Next-Gen Hovercraft LCAC 114 Joins U.S. Navy for Heavy Lift Missions

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On August 28, the United States Navy officially accepted the delivery of the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 114 from Textron Systems, marking a significant milestone in its modernization efforts. This advanced vessel is part of the Navy’s next-generation Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) program, which aims to enhance the Navy’s amphibious capabilities. The acceptance follows a successful round of trials conducted by the Navy’s inspection team, confirming the craft’s readiness for operational deployment.

LCAC. Photo: textronsystems.com

LCAC 114 is engineered to transport heavy payloads ranging from 60 to 75 tons, including personnel, vehicles, equipment, and weapons systems. Its design allows it to travel directly from ship to shore, bypassing traditional port infrastructure and enabling rapid deployment in contested or remote environments. This capability is crucial for expeditionary missions, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations where speed and flexibility are paramount.

Despite its cutting-edge features, LCAC 114 maintains full compatibility with existing amphibious ships and legacy LCAC platforms. This ensures seamless integration into the Navy’s current fleet and allows for continued use of proven operational procedures. The backward compatibility also reduces the need for extensive retraining and infrastructure upgrades, making the transition to newer platforms more efficient.

Textron Systems, the manufacturer behind LCAC 114, is currently producing additional units numbered 115 through 126. These craft are being built to the same rigorous standards and are expected to join the fleet in the coming years. The production line reflects the Navy’s long-term commitment to modernizing its amphibious transport capabilities while maintaining a steady pace of delivery.

The SSC program, under which LCAC 114 was developed, is managed by the Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. This office oversees the procurement of ships and amphibious vehicles for the U.S. Department of Defense, ensuring that each asset meets strategic and operational requirements. PEO Ships plays a critical role in aligning technological innovation with the Navy’s evolving mission needs.

LCAC 114 features a number of improvements over its predecessors, including enhanced propulsion systems, improved crew accommodations, and upgraded navigation and communication technologies. These enhancements contribute to greater reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and improved mission performance. The vessel’s air cushion design allows it to operate over water, ice, mud, and other challenging terrains, making it highly versatile in diverse operational theaters.

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