For forcing landings with hard-hitting units under conditions of modern warfare, the U. S. Navy is being supplied with small boats capable of climbing out of the water onto sloping beaches. The boats, made by Higgins Industries, Inc., carry tanks, heavy trucks or armored cars, together with units of fast moving troops. As a boat strikes shore it lowers the front “gate,” forming a ramp to unload the war vehicle ready for instant action. Some of the boats are constructed of wood and others of metal.