The U.S. Navy’s amphibious capabilities have received a boost with the delivery of the latest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) from Textron Systems.
The delivery of the 14th SSC hovercraft, following a successful test programme, will help the force provide rapid, over-the-beach transport of heavy payloads of up to 75 tons including personnel, equipment, and weapon systems.
Designed in-house by the Navy, the SSC, also known as the LCAC 100 class, is a next-generation craft designed to replace its existing Landing Cushion Air Cushion LCAC fleet. The SSC is powered by four gas turbine engines, can achieve speeds of 35+ knots, and has an each-way mission range of at least 25 nautical miles.
At about 92ft long, and 48ft wide, it has similar dimensions to the LCAC craft it will replace, meaning it is compatible with the U.S. Navy’s existing well-deck equipped amphibious ships. The SSC will be able to embark aboard and operate with LPD 17, LSD 41, LSD 49, LHA 1, and LHD 1 classes, as well as Expeditionary Transfer Dock vessels.
A total of 73 SSC craft are planned at a projected combined cost of about $4 billion; Textron Systems delivered the first SSC in February 2020.
As per a U.S. Navy press statement, the delivery of the most recent SSC “marks a significant step forward in modernizing the Navy’s fleet for operational demands.”
Angela Bonner, acting programme manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programmes, in Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, commented: “The delivery of LCAC 114 reinforces the urgency needed to deliver amphibious capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team.”
- You can read more details on the U.S. Navy website