US Navy takes receipt of next-generation landing craft
The SSC LCAC 108 recently passed US Navy readiness and capability tests. (Photo: Textron Systems)
The SSC LCAC 108 will replace legacy LCACs currently used by the US Navy and Marine Corps.
The US Navy has accepted delivery of a Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 108 from Textron Systems following the completion of acceptance trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.
The SSC LCAC 108 undertook a series of readiness and capability tests to ensure it could meet the requirements set out by the US Navy, with delivery representing the official transfer of the ship to the US Navy.
Similar in size and dimension to the legacy LCACs they will replace, the next generation LCACs have been designed to be compatible with existing, well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock.
Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs for the Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, commented: ‘These next-generation craft provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with essential agility and speed to complete their missions.
‘SSC provides the fleet with agility and speed to assist with current and future mission requirements,’ he added.
LCACs can carry payloads of between 60–75 tons and have been used to transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo and assault element personnel over-the-beach, as well as in other battle environments and conditions.
Textron Systems also confirmed it was in ‘serial production’ on LCACs 109-120.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme]()
The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is edging toward an India submarine deal, but an unverified claim of a radically new hull design – at odds with the proven lineage it has marketed to Canada – has yet to be resolved.
-
![Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition]()
Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition
The decision points to deepening NATO cooperation and mounting competition in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as Canada opts for a European-designed solution despite interest from South Korea.
-
![UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets]()
UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets
The Royal Navy’s transition towards a hybrid fleet could prove to be less about building more hulls and more about delivering the autonomous technologies, AI and digital integration that will support future maritime operations.
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
