Australia has asked local shipyards to bid on production of six-eight new landing craft for use by the two LPA amphibious ships. The craft must be light enough for a 70-ton crane to lower them to the water, but must carry at least 35 and preferably 50 tons of personnel, light vehicles, and supplies. The Australians want to be able to land an entire infantry battalion (in two or three lifts) using the landing craft and helicopters from both LPAs.--Stephen V Cole