The craft was designed by the Navy's Bureau of Construction and Repair and the initial production contract was let to the American Car & Foundry Company.

Constructed of steel, this shallow-draft, barge-like boat could ferry a small armored vehicle to shore at 7.5 knots (17 km/h).

The craft was generally carried on the deck of a transport ship and then lowered into the water, a few miles from its objective, by crane or derrick.

As early as 1930, the United States Marine Corps was interested in landing tankettes on beaches along with assaulting infantry.

The Navy's Bureau of Construction and Repair produced a 45-foot lighter capable of carrying the 15 ton Army model tank the Marines anticipated using.