The US Navy has accepted delivery of its first LCU 1700-class landing craft from Austal USA under a framework established in 2023. Designated LCU 1710, the vessel is part of a modernization effort aimed at replacing older landing craft used for decades in amphibious and logistics operations.The new class is intended to succeed the Navy’s LCU 1466, 1610, and 1627 series, which have supported ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore movement of personnel, equipment, and vehicles since the 1990s.Like earlier landing craft, the LCU 1700 is expected to operate alongside expeditionary assault ships. However, its missions can extend beyond transporting forces and equipment to include surveillance, support for diving teams, port maintenance, and humanitarian assistance.Before delivery, LCU 1710 completed acceptance trials conducted under the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. The testing was intended to confirm that the vessel met required performance standards before entering service.During trials, the craft demonstrated its ability to operate without dependence on external tugs or pilots, providing greater independence during ship-to-shore operations.The LCU 1700 features a large cargo deck capable of carrying up to 150 tons of payload. Its capacity can accommodate heavy military equipment, including two M1A1 Abrams tanks, or approximately 400 personnel.The vessel measures 139 feet in length and has a beam of 31 feet. It is operated by a crew of 14 and incorporates communications, navigation, and defensive systems. Twin 500-horsepower diesel engines provide a top speed of approximately 11 knots and a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles.The current program provides for as many as 12 vessels. Several hulls are already at different stages of construction, with LCU 1714 having reached the steel-cutting milestone at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama, facility.
