A "landing ship tank" (LST) is a military vessel specifically designed for the transportation and deployment of vehicles, troops, and equipment directly onto a beach or other undeveloped areas. It is a multipurpose amphibious vessel that serves as a floating bridge between a ship and land, predominantly used for amphibious warfare operations.
Landing ship tanks are characterized by their large carrying capacity, capable of accommodating numerous vehicles such as tanks, armored personnel carriers, trucks, and other heavy mechanized equipment, as well as a significant number of troops. Typically, they possess a flat deck area, facilitating the easy loading and unloading of cargo. Furthermore, they usually have bow doors or ramps that can open at the front, enabling direct access for vehicles to drive off onto the shore.
These vessels possess a shallow draft, allowing them to enter shallow waters close to the coastline, as well as flexibly navigate through narrow channels and rivers. They utilize their own propulsion systems to reach the desired location, and when it becomes impossible to proceed, they can resort to employing their own landing craft or amphibious vehicles to transfer their cargo and personnel to the shore.
Due to their versatility and ability to transport substantial military assets directly to the coastline, landing ship tanks are vital in conducting amphibious assaults, coastal defense operations, humanitarian missions, and other related military activities. They play a crucial role in facilitating strategic mobility and operational effectiveness in amphibious warfare.
