Textron Systems Hands over LCAC 115 to US Navy

Why It Matters

The addition of LCAC 115 strengthens the Navy‑Marine Corps expeditionary toolkit, enabling faster, heavier lift in contested littoral environments and advancing the Navy’s distributed maritime operations strategy.

Key Takeaways

• LCAC 115 delivered March 10 after Navy inspection.
• Carries 60‑75‑ton payload for amphibious missions.
• Supports distributed maritime operations and crisis response.
• Compatible with existing well‑deck amphibious ships.
• Serial production continues through LCAC 129.

Pulse Analysis

The handover of LCAC 115 marks the latest milestone in the U.S. Navy’s Ship-to‑Shore Connector (SSC) program, a modern replacement for the legacy Landing Craft Air Cushion fleet. Built by Textron Systems, the craft cleared the Board of Inspection and Survey’s acceptance trials and was formally delivered on March 10. By preserving the dimensions and well‑deck interface of its predecessor, the SSC enables a seamless transition for amphibious assault ships already in service, while embedding advanced propulsion and control systems that improve reliability and maintainability.

Operationally, LCAC 115 expands the Navy‑Marine Corps team’s ability to project power across contested littoral zones. With a 60‑to‑75‑ton payload capacity, the hovercraft can transport heavy armored vehicles, artillery, and up to 180 troops from ship to shore in a single lift, dramatically reducing the logistical footprint of amphibious operations. This capability underpins the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations concept, allowing dispersed forces to maneuver quickly, sustain themselves, and respond to crises ranging from humanitarian relief to high‑intensity conflict in near‑coastal environments.

Textron’s serial production run now extends through LCAC 129, following a $353.9 million contract modification in July 2025 for three additional units. The steady production pipeline not only secures jobs within the U.S. defense industrial base but also ensures that the fleet will achieve full operational capability ahead of the 2030 horizon. As peer competitors invest in similar high‑speed amphibious platforms, the SSC program reinforces America’s maritime superiority and provides a scalable solution for future joint force requirements.