg (19) situated on, and attached to, the bow (15).

And while it is not shown, the amphibious landing craft (11) includes a stem mounted marine drive system in the form of a steerable jet propulsion unit (35). The use of a jet propulsion unit (35) is considered advantageous in that the motomnit is relatively small in size and fits neatly under the hinged loading ramp (25). The steerable jet propulsion unit (35) can also be used in relatively shallow water, making it an ideal propulsion system for an amphibious vehicle that is to be used as a landing craft, particularly where the loading ramp, or utility access and loading device (25), is situated at the stem of the vehicle where the propulsion unit is also situated.

The two rear wheels (21) are powered using hub mounted electric or hydraulic motors (37). The rear powered wheels (21) enable powered locomotion over land, but they also help the craft (11) to position itself, and to be stabilised when loading or unloading personnel or equipment on a beach. The powered wheels (21) help the craft (11) to pull itself further out of the water, and help to anchor the stem (17) the craft relative to the beach. A front wheel (22) is also be a powered wheel, allowing the craft (11) to exit the water in a forward direction also.

As noted above, the each of the land engagement means is retractable and includes a movable leg (19). Each movable leg (19) is pivotally connected at an upper end to the hull (13), and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When each leg (19) is situated in its retracted position, its associated wheel (21) or (22) is positioned above a waterline of the hull when the craft (11) is planing on water.

The amphibious landing craft (11) has a conveniently located control console (33) positioned forward of a relatively clear cargo deck (31). In this way the deck (31) can be used to transport all-terrain vehicles such as motor bikes or quad bikes, and these vehicles can quickly and easily exit the craft (11) via the utility access and loading device (25).

With reference to Figures 2 to 4 in particular, it can be seen that the utility access and loading device (25) includes a base structure (29) that is configured to be attachable to the structure of the amphibious vehicle (11) and to support the other components of the utility access and loading device (25). In this case, the base structure (29) comprises two attachment fittings (27) in the form of box-like members, one box-like structure being attached to each side of the stem (17) of the vehicle (11).

The utility access and loading device (25) also includes a first movable component (39) that is pivotally connected to the base stmcture (29), and a second movable component (41) that is pivotally connected to the first movable component (39). Both the first movable component (39) and the second movable component (41) are in the form of a small rectangular platform or deck structure, each having dimensions of approximately one to one and a half metres from front to back, and approximately one and a half to two metres wide.

The utility access and loading device (25) has a stowed configuration (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) in which the first movable component (39) is aligned in a substantially upright orientation, and the second movable component (41) is in a retracted position and is situated immediately adjacent the first movable component (39). In this example, the utility access and loading device (25) forms a part of the transom (23) of the amphibious vehicle (11).

The utility access and loading device (25) has a range of deployed configurations including a ramp configuration (as shown in Figures 4 and 5) in which the utility access and loading devices forms an access ramp providing access onto and off the amphibious vehicle (11).

The utility access and loading device (25) further includes an intermediate member (43), the intermediate member being a structural member situated between and below the first movable component (39) and the second movable component (41). The first movable component (39) and the second movable component (41) are each pivotally connected to the intermediate member (43).

In this example, both the first movable component (39) and the second movable component (41) each have an upper surface (45) that is generally flat and is made of sheet aluminium. The sheet material is stiffened by an array of flanges (46) that are fastened to, and extend below the sheet material. While the upper surface (45) is generally flat, in a more detailed aspect, it can be seen that the upper surface is a ribbed surface. The upper surface (45) is the surface travelled over when the utility access and loading device (25) is used as an access ramp.

The ribs of the ribbed surfaces are transverse ribs (47) protruding from the upper surfaces (45), and in this example are in the form of ribs made from box section or top hat section metal extrusions attached to the sheet material of the upper surfaces (45).

The upper surfaces (45) of the first and second movable components (39) and (41) each include a slot (49) or a cutaway section. The slots (49) are approximately thirty centimetres wide and extend almost from the front edge of each upper surface (45) to the rear edge. The combination of the slots (49) and the ribs (47) creates hand holds (51) or ladder rungs that are useful in certain applications of the utility access and loading device (25) as will be explained below. The handholds are formed where the material forming the ribs (47) traverses the slots (49).

The utility access and loading device (25) includes powered actuators configured to control the movement of the first movable component (39) and the second movable component (41) relative to one another, and relative to the base structure (29). The powered actuators are linear actuators, for example hydraulic cylinders or electrical linear actuators.

A pair of first actuators (53) are configured to move the first movable component relative to the base structure (29). Each of the first actuators (53) is situated within one of the box like members that form the base structure (29). A second actuator (55) is configured to move the second movable component (41) relative to the first movable component (39).

The intermediate member (43) extends in a transverse direction relative to the assembled first and second movable components (39) and (41), and the intermediate member (43) provides three parallel pivot axes; a first pivot axis (57) providing a pivoting joint between the first movable component (39) and the intermediate member (43), a second pivot axis (61) providing a pivoting joint between the second movable component (41) and the intermediate member (43), and a third pivot axis (63) providing a pivoting joint between the second actuator (55) and a third actuator (65) and the intermediate member (43).

The intermediate member (43) has a substantially "Y" shaped profile when viewed end on, with each one of the three pivot axes (57), (61) and (63) being situated adjacent to a different one of the three extremities of the Ύ" shaped profile. The third pivot axis (63) is situated adjacent to the extremity at the bottom of the Ύ" shaped profile.

The third actuator (65) is connected at one end to the intermediate member (43), and at its other end to the second movable component (41), and is configured to move the second movable component (41) relative to the intermediate member (43) about the second pivot axis (61).

The second actuator (55) is attached at one end to the first movable component (39), and its other end to the intermediate member (43). And since the intermediate member (43) is connected to the second movable component (41) via the third actuator (65), extension or contraction of the second actuator (55) causes the second movable component (41) to move relative to the first movable component (39) about the first pivot axis (57).

The assembled structure comprising the first movable component (39), the second movable component (41), the intermediate member (43), the second actuator (55) and the third actuator (65) forms a trussed bridge structure when the utility access and loading device (25) is extended. The intermediate member (43) forms a compression strut of the trussed bridge structure, and the second and third actuators (55) and (65) form tension tie members of the bridge structure.

The utility access and loading device (25) also includes a fourth pivot axis (67) where the first movable component (39) pivots relative to the base structure (29). Each of the first actuators (53) is connected at one end to the base structure (29) and at their other end to the first movable member (39), and the first actuators (53) cause the first movable component (39) to move relative to the base structure (29) about the fourth pivot axis (67).

In Figures 2 and 3 the utility access and loading device (25) is shown in a stowed or retracted configuration, and in figures 3 and 4, the utility access and loading device (25) is shown fully extended and deployed as a loading or access ramp.

As noted above, the utility access and loading device (25) has a range of deployed configurations. A number of the other configurations are noted below;

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, it can be seen that the utility access and loading device (25) can be deployed as a platform. In this configuration both the first and the second movable components (39) and (41) are aligned in a horizontal plane. The platform that is created is generally level with the deck (31) and can be used as a useful extension of the deck when the amphibious vehicle (11) is out on the water, and is being used a diving platform etc.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the utility access and loading device (25) is shown deployed as a combination deck extension and ladder. In this configuration the second movable component (41) is oriented in avertical plane, and the handholds (51) form a useful ladder to assist divers exiting the water. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the utility access and loading device (25) is shown deployed as a lifting mechanism. In this case, the first movable component (39) is angled downwards, and the second movable component (41) is aligned horizontally. In this way a load can be placed onto the second movable component (41), and the first actuator (53) can be used to raise the load upwards to allow the load to be moved onto the deck (31), or to be raised a little higher than the deck (31).

With reference to Figures 12 and 13, the utility access and loading device (25) is shown deployed as a crane. In such a configuration a load can be slung under from the free and of the second movable component (41) and can be raised or lowered using the action of the first actuator (53). In this example the bridge structure described above is used to form the boom or lifting beam of a crane.

VARIATIONS

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

In the example shown and described herein, the utility access and loading device is fitted to an amphibious vehicle in the form of a boat hull with retractable legs and wheels. It is envisaged that the utility access and loading device could be fitted to other boats where one or more of the design features of the device could be used to advantage.

In the example shown and described herein, the ground engagement means of the amphibious vehicle includes wheels. It is envisaged that in an alternative embodiment the ground engagement means could be tracks or skis.

The example shown and described herein includes a single hull vehicle. It is envisaged that the utility access and loading device could be used on multihull vehicles, for example on a catamaran vehicle. In such an example the utility access and loading device could be positioned between the two hulls and provide access to a load deck that is also situated between the hulls. DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

ADVANTAGES

Thus, it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides a utility access and loading device that can be used on boats or amphibious vehicles, and which provides the following advantages; · It provides a retractable ramp assembly for ease of access into and out of the vehicle,

• It provides a platform to increase deck space, or an access platform for divers,

• It provides a lifting or crane action to assist loading operations, or to raise an object.

Also, it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides an amphibious landing craft which provides at least some of the following advantages; · The craft has a hull that is design to cope well with incoming surf during loading and unloading operations,

• The craft has a conveniently located loading ramp that allows equipment to be transferred onto or from an aft deck area, and

The craft includes extendable legs that can be used to stabilise the stem of the craft during loading and unloading operations.

Claims

1. A utility access and loading device for a boat or an amphibious vehicle, the utility access and loading device having;

2. The utility access and loading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility access and loading device forms a part of a transom of the boat or amphibious vehicle when in its stowed configuration.

3. The utility access and loading device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the utility access and loading device further includes an intermediate member, the intermediate member being a structural member situated between the first movable component and the second movable component, the first movable component and the second movable component each being pivotally connected to the intermediate member.

4. The utility access and loading device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both the first movable component and the second movable component each have an upper surface that is generally flat, the upper surface being the surface travelled over when the utility loading device is used as an access ramp.

5. The utility access and loading device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the upper surface of the first movable component and of the second movable component is a ribbed surface.

6. The utility access and loading device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the upper surface of at least the second movable component includes one or more slots or cutaway sections.

7. The utility access and loading device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the upper surface of at least the second movable component includes hand holds.

8. The utility access and loading device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the utility access and loading device includes powered actuators configured to control the movement of the first movable component and the second movable component relative to one another, and relative to the base structure; · a first actuator, or a first set of actuators, configured to move the first movable component relative to the base structure, and • a second actuator, or set of actuators, configured to move the second movable component relative to the first movable component.

9. The utility access and loading device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the utility access and loading device includes a third actuator, or set of actuators, configured to move the second movable component relative to the intermediate member.

10. The utility access and loading device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the intermediate member extends in a transverse direction relative to the assembled first and second movable components, and the intermediate member provides three parallel pivot axes; a first pivot axis providing a pivoting joint between the first movable component and the intermediate member, a second pivot axis providing a pivoting joint between the second movable component and the intermediate member, and a third pivot axis providing a pivoting joint between the second actuator or set of actuators and the third actuator or set of actuators and the intermediate member.

11. An amphibious landing craft, the amphibious landing craft incorporating at least one utility access and loading device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in claim 11, wherein the amphibious landing craft has a hull with a bow and a stem, and has land engagement means configured to allow the amphibious landing craft to travel over land.

13. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in claim 12, wherein the hull includes a vee-shaped hull bottom, and the hull includes a raked bow.

14. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the amphibious landing craft has two aft land engagement means situated at or adjacent a stem of the hull.

15. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in claim 14, wherein the two aft land engagement means are attached to the transom of the amphibious landing craft.

16. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the amphibious landing craft includes a stem mounted marine drive system.

17. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in claim 16, wherein the stem mounted marine drive system includes a steerable jet propulsion unit.

18. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the amphibious landing craft has at least one forward land engagement means situated at or adjacent the bow of the hull.

19. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein each of the land engagement means includes a wheel.

20. The amphibious landing craft as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein at least two of the land engagement means are powered to enable powered locomotion over land.