The typical surface-to-surface assault practiced in the late 1980s has varied only a little from the World War II models. In this 'classical case,' several waves of amphibious assault vehicles containing infantry in tracked vehicles (e.g., the LVTP-7) attack a beachhead. The landing ships (Landing Ship Tank/Landing Ship Dock/Landing Platform Dock) launch these amphibious vehicles from close offshore, and the initial waves of LTVPs are closely followed by waves of landing crafts, usually LCUs and LCMs, transporting tanks and artillery. The workhorse of the conventional landing, the LVPT-7, has a water borne speed of about 6-11 miles per hour. As launch distances are generally restricted to 4,000 yards (2 nautical miles) from the beach, transit takes about 20 minutes which could be a life time in a high threat environment.
)
)
)
