U.S. Navy to Procure Four SSC Hovercraft Annually Through 2031
The U.S. Navy will maintain procurement of four Ship-to-Shore Connector hovercraft each year from FY2027 to FY2031, ensuring sustained production until at least 2036. This decision supports long-term industrial stability and replaces aging LCACs while maintaining operational capabilities for amphibious operations.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
The U.S. Navy confirmed in its FY2027 shipbuilding plan the procurement of four Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) hovercraft annually through FY2031, extending production through September 2036. The FY2027 budget allocates $733.895 million for this effort, raising cumulative program obligations over $10.5 billion.
The total objective is 72 operational SSCs plus one test vehicle, replacing legacy LCAC hovercraft. Current production cycles average 39 months, with deliveries planned for LCAC 116 in April 2026 and LCAC 139-142 in March 2027.
The unit cost has risen to $183.474 million per craft, reflecting increased expenditures on materials and systems, including Rolls-Royce MT7 engines. The SSC program is critical for maintaining U.S. industrial capacity in hovercraft manufacturing, as no parallel production exists domestically, aligning with broader amphibious capabilities.
Comments