USN hovercraft programme steers past rocky waters
The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) programme cleared a major hurdle in April, when the USN awarded Textron a $386 million contract for a new batch of production vehicles.
This clears the way to extend manufacturing of the new combat hovercraft until 2025 and execute orders originally expected as far back as 2017.
The contract for Textron covers construction of 15 new SSC craft - officially called Landing Craft, Air Cushion 100 Class – arrived after design and test issues that have hampered the schedule of the modernisation project.
‘As the programme continues to move forward with delivering these important capabilities to the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?