Textron delivers first SSC air cushion vehicle to US Navy

By Baird Maritime - March 12, 2020.

*Craft 100, the first Ship to Shore Connector delivered to the US Navy (Photo: Textron)*

Textron Systems Corporation has delivered the first Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) air cushion vehicle to the US Navy.

Designed as a replacement for the navy’s fleet of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, the SSCs will be used primarily by expeditionary strike groups to transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel between the larger well deck-equipped amphibious transport ships and unprepared beaches.

Each SSC will have a maximum speed of 35 knots and an expected service life of 30 years in addition to an increased payload compared to that of the current class of LCAC.

The first SSC, which has been named Craft 100, will be utilised by the navy as a test and training craft. A total of 13 other SSCs are in various stages of construction at Textron Systems’ facilities in New Orleans.