Ship-to-Shore Connector
Encyclopedia
The Ship-to-Shore Connector is a system proposed by the US Navy as a replacement for the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) It will offer increased capacity, to cope with the growing weight of equipment used by the army and marines.
History
Several proposals have been made to replace the LCAC. In 2003, the Navy Transformation Roadmap set out plans to start R&D on a "Heavy Lift LCAC" project in 2005, but this was superseded by the LCAC(X) "LCAC Replacement Tactical Assault Connector". In August 2010, the US Navy issued a Request For Proposals for a contract to design and build 72 SSCs. The contract would be worth up to $4 billion. A contract for detailed design work, and construction of the first test and training craft, is expected to be awarded in 2011.Proposals
- A team comprising Marinette MarineMarinette MarineMarinette Marine Corporation is a shipbuilding firm in Marinette, Wisconsin. MMC was a subsidiary of Manitowoc Marine Group, also in Wisconsin, but was sold to Fincantieri Marine Group in 2009...
, BoeingBoeingThe Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
, and Griffon Hoverwork - A team comprising Textron Marine & Land Systems, Alcoa DefenseAlcoaAlcoa Inc. is the world's third largest producer of aluminum, behind Rio Tinto Alcan and Rusal. From its operational headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Alcoa conducts operations in 31 countries...
, and L-3 CommunicationsL-3 CommunicationsL-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. is a company that supplies command and control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and products, avionics, ocean products, training devices and services, instrumentation, space, and navigation products. Its customers include...
Design
Although the design will be broadly similar to the LCAC, there will be several significant differences:- Two-person fly-by-wire cockpit.
- More powerful, more efficient engines
- Extensive use of composites and aluminium
See also
- Air-cushioned landing craftAir-cushioned landing craftAn air cushioned landing craft, also called an LCAC is a modern variation on the amphibious landing boat. These craft are based on small- to mid-sized multi-purpose hovercraft, also known as "over the beach" craft...
- Zubr class LCACZubr class LCACThe Zubr class is a class of air-cushioned landing craft of soviet design. This class of military hovercraft is currently, as of 2008, the world’s largest hovercraft. There are currently nine ships in active service in the world. The Zubr is used by the Russian, Ukrainian, and Greek navies...
- Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC}
- Engin de débarquement amphibie rapideEngin de Débarquement Amphibie RapideThe Engin de débarquement amphibie rapide is a class of Roll-on/Roll-off catamaran landing craft ordered by the French Navy. They transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel of the assault elements from Mistral class amphibious assault ships to shore and across the beach.-Design and...