LCAC 100 project yet to achieve IOC as E-SLEP gets underway
It will be expected that the new SSCs will offer the USN an improved capability to operate in a more contested environment providing ship-to-shore, shore-to-shore and ship-to-ship logistics support. By riding an air cushion LCAC vessels can access 70% of coastlines as they are not affected by tides, surf conditions or beach gradients. (Photo: Textron)
The US Navy’s (USN’s) Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) project that is procuring new Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vessels for its amphibious ships has still to attain an. Meanwhile the Extended-Service Life Extension Programme (E-SLEP) for legacy LCAC vessels is ramping up deliveries.
A total of nine new Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 100-class vessels have been delivered to the US Navy’s (USN) Program Executive Office Ships at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City Beach as part of the the maritime force's Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) project. The Initial Operating Capability (IOC) was due to have been achieved after the delivery of six LCACs to the USN.
‘The SSC program has not yet reached IOC,” a US Navy spokesperson told Shephard, ‘The six craft required to achieve IOC have been received by ACU-4 [Assault Craft Unit 4], and the program is progressing with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
