US Navy takes delivery of fourth SSC landing craft

By Baird Maritime - December 30, 2021.

*LCAC 103 during builder's sea trials (Photo: US Navy)*

The US Navy has taken delivery of a new ship-to-shore connector (SSC) air-cushion landing craft from local manufacturer Textron Systems Corporation.

The delivery of LCAC 103 comes after the successful completion of acceptance trials with the navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey to test the readiness and capability of the craft and to validate requirements.

Like its earlier sisters, the new SSC will be used primarily to haul vehicles, heavy equipment, and supplies through varied environmental conditions from amphibious ships to over the beach. Secondary missions will include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

The all-aluminium craft measures 92 by 48 feet (28 by 14.6 metres) and can carry up to 74 tons (67 tonnes) of any combination of vehicles and equipment as well as 145 troops.