The U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of the Ship to Shore Connector, Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 114 from Textron Systems, marking the latest addition to the service’s fleet of amphibious connectors. The delivery took place Aug. 28 following the completion of acceptance trials in New Orleans.
During trials, the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey assessed the craft’s performance and verified its ability to meet operational requirements, a NAVSEA press release read. The official handover represents the transfer of ownership from the shipbuilder to the Navy.
“The delivery of LCAC 114 reinforces the urgency needed to deliver amphibious capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Angela Bonner, acting program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs at Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships.
LCAC 114 was built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the Navy’s legacy LCAC fleet. The design ensures compatibility with well deck-equipped amphibious ships already in service. Each LCAC can carry payloads of roughly 60 to 75 tons, transporting weapon systems, cargo, equipment, and personnel in over-the-beach operations across a variety of conditions.
Textron Systems remains in serial production of additional craft, with LCACs 115 through 126 currently under construction.
PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s primary acquisition organizations, oversees the development and procurement of amphibious ships and craft along with destroyers, auxiliary ships, sealift vessels, and special mission platforms.
