Euronaval 2018: CNIM lifts veil on new Landing Craft Assault.

Besides the new LCX vessel, the French landing craft builder CNIM is launching the Landing Craft Assault (LCA) at Euronaval 2018 exhibition, being held from 22-26 October in Paris, France.

A model of CNIM's Landing Craft Assault

The LCA is specifically designed for ground forces projection and aims at replacing existing fleets of vehicle transfert craft.

Robust, reliable, roll-on roll-off and travelling at 13 knots with a 65-tonne payload (80 tonne maximum), the LCA is designed to transfer equipment and people ashore efficiently from the mothership.

Like all CNIM landing craft, the LCA can beach in very shallow water (~1m). With excellent mobility and manoeuvrability, the LCA lands and picks up Ground Forces in record time during amphibious assault operations. For example, it can carry two AAV7s in the same time thanks to its 95 m² deck area. Self-defense capability is provided by three 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. The LCA superior seaworthiness and the ergonomic design of the command center improve crew comfort and operational availability.

Adaptable to any type of amphibious ship, NATO of otherwise – the Makassar-class for instance -, the LCA range is easy to build and maintain. CNIM uses local partners, provides shipyard teams with technical support during construction and teaches the crew how to control, operate and maintain the vessels.