The US Navy has awarded Textron Systems Corporation a contract for the construction of additional Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) air cushion vehicles.
The SSCs will replace the navy's existing fleet of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles in fulfilling the role of transport of weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel from larger amphibious ships to unprepared beaches.
Textron Systems was awarded the US$386 million fixed price incentive-firm target and firm fixed price contract modification for the construction of 15 SSCs. Work will be performed primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The navy accepted delivery of the first SSC, Craft 100 (pictured), earlier this year. Craft 100 is the developmental unit for the new class of landing craft and will be located in Panama City, Florida, where additional testing and crew training will be conducted.
