Textron Systems has received a $230-million contract modification from the US Navy to build two additional Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) landing craft.
The work will take place at Textron’s shipyard in New Orleans and includes engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and testing before delivery.
Textron has delivered 18 SSCs to the US Navy, while another 13 are in production or testing.
“Engineered to outperform, the SSC moves effortlessly over tides, terrain, and obstacles, enabling access to 80 percent of the world’s coastline,” stated Textron.
Carrying Troops, Vehicles, and Supplies Ashore
The SSC is an air-cushion landing craft that transports personnel, vehicles, and supplies from amphibious ships to shore.
Its ability to travel over water and onto beaches allows forces to unload without relying on port facilities.
Developed as the successor to the legacy Landing Craft, Air Cushion, the SSC incorporates changes intended to increase payload capacity, simplify operation, and extend intervals between overhauls.
Its design includes corrosion-resistant materials and a skirt, the flexible structure that contains the air cushion, intended to reduce drag and weight.
The craft has a listed payload capacity of 74 tons and can transport up to 145 combat-equipped Marines in troop-transport configuration.
Its cargo deck measures 67 feet (20.4 meters) by 24 feet (7.3 meters), providing space for vehicles and equipment.
Four gas turbine engines power the SSC, which cruises at 35 knots (40 miles/65 kilometers per hour).
The craft uses an integrated fly-by-wire control system and operates with a four-person crew: a pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster, and deck engineer.
It measures 92 feet (28 meters) long and 48 feet (14.6 meters) wide and is designed for 30 years of service.