Landing Craft, Support (Large) – aka the Mighty Midget, the most heavily armed ship size for size in the Navy. ~160x24x6 ft. Multiple 20 mm and 40 mm mounts; plus either 3"/50 or twin 40 mm forward. Fixed-angle launching racks for ripple-firing a ridiculous number of solid rockets for beach assault. Firefighting manifold and monitor forward. Single 1500 pound Danforth with wire rode aft for hauling off the beach and all other anchoring purposes (Dad said riding to that wire rode was very unpleasant). Eight GM ?6-71? engines on two shafts, individual clutches. Max 16 kt, cruise at 12. 5,500 mile range @12 kt.
One item neglected according to Dad was small-calibre stuff that could depress below horizontal. As soon as the suicide boats started coming out the LCSs sprouted ad hoc .50 cal installations.
The present LCS should hang its head in shame.