US Navy Adds Hovercraft for Rapid Transport of Troops and Heavy Equipment.

According to information published by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) on June 17, 2025, the United States Navy officially accepted delivery of Ship-to-Shore Connector LCAC 113 from Textron Systems on June 12 following successful Acceptance Trials judged by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. The craft demonstrated full mission readiness during trials, confirming its ability to meet stringent operational requirements.
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Technically, SSC incorporates two MT7 gas-turbine engines per side (four in total), offering around 20 percent more power than the legacy LCAC to meet “hump-speed” requirements in hot conditions (Picture source: US DoD)

The LCAC 113, part of the Navy’s broader SSC program of record totaling 73 air-cushion vehicles, offers substantial improvements over legacy LCACs. Built to match the dimensions and clearances of earlier hovercraft, it integrates seamlessly with LPD-17, LSD-41/49, LHA/LHD-class amphibious ships and Expeditionary Sea Base/Transfer Dock platforms. With a payload capacity of up to 74 short tons (approximately 67 metric tonnes), it transports heavy weapon systems, vehicles, cargo and assault troops across littoral environments and over the beach.

Technically, SSC incorporates two MT7 gas-turbine engines per side (four in total), offering around 20 percent more power than the legacy LCAC to meet “hump-speed” requirements in hot conditions. It achieves cruise speeds over 35 knots at Sea State 3 with full payload and extends operational reach with a mission radius of at least 25 nautical miles. Mission-critical composite components, such as the skirt assemblies, drive shafts, and volutes, reduce maintenance demands and boost corrosion resistance.

The SSC’s onboard systems reflect modernized naval standards: a two-person fly-by-wire cockpit, digital FADEC engine controls, simplified drivetrain with one gearbox per side instead of LCAC’s eight, and a 60 Hz electrical distribution system compatible with shipboard architecture. A unified Auxiliary Power Unit and gearbox-driven service generator on each side enhance energy efficiency. Crew size remains at five (pilot, copilot, loadmaster and two deck engineers) with improved cockpit ergonomics and systems reliability.

Operating life has been engineered for 30 years, with extensive use of corrosion-resistant aluminum hulls and composite assemblies, significantly reducing lifecycle cost and downtime. SSC platform design incorporates lessons from over forty years of LCAC service, including key logistics and humanitarian mission versatility.

Textron Systems is currently in serial production of SSC units 114 through 126, maintaining a delivery pace of four craft per year to replenish amphibious forces. LCAC 113 joins its predecessors, LCAC 110 (delivered September 2024) and LCAC 112 (March 2025), marking a consistent rollout ahead of full operational capability.

According to Angela Bonner, acting program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, the addition of LCAC 113 “will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with an advanced craft to increase our operational capability in amphibious warfare and maintain our operational readiness against global challenges.”

This milestone reinforces the Navy’s continued investment in high-speed, heavy-lift connectors essential to future expeditionary and multidomain operations, ensuring over-horizon projection and rapid humanitarian response through 2055 and beyond.