The following intelligence report on German amphibious carriers was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 1, June 18, 1942. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMANS EXPERIMENT WITH AMPHIBIOUS CARRIERS Reports have been received that the Germans are experimenting with an amphibious troop carrier. The particulars given are inconclusive but indicate that the vehicle is somewhat similar to the American "Roebling Alligator" Amphibious Troop Carrier. Following are details of this carrier: Length       24' 0" Width       10' 0" Height       12' 0" Speed (roads)       20 m.p.h. Engine       Not visible, but believed to be gas rather than Diesel. Track: Type       Flat plates: Plates appeared thin and light in weight. Width of Track       10" Estimated Capacity       36 fully equipped troops. Two propeller shafts extend through the rear of the body hull. Each shaft is about 30 inches from the sidewall of the vehicle. Each propeller consists of two blades, each about 20 inches long. A rudder, about 24 inches high and 18 inches wide, is attached to the rear of each propeller shaft housing. The sides of the upper part of the hull extend out over the tracks. The lower forward section of the hull curves upward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The entire forward section of the hull presents a blunt appearance. The upper edge of the hull is encircled by a 1 1/2 or 2 inch rope. The bottom of the hull is a flat surface except for the forward end. Ground clearance is estimated to be 26 inches. When first observed, this vehicle was making a 180 degree change in direction, pivoting on the road on one track. (Issue No. 43, C.S.I., G.H.Q., Middle East, Technical Intelligence Summary.)

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