Mexeflote Explained

Is Vehicle:yes
Is Uk:yes
Origin: United Kingdom
Mexeflote
Type:Landing raft
Length:Standard: 20.12m (66.01feet)
Maxi: 38.41m (126.02feet)
Width:Standard: 7.42m (24.34feet)
Maxi 12.2m (40feet)
Engine:2 x Hydromaster 6cyl diesel at 75 hp each or 2x Thrustmaster OD150N Propulsion Units
Payload Capacity:Standard: 60000kg (130,000lb)
Larger: 120000kg (260,000lb)
Largest: 180000kg (400,000lb)
Crew:6
Engine Power:150 hp combined

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 is very similar to the Rhino ferry.

History

The Mexeflote was introduced to the UK military in the 1960s, and it subsequently saw service in the Falklands War, in which three units were used,[1] including in Southampton, where they were used in loading the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Navy ships going to the Falklands.[2] Mexeflotes were used as causeways between ships in the open ocean, stores were driven between ships over a mexeflote causeway with Fiat Allis forklifts.[3] Sgt Boultby of 17 Port Regiment, RCT was awarded the Military Medal for using his Mexeflote to rescue survivors at Bluff Cove.[4]

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.[5]

In 1994, the Army ordered an additional 50 units, and in 2000 they upgraded 60 of the rafts. The Mexeflote was used during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, to transport supplies to the remote Haitian village of Anse-à-Veau from .[6]

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.[1] As part of the Royal Australian Navy's acquisition of the Bay class ship RFA Largs Bay (renamed for Australian service), two Mexeflotes were also acquired.[7]

Design

Mexeflote is a powered raft (two diesel engines), used to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore when a pier is not available.[8] The Mexeflote is designed in three sizes;

Type Length Width Capacity Ref
Standard size 20.12m (66.01feet) 7.32m (24.02feet) 60000kg (130,000lb) [9]
Larger versions (Maxi-Mexeflote) 38.41m (126.02feet) 7.32m (24.02feet) 120000kg (260,000lb)
38.41m (126.02feet) 12.2m (40feet) 180000kg (400,000lb)

Each version has three components; bow, stern, and centre, which can be fitted together as required, making the Mexeflote a versatile craft.[8] [10] The different sections allow it to be used as a raft, a floating pontoon, or as a causeway from ship to shore.

Mexeflote was the basis for the design of the Modular Elevated Causeway.[11]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Landing Ships and Landing Craft. www.britains-smallwars.com. 24 March 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20091211225924/http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Falklands/HMS-Fearless.htm. 11 December 2009. dead.
  2. Book: Puddefoot, Geoff. Major Robin H G Barton, MBE. The Fourth Force. Seaforth. Appendix 4. 2009. 978-1-84832-046-8.
  3. Web site: Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence.
  4. Web site: Over the Shore Logistics - San Carlos and Beyond - Think Defence.
  5. Book: Jones, Alan . 1984 . Southampton Hall Of Aviation The Aviation Experience . Making of a Museum . 23-25 .
  6. Web site: RFA Largs Bay delivers aid to isolated Haitian village. www.mod.uk. 24 March 2010.
    • News: HMAS Choules commissioned . News . Royal Australian Navy . 21 December 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120830080259/http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Choules_commissioned . 30 August 2012.
  7. Web site: Mexeflote Raft. www.army.mod.uk. 24 March 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090408073807/http://www.army.mod.uk/rlc/equipment/763.aspx. 8 April 2009. dmy-all.
  8. Web site: Landing Craft and Assault Boats; Mexeflote. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20041227193323/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/ab/ab_mex.htm. dead. 27 December 2004. www.army.mod.uk. 18 May 2010.
  9. Web site: What is a Mexeflote. www.thinkdefence.co.uk. 24 March 2010.
  10. Web site: Modular Causeway Systems. www.globalsecurity.org. 24 March 2010.