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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
![Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market]()
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
-
![Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge]()
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.
