Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC)

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Textron Systems

Ship-to-Shore Connector
-More powerful engines with greater fuel efficiency
-Enclosed personnel transport module that can hold up to 145 combat-equipped
-Capable of carrying a 74-ton payload traveling at speeds of more than 35 knots
-Improved skirt design reducing drag and craft weight
-Corrosion-resistant aluminum increase availability and lower life-cycle maintenance costs

Image: Textron Systems

[Ayoshi]

USN awards contract to Textron for second Ship-to-Shore Connector | IHS Jane's 360

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded a USD21.9 million contract modification to Textron Inc for the construction of the US Navy's (USN's) first ship-to-shore connector (SSC) production craft, company officials confirmed to IHS Jane's on 4 September.

An illustration of the USN's SSC that will replace the navy's legacy fleet of LCAC craft. The first SSC is expected to deliver in 2017. (Textron Systems)

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Textron nears completion of SSC prototype | IHS Jane's 360 - 17 January 2017

Textron Marine & Land Systems expects the prototype Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) air-cushion landing craft to begin afloat testing in the next few months ahead of delivery to the US Navy (USN) later this year.

Meanwhile, the company has disclosed that it has begun work on a further four SSCs at its facility in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The SSC was designed to replace the USN's current Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) fleet, building on that design pedigree but incorporating a number of engineering improvements to increase payload, reliability, and availability, and at the same time improve 'producibility'. Examples include a new skirt that is lighter and has less drag, a strengthened cargo deck, a 74-ton payload capacity, more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, and more efficient propellers. Another change is the introduction of a new L-3 Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Navigation (C4N) suite in the cockpit module that will enable a reduction from three crew (as per the LCAC) to two.

Rendering of the Ship-to-Shore Connector. The USN's Program of Record calls for a total buy of 72 craft. Source: Textron

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Textron Systems’ Ship-to-Shore Connector Started Sea Trials | Navy Recognition - 21 May 2018

Textron Systems’ Ship-to-Shore Connector began on-water testing last month. The Ship-to-Shore Connector is the U.S. Navy’s replacement for the Landing Craft, Air Cushion. During on-water testing, Textron Systems and the U.S. Navy are testing initial craft functionality. This will be followed by Builder’s Trials.

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About the SSC:
SSC craft will serve as the evolutionary replacement for the Navy’s existing fleet of LCACs, which are nearing the end of their service life. Their mission is to land surface assault elements in support of operational maneuver from the sea, at over-the-horizon distances, while operating from the Navy’s amphibious ships and mobile landing platforms. Like earlier LCACs, these craft also will be used for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

LCAC 100, the first SSC, during on water testing. Textron picture.
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LCAC 100, the first SSC, during on water testing. Textron picture.