VESSEL REVIEW | ASC 1 – Beaching logistics craft prototype for US Marine Corps
The US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) has completed technical acceptance of ASC 1, the first of two ancillary surface craft (ASC) prototypes designed by Birdon to land troops, vehicles and fuel directly onto unimproved beaches in the Indo-Pacific.
The roughly 150-foot (46-metre) Ro-Ro craft is intended to cover what the US Marine Corps calls the "last tactical mile" in support of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. The MCWL said it will be organic to the marine corps and operated by the units it supports.
The ASC is intended to work alongside the larger medium landing ship, which will transport forces between islands. From there, the smaller craft will deliver cargo to unimproved and unsurveyed shorelines with shallow gradients that larger vessels cannot access.
Together, the two vessels would give a stand-in force a route from an intermediate staging base to the beach without relying on a port, pier or causeway.
The MCWL said the ASC can carry up to 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded marines. The intended loads include tactical vehicles from three classes—ultra-light, light and medium—as well as all classes of supply for dispersed forces.
Birdon said the modular cargo deck can take vehicles or powered containers, and that the design can carry an optional eight tons of fuel with rapid discharge ashore. The fuel system can also transfer fuel to other vessels.
ASC 1 has a beam of 30 feet (nine metres) and waterjet propulsion, which will enable the vessel to turn within its own length. Its draught is approximately 4.5 feet (1.4 metres).
The MCWL said the acceptance process validated full operation in Sea State five, with the craft designed to survive Sea State seven. The ASC can make oceanic transits on its own and self-deploy, rather than perform short-range shuttle work from a mothership.
Ultra-shallow water capability not available on existing vessels
The craft can beach bow-first over a bow ramp. According to Birdon, it can come ashore and withdraw on beach slopes too shallow for existing landing craft. A forward-looking sonar can detect obstacles and gauge the beach slope before the vessel reaches shore.
"By exploring the ASC's traditional bow-first beaching physics alongside other experimental platforms, we are actively reducing programmatic risk and perfecting the requirements for the future naval fleet," said Colonel Kenny Jones, Director of the MCWL's Science and Technology Division.
Birdon's design includes digital systems for control and monitoring, based on its US Army and Coast Guard programmes. Its automation ranges from navigation to full-vessel automation, and the programme aims to support both crewed and autonomous operation.
Birdon also listed automatic and crew weapon stations among the design features.
The completed prototype lacks the two 30mm remote weapon stations and deck-mounted 12.7mm machine gun shown in earlier renderings, though MCWL said later trials will evaluate force protection and self-defence configurations.
The MCWL selected Birdon in 2024 after a competitive evaluation of white papers. The work was placed with a non-traditional shipbuilder through an intermediary partnership contracting approach.
Birdon said its New Orleans engineers took the design from concept to construction-ready in less than 12 months, and incorporated production automation features to cut build hours.
C&C Marine and Repair began building both prototypes at its Belle Chasse, Louisiana, facilities in June 2025.
Additional testing prior to full service entry
The craft's next step is limited technical assessments. These involve Birdon America craft masters and engineers, crewing support from the Australian Army, and oversight by MCWL.
An operational testing phase will follow, with US Marines crewing alongside contracted mariners as the corps prepares to run small surface craft on its own.
Birdon said evaluation results from 2027 onwards will guide future production opportunities in the US and in allied countries.
The company also mentioned a potential fleet of up to 117 vessels through 2029.