Textron Systems Corp., headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been awarded a contract worth $241m to procure LCAC 100 Class material and activities.
This contract is set to usher in maritime innovation as it supports the development of five future ship-to-shore connector landing craft air cushion (LCAC) 100 Class craft.
The contract entails a cost-reimbursable, not-to-exceed agreement, solidifying Textron Systems Corp.’s role in advancing maritime capabilities as they contribute to developing LCAC 100 Class vessels designed to enhance ship-to-shore operations efficiently and precisely.
James Marques, aerospace, defence, and security analyst at GlobalData, claimed: “It’s just important to consider the context LCAC are being bought in, as the US shifts to more operations in the Pacific.
These were likely not a huge priority for delivery until recent years, and LCAC are being designed with the new vehicles the US Marines are buying, like the armoured reconnaissance vehicle in mind. They can deploy amphibious vehicles straight into the water, which can be safer in some contexts.”
The scope of this initiative spans multiple locations, showing the widespread collaboration driving this endeavour. Work will take place across diverse areas; some examples include Gloucester, United Kingdom; Herndon, Virginia; Milford, Ohio; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Completion of this transformative project is anticipated by October 2025.
Funding for this project is drawn from multiple sources. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion, Navy funds amounting to $99.8m (55%), alongside fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion, Navy funds totalling $77.3m (45%), will be allocated at the time of award.
The overarching goal of this contract is to facilitate the procurement of long lead time material and non-recurring activities for up to five Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) class crafts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, based in Washington, DC, serves as the contracting activity, overseeing the execution of this initiative.
As Textron Systems Corp. embarks on this journey, the US maritime industry will see the impact of the LCAC 100 Class vessels, poised to support ship-to-shore operations and elevate the US naval capabilities.
The first of the US Navy’s future ship-to-shore connector craft had completed builder’s trials in October 2019. The LCAC 100 Class completed the trials seven years after Textron received the first contract.
