Austal USA awarded contract modification for additional Navy Landing Craft utility vessels.

According to a PR published by Austal on August 4, 2024, the firm has been awarded a contract modification valued at $54,997,317 for the construction of two more Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700-class vessels for the United States Navy.
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Artist rendering of Landing Craft Utility or LCU. (Picture source: Swiftships)

This follows an initial contract awarded in September 2023 for three LCUs, with options for up to nine additional vessels, potentially totaling $379.7 million.

The new contract brings the total number of LCU 1700-class vessels currently scheduled or under construction at Austal USA to five. These vessels will be built at Austal's Mobile, Alabama facility.

The LCU 1700-class vessels, designed with a heavy-lift capability and a 170-ton payload capacity, will support a range of military operations, including the transport of vehicles, troops, and cargo from ship to shore.

These vessels feature a roll-on/roll-off monohull configuration with hydraulically controlled ramps for efficient loading and unloading. They are capable of independent ocean transits with a range of 1,200 nautical miles and a top speed of 11 knots.

Comparison

The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700-class represents a significant evolution from the LCU 1610-class, reflecting advancements in naval architecture and technology tailored to modern amphibious operations.

The LCU 1610-class, introduced in the 1980s, measures approximately 134 feet in length with a displacement of 375 tons fully loaded. Its payload capacity is lower at 140 tons, accommodating one M1A1 main battle tank or 400 combat-loaded troops.

The design also features roll-on/roll-off capabilities but utilizes older hydraulic and mechanical systems. The LCU 1610 can achieve a top speed of 12 knots and shares the same operational range of 1,200 nautical miles at 8 knots. It is crewed by 10 personnel and relies on less advanced technology compared to the LCU 1700.