an abbreviation for LandingCraft, Mechanized, a designation for a type of landingcraft capable of transporting wheeled vehicles, tanks or troops from assault ships to the shore. They are ruggedly built with heavy steelplates and powerful engines, armed with machine guns and have a motorized ramp in the front that can be lowered for loading and unloading. Their use in amphibious assaults dates from World War II (1939-1945).