Program Summary
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Landing Craft
Air Cushion (LCAC) 89, assigned to Assault Craft
Unit (ACU) 4, returns to the amphibious dock
landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).(U.S. Navy
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Jason R. Zalasky/Released)
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The Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) is a high-speed,
fully amphibious landing craft capable of carrying a 60-75
ton payload. It can carry heavy payloads such as an M-1 tank
and travel at speeds of more than 40 knots. The LCAC rides
on a cushion of air, and no part of the LCACs hull
penetrates the surface of the water. The entire hull rides
approximately four feet above the water. The LCACs
propulsion system has additional safety mechanisms making it
less susceptible to mines than other assault craft or
vehicles.
The Navy’s LCAC Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which
began in 2000, is actively improving and upgrading these
versatile platforms. The program includes upgrading the
powertrain to provide additional power as well as decreasing
fuel consumption and maintenance needs.
SLEP also replaces older technologies,
including upgrading command, control, communications, computer
and navigation, or C4N, systems. Of the 91 LCACs originally
built, 73 are to receive SLEP enhancements by the time the
program concludes in 2016.