LVT-4 Water Buffalo amphibious vehicle | USA

The LVT-4 Water Buffalo, also known as "Water Buffalo", was another important development in the Landing Vehicle, Tracked (LVT) series. This model differed from its predecessors with improved accessibility and increased capacity, largely thanks to a large tailgate that facilitated loading and unloading of troops and equipment. This feature made the LVT-4 particularly effective in amphibious operations as it allowed for faster offloading of troops directly at the front lines.

Areas of Use: The LVT-4 was used extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, particularly in the large-scale amphibious assaults on the Japanese-occupied islands. He also played a role in the European theaters of war, particularly during the Allied landings in Italy and Normandy.

For which country: Used primarily by the United States, LVT-4s also found use with British and other Allied forces.

Possible uses in tabletop games:

• Bolt Action: Ideal for depicting amphibious landing missions where rapid and efficient unloading of troops is required.
• Flames of War: The LVT-4 can be used as a mechanized transport for infantry in Pacific or European theater scenarios.
• Chain of Command: Offers interesting options for scenarios that emphasize the importance of logistics and rapid troop movement.

Technical data:

• Crew: 3 (driver, commander, machine gunner) + up to 30 infantrymen
• Length: 8.05m
• Width: 3.27 m
• Height: 2.69 m
• Weight: 18.5 tons
• Armor: Up to 12 mm
• Armament: Two 7.62mm machine guns or one .50 cal machine gun
• Engine: Continental 7-cylinder radial petrol engine, 250 hp
• Speed: Up to 40 km/h on land and 12 km/h in water