Other titles:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS AND TRAINING UNIT, ROYAL MARINES [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Trials and demonstration of a navy lightered (NL) walking pontoon barge, constructed at the NABD (Naval Advance Base Depot) Proving Grounds at Port Hueneme, California; trials took place during April and May 1947. The barge is a platform with two linked pontoons on either side of a third, mobile, pontoon, which rises up by 17-inches and propels the barge ten feet forward with every "step".
Description: "First Trial" The barge is seen "walking" across flat land on the edge of a marshy area.
"Barge Under Way. Note Propeller and Rudder Well" Close-ups show the barge's propeller, for use when in amphibious mode, inside the central pontoon. The barge (with a number of men standing on board) then "walks" into the water.
"Under Way in Port Hueneme Harbor" The barge in amphibious mode, being propelled through the water. The barge briefly docks before return in to the beach and "walking" out of the water.
"Second Trial Run" Senior naval officers are on board, including a Rear Admiral.
"Third Trial Run Point Mugu" The barge makes its way over sand and returns over a five-foot embankment; it initially seems to get stuck but then manages to propel itself upward safely.
"Port Steering Squid in Operation for Turning Barge" A demonstration of the barges (limited) capability to turn.
"Fourth Trial Run on Beach and Sand. Starboard Steering Spud in Operation" The barge enters mud flats; it sinks deeply into the mud but continues moving. A trail is gouged through the mud. The barge re-enters the surf and heads back to Port Hueneme.
Alternative Title:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS AND TRAINING UNIT, ROYAL MARINES [Allocated Series Title]
