US Navy Expands Its Fleet of LCU 1700-Class Vessels with New Orders

The US Navy has taken a significant step in modernizing its fleet of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels by ordering two new units of the LCU 1700-class from the original equipment manufacturer, Austal USA. This decision is part of the Navy’s broader plan to replace its aging fleet of LCU 1610-class vessels, which have been in service for decades, with the more advanced LCU 1700-class.

The Navy initially engaged Austal USA in March 2018 to develop a detailed design for the LCU 1700-class. Following the successful design phase, the Navy ordered three units in September 2023, with options for nine additional vessels. The recent order for two more LCU 1700-class units falls under a contract modification valued at $55 million, bringing the cumulative value of the program, which could eventually include up to 12 vessels, to $379.7 million.

Austal USA’s CEO, Paddy Gregg, noted that this modification not only confirms the successful start of construction on the first LCU vessel for the US Navy but also highlights the steel shipbuilding capabilities of Austal’s facilities in Mobile, Alabama, where these landing craft will be constructed. The new generation of LCU 1700-class vessels is designed to operate alongside the Navy’s amphibious assault ships, such as the Wasp-class, and will support a wide range of military operations. These include the transport of tracked and wheeled vehicles, troops, and cargo from ship to shore, shore to shore, and back to the ship.

The LCU 1700-class vessels incorporate advanced 3D engineering to optimize performance by reducing weight while maintaining robust capabilities. At full load, these steel-hulled vessels can displace approximately 428 long tons, with a length of 139 feet, a beam of 31 feet, and a draft of 5.3 feet. They are capable of maintaining a speed of 11 knots and have an operational range of 1,200 nautical miles at a speed of 8 knots.

Austal designed the LCU 1700-class to transport substantial military loads, such as two M1A1 tanks, 350 troops, 400 personnel, or 170 short tons of cargo. This versatility enhances the operational capabilities of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces and Marine Expeditionary Units. The vessels are equipped with a roll-on/roll-off monohull configuration with hydraulically controlled bow and stern ramps, allowing multiple vessels to connect and form a causeway for efficient unloading and loading operations.

The LCU 1700-class is also designed to be transported within and to load/unload from the well decks of amphibious assault ships, with the capacity to carry loads up to 3.5 meters high above the vessel’s vehicle deck. This design feature significantly improves the utility of these vessels in complex military operations.

The recent contract modification, valued at $84 million, adds two more LCU 1700-class vessels to the US Navy’s growing fleet, reflecting the Navy’s confidence in Austal USA’s shipbuilding capabilities. The Navy’s continued investment in these vessels underscores the importance of modern, flexible landing craft in maintaining the operational readiness and versatility of the United States Navy.