The US Navy has awarded a $353.9 million modification contract to Textron Systems for the construction of three additional LCAC 100-class hovercraft. This contract extends a prior agreement initiated in August 2023, which authorized the production of up to 73 new vessels aimed at replacing the Navy’s aging fleet of LCACs, many of which have been in service since the 1980s.
Designed for high-speed amphibious operations, the LCAC 100 is powered by four Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines, each derived from the Bell V-22 Osprey’s engine design. These turbines collectively generate an output of 28,000 horsepower, enabling the hovercraft to reach speeds of up to 35 knots (approximately 65 kilometers per hour). With a range of 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers), the 92-foot (28-meter) craft can transport troops, vehicles, and equipment from ship to shore with speed and efficiency.
Additionally, the LCAC 100 is designed for combat readiness, featuring mounted armaments such as naval guns, machine guns, and grenade launchers. The delivery of these three hovercraft is expected to be completed by 2031, continuing the Navy’s modernization of its amphibious capabilities.
