US Navy orders three more LCAC vessels from Textron Systems

July 9, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has awarded Textron Systems a $353.9 million contract modification to build three additional ship-to-shore connector (SSC) landing craft air cushion 100-class (LCAC 100) vessels.

A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, transits Kuluk Bay while conducting wet well operations with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) during Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise (AECE) 2019. Photo: US Navy

Awarded on June 30, 2025, the agreement expands the service’s ongoing efforts to modernize its amphibious transport fleet, replacing aging LCACs that have been in service since the 1980s.

Textron Systems will carry out the bulk of the work in New Orleans, Louisiana (66%), with contributions from locations across the US and the UK, including Pasadena, California; Cincinnati, Ohio; Gloucester, United Kingdom; and others.

This modification builds on the original contract awarded in August 2023 for up to 73 LCAC vessels, part of the navy’s long-term recapitalization strategy to enhance over-the-horizon ship-to-shore capabilities.

LCACs are built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the legacy LCACs they replace – to ensure that this latest air cushion vehicle is fully compatible with existing, well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the expeditionary sea base and the expeditionary transfer dock.

LCACs can carry a 60 to 75-ton payload. They primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and assault element personnel through a wide range of conditions, including over-the-beach.

The newly ordered craft are expected to be completed by July 2031.

To remind, the US Navy took delivery of LCAC 113 from Textron Systems last month. The company is currently in serial production on LCACs 114-126.