Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) Craft 100, the US Navy’s next-generation landing craft, completed acceptance trials in December 2019.
During the trials, Craft 100 underwent integrated testing to demonstrate the capability of the fly-by-wire steering, electrical and propulsion systems to successfully meet its basic requirements as a test asset for Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships.
As the replacement for the existing fleet of Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, follow-on SSCs will primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel of the assault elements through tough environmental conditions from the amphibious ships to the beach. The craft can travel at a sustained 35 knots,and has an increased service life of 30 years.
The SSC is constructed at Textron Systems Marine & Land Systems operating unit in New Orleans and are built with similar configurations, dimensions, and clearances to existing LCAC, ensuring the compatibility of this next-generation air cushion vehicle with existing well deck equipped amphibious ships, as well as Expeditionary Transfer Dock and Expeditionary Sea Bases.
Textron Systems expects to deliver SSC Craft 100 in January 2020. There are currently several SSCs in various states of production.
Textron received the first contract for the development and construction of a new generation of LCAC in July 2012.
The SSC program envisions a total of 73 craft for construction, one test and training and 72 operational craft.
