The Mexeflote is a landing raft used by the United Kingdom's Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Australian Navy to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore. It was first used by British military in the 1960s. It was used during the Falklands War, and has been used in humanitarian aid missions. The system was developed from the earlier to the Rhino ferry. The Mexeflote is named after the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment (MEXE) in the UK where it was designed,[1] in conjunction with the neologism "flote" instead of float.
| Mexeflote | |
|---|---|
 A Mexeflote raft | |
| Type | Landing raft |
| Place of origin |  United Kingdom |
| Specifications | |
| Length | Standard: 20.12 m (66.0 ft) Maxi: 38.41 m (126.0 ft) |
| Width | Standard: 7.42 m (24.3 ft) Maxi 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
| Crew | 6 |
| Engine | 2 x Hydromaster 6cyl diesel at 75 hp each or 2x Thrustmaster OD150N Propulsion Units 150 hp combined |
| Payload capacity | Standard: 60,000 kg (130,000 lb) Larger: 120,000 kg (260,000 lb) Largest: 180,000 kg (400,000 lb) |
History
editThe Mexeflote was introduced to the UK military in the 1960s,[2] and it subsequently saw service in the Falklands War, in which three units were used,[3] including in Southampton, where they were used in loading the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Navy ships going to the Falklands.[4] Mexeflotes were used as causeways between ships in the open ocean, stores were driven between ships over a mexeflote causeway with Fiat Allis forklifts.[5] Sgt Boultby of 17 Port Regiment, RCT was awarded the Military Medal for using his Mexeflote to rescue survivors at Bluff Cove.[6]
In February 1983 a Mexeflote was used to move a Short Sandringham flying boat from Lee-on-Solent to Southampton docks from where it would then be moved to Southampton Hall of Aviation which was then under construction.[7]
In 1994, the Army ordered an additional 50 units, and in 2000 they upgraded 60 of the rafts.[2] The Mexeflote was used during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, to transport supplies to the remote Haitian village of Anse-à-Veau from RFA Largs Bay.[8]
Currently the rafts are crewed by the Royal Logistic Corps and they are largely used by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Bay class landing ships.[3] As part of the Royal Australian Navy's acquisition of the Bay class ship RFA Largs Bay (renamed HMAS Choules for Australian service), two Mexeflotes were also acquired.[9]
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A Mexeflote suspended from the starboard flank of HMAS Choules -
RFA Lyme Bay (L3007) with a Mexeflote on its port side -
Mexeflote transporting disaster relief teams ashore from RFA Lyme Bay -
Royal Logistics Corps Mexflote arrives in Anguilla -
Mexifloat unloading on the beach at Grand Tuck with heavy plant for use in the rebuild after the hurricane
Design
editMexeflote is a powered raft (two diesel engines), used to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore when a pier is not available.[10] The Mexeflote is designed in three sizes;
| Type | Length | Width | Capacity | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard size | 20.12 m (66.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 60,000 kg (130,000 lb) | [11] |
| Larger versions (Maxi-Mexeflote)[2] | 38.41 m (126.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 120,000 kg (260,000 lb) | [11] |
| 38.41 m (126.0 ft) | 12.2 m (40 ft) | 180,000 kg (400,000 lb) | [11] |
Each version has three components; bow, stern, and centre, which can be fitted together as required, making the Mexeflote a versatile craft.[10][12] The different sections allow it to be used as a raft, a floating pontoon, or as a causeway from ship to shore.[2]
Mexeflote was the basis for the design of the Modular Elevated Causeway.[13]
References
edit- ^ Thinkdefence: Replacing the Mexeflote
- ^ a b c d "Tactical floating bridges and ferries", Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics, Jane's, 27 April 2009, retrieved 18 May 2010
- ^ a b "The Landing Ships and Landing Craft". www.britains-smallwars.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ Puddefoot, Geoff (2009). "Appendix 4". The Fourth Force. Major Robin H G Barton, MBE. Seaforth. ISBN 978-1-84832-046-8.
- ^ "Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence".
- ^ "Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence".
- ^ Jones, Alan (1984). "Making of a Museum". Southampton Hall Of Aviation The Aviation Experience. pp. 23–25.
- ^ "RFA Largs Bay delivers aid to isolated Haitian village". www.mod.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ *"HMAS Choules commissioned". News. Royal Australian Navy. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
- ^ a b "Mexeflote Raft". www.army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 8 April 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ a b c "Landing Craft and Assault Boats; Mexeflote". www.army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 27 December 2004. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
- ^ "What is a Mexeflote". www.thinkdefence.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "Modular Causeway Systems". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
Further reading
edit
- Operational Testing of the Mexeflote Lashing and Launching System for Pontoon Causeways. - August 1970. Billie R. Karrh; James J. Traffalis; Naval Civil Engineering Lab.