Austal USA has been awarded a $91 million fixed-price incentive and firm-fixed-price type contract for the construction of three Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700 class craft.
The contract also includes options for nine additional craft and associated support efforts. The steel hull LCU1700-class possesses heavy-lift capability with 170-ton payload capacity and will be deployed with the US Navy’s amphibious assault ships.
The vessels will support a range of military operations including the delivery of tracked and/or wheeled vehicles, troops and cargo from ship to shore, shore to shore and back to ship.
These connectors provide a heavy-lift capability and can carry about the same payload capacity as seven C-17 aircraft.
“Austal USA is honored to be able to build this important connector for the U.S. Navy,” commented Dave Growden , vice president of new construction projects.
“We recognize the critical role this platform plays in supporting expeditionary operations for the Navy and Marine Corps and are looking forward to continuing to deliver ships and boats to our customers on time and on budget.”
The LCU 1700-class has a roll-on / roll-off monohull configuration, with hydraulically controlled bow and stern ramps that allow multiple vessels to connect and form a causeway for fast and secure unloading and loading.
The craft are designed to be transported within, and load/unload from the well decks of amphibious assault ships, carrying loads up to 3.5 metres high, above the vessel’s vehicle deck.