| The LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) was a class of amphibious vehicles designed for the U.S. Military during WWII. The original idea was for a cargo carrier from ship to shore. It wasn’t long before it evolved into a troop carrier and a fire support vehicle. After Tarawa the LTV(A) -1 and LVT(A)-4s were developed into Amtanks with the addition of more armor and heavy fire power. This variant was based on the LVT-2 but with a 6 to 12 mm hull. The LVT(A)-1 was given a turret almost identical to that of the M3 Stuart Light Tank along with other fire-power. The USMC was known to replace the 37 mm gun with an E7 flamethrower. The main purpose of this vehicle was to provide fire-support during contested beach landings. Specifications for the LTV(A)-1 armored version dubbed Amtank First accepted – 1944 Total accepted – 509 Crew – 6 Engine – Continental W-670-9A / 7 cylinder, radial gasoline Transmission – Synchromesh 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse Armament 37 mm M6 gun in turret, 104 rounds .30 cal M1919A5 machine gun co-axial to 37 mm gun, 2,000 rounds 2 x .30 cal M1919A5 machine guns behind turret, 4,000 Dimensions Length – 313” Width – 128” Height – 121” Ground clearance – 18” Combat weight – 32,800 lbs Performance Maximum level road speed – 25 mph Maximum water speed 7 mph Cruising range (land) – 125 miles Cruising range (water) – 75 miles |
| Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4403 LVT(A)- 1 Saipan, 1944 "Blue Beach 1" |