The beast in this video is the Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector – or ‘UHAC’ for short. It’s the latest prototype to be tested out for military use by the US Marines and, should it be commissioned for service, will replace the hovercraft landing vehicles the marines usually use to transport heavier military vehicles from ship to shore. The version in this video, which was tested last year, is a scaled-down, half-sized version of the one that will ultimately be used should the vehicle be given the go ahead by the US military.
The demonstration model is 42 feet long, 26 feet wide, 17 feet high, and weighs in at 38 tons. It can travel across the water at speeds of between 4 and 5 knots. Should the USM commission a full-sized version, it would be capable of carrying up to 190 tons in weight. Unlike the hovercraft-based system the military currently use, the UHAC has the advantage of being on tracks, meaning it can be driven on to the shore and to a designated point without the need to stop and be serviced by unloading equipment. This would make it preferable should the vehicle come under enemy fire.
It is not yet known whether the UHAC will go into service with the Marines, but if it does, it will sure be a hell of a sight!
Check it out:
