An artist’s impression of the LCU 1700-class vessel. Credit: Austal.

The US Navy has placed an order for two more Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700-class units with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Austal USA.

The service initially tasked the supplier to produce a detailed design for the 1700 variant in March 2018, after which the Navy ordered three units in September last year, with an option for nine more.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

 This order comes under a contract modification worth $55m, while the cumulative value of the programme for up to 12 vessels comes to $379.7m.

The Navy intends to replace its 32 ageing LCU 1610 units with the latest LCU 1700 fleet.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the modification confirms Austal USA’s successful start to construction of the first LCU vessel for the US Navy and again highlights the steel shipbuilding capability of Austal’s facility in Mobile, Alabama, where the landing craft will be constructed.

See Also:

LCU 1700-class features

Austal’s new generation LCU can be deployed alongside the US Navy’s amphibious assault ships such as the Wasp-class, supporting a wide range of military operations including the transportation of tracked and wheeled vehicles, troops and cargo from ship to shore, shore to shore, and back to the ship.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

These steel-hulled vessels incorporate advanced 3D engineering to reduce weight and increase performance. At full load, the vessels can displace approximately 428 long tonnes. They have a length of 139ft, a beam of 31ft and a draft of 5.3ft. The vessels can maintain a speed of 11 knots and have a range of 1,200 nautical miles at 8kt.

Austal designed the 1700-class to transport military loads such as two M1A1 tanks, 350 troops, 400 people or 170 short tonnes of cargo, enhancing the operational capabilities of marine air-ground task forces and marine expeditionary units.

The vessels have a roll-on/roll-off monohull configuration with hydraulically controlled bow and stern ramps that allow multiple vessels to connect and form a causeway for fast and secure unloading and loading.

Austal USA designed the new class to be transported within, and load/unload from, the well decks of amphibious assault ships, carrying loads up to 3.5m high, above the vessel’s vehicle deck.