NextGEN LCAC — The Navy's newest Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft arrived at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWC PCD) September 2nd 2020. The two craft, LCAC 100 and LCAC 101, were escorted by NSWC PCD's research, development, test and evaluation craft, LCAC 91. This effort is part of the Navy's Ship to Shore Connector Program which calls for the procurement of 72 craft with a separate craft serving as a test and training craft.

The U.S Navy receives a new LCAC hovercraft to enhance its amphibious assault and transportation capabilities

Por

10 June, 2024

Late last month, the U.S Navy took delivery of a new LCAC hovercraft manufactured by Textron Systems, increasing its amphibious deployment capabilities for assault and logistics support operations. The delivery of this platform is part of a contract signed in 2020 for more than $380 million and which stipulates the manufacture of 15 hovercraft for the US Navy, this being the first ship of the series already in the hands of the force.

Captain Jason Grabelle, serving as the program manager for the acquisition of these hovercraft, stated, “This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unmatched amphibious warfare capability, ensuring that we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges (…) The introduction of LCAC 109 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.”

Regarding the LCAC’s specifications, its dimensions are known to be 28 meters in length and 15 meters in beam, displacing approximately 60 to 70 tons in total (capable of carrying, for example, up to an M1 Abrams tank), indicating a high degree of similarity with hovercraft models that have been in service since the 1980s. Each vessel is powered by four Allied-Signal TF-40 gas turbines, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 35 knots at full capacity.

As for its potential armament, the U.S Navy data sheet suggests the integration of two weapon mounts, which can carry M2HB .50 caliber machine guns, M240 7.62mm machine guns, and/or MK-19 MOD3 40mm grenade launchers. Each unit also features a Furuno FAR-2127BB navigation radar, allowing the hovercraft to navigate during operations, with a range of up to 200 nautical miles.

It is worth noting that the .US Navy and Textron have several previous contracts demonstrating their cooperation, such as the delivery of two Beechcraft T-54C training aircraft in April of this year. In line with this, Captain Grabelle also affirmed, “The successful delivery of LCAC 109 is a testament to the strong partnership between the Navy and Textron Systems (…) This advanced craft will significantly enhance our operational capability, providing a critical link in our ability to project power and support joint operations worldwide.”

*Image credits: US Navy