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Most of the initial generation of the US Navy’s brown water force for VietNam were based on modified LCM6 craft. The second generation was to include purpose designed ships and capabilities improvements. The primary criticisms of the LCM6 based craft was high draft (>4 feet), low speed (<8 knots), vulnerability to mines and >12.7mm rounds and low manoeuvrability and seakeeping.
The late 1966 requirement for the ASPB Mk 2 [Assault Support Patrol Boat] was a max speed of 25 knots, range of 250 NM (while cruising 15-20 knots) and the same dimensions as the ASPB Mk 1. The additional speed was so it could tow a chain sweep in fast flowing rivers and tides. Proposals were received by the end of June 67 and orders for prototypes awarded to Sikorsky June 12, 68 and Sewart (Teledyne) June 28, 1968. Both vessels passed their operational evaluations and were declared surplus in 1980. The Sikorsky boat was appreciated for the firepower of the 105mm howitzer but had serious mechanical problems. The Sewart boat had a Navy 81mm mortar in a well right at the bow for bunker busting. It had three Mk 48 turrets each with a 40mm Bofors gun from the AC-130 Spectre gunship. The Sikorsky boat only had a single Mk 48 turret in the bow. The production plan for the ASPB Mk 2 was service prototype deliver in 12/68 with approval by 4/69. Contract signing in 7/69 for first deliveries in 3/70 and continuing at a rate of four per month for two years. Cost was estimated at $800,000 per unit and it looks like both Sikorsky and Sewart were to receive contracts to meet the demand.
The late 1966 requirement for the ASPB Mk 2 [Assault Support Patrol Boat] was a max speed of 25 knots, range of 250 NM (while cruising 15-20 knots) and the same dimensions as the ASPB Mk 1. The additional speed was so it could tow a chain sweep in fast flowing rivers and tides. Proposals were received by the end of June 67 and orders for prototypes awarded to Sikorsky June 12, 68 and Sewart (Teledyne) June 28, 1968. Both vessels passed their operational evaluations and were declared surplus in 1980. The Sikorsky boat was appreciated for the firepower of the 105mm howitzer but had serious mechanical problems. The Sewart boat had a Navy 81mm mortar in a well right at the bow for bunker busting. It had three Mk 48 turrets each with a 40mm Bofors gun from the AC-130 Spectre gunship. The Sikorsky boat only had a single Mk 48 turret in the bow. The production plan for the ASPB Mk 2 was service prototype deliver in 12/68 with approval by 4/69. Contract signing in 7/69 for first deliveries in 3/70 and continuing at a rate of four per month for two years. Cost was estimated at $800,000 per unit and it looks like both Sikorsky and Sewart were to receive contracts to meet the demand.
