Navy Moves its New Abrams-Tank Carrying Amphibious Transport Craft to War

By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

The Navy’s new amphibious attack transport craft able to deliver Abrams tanks, weapons and Marines from ship to shore is taking crucial steps toward war.

The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC), intended to serve alongside and ultimately replace the classic Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion, has completed Builders Trials, according to the Naval Sea Systems Command website.

The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC)

The SSCs advance the technical curve in a number of key respects as they include emerging computer technology able to decrease the crew size and introduce new levels of autonomy. 

They are also built with lighter weight composite materials and can therefore carry more payload from ship-to-shore, including an ability to transport a 74-ton Abrams tank. 

The Textron-built SSCs also incorporate automated flight controls and modernized engines, company officials explain. The Navy’s 72 existing LCACs, in service since the 80s, can only transport up to 60-tons, reach speeds of 36-knots and travel ranges up to 200 nautical miles from amphibious vehicles, Navy officials explained.

The new SSC Rolls Royce engines are the same that now power the MV-22 Osprey aircraft and bring more horsepower.

Computer automation built into the SSC includes digital flight controls intended to replace the traditional yoke and pedals. developers say on-board computers will quickly calculate relevant details such as wind speed and navigational information