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The term ‘connector’ was derived to support the development of the Seabasing Integrating Concept (JIC) of Aug 2005 in order to characterize the surface and vertical lift platform capabilities needed for the conduct of Seabasing Operations. Connectors are a critical component either organic to, or in support of, the sea base to transport personnel, supplies, and equipment within the sea base and maneuver them from the sea base to objectives ashore.

Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC)

Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC)

Landing Craft Utility (LCU)

Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS)

Maritime Prepositioning Force Utility Boat (MPF-UB)

Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)


LCAC: Landing Craft, Air Cushion

The LCAC is a high-speed, fully amphibious craft. The LCAC’s ability to ride on a cushion of air allows it to operate directly from the well decks of amphibious warfare ships and to rapidly project forces to, and over the beach to inland areas as necessary for amphibious and expeditionary operations across the range of military operations (ROMO). 

A service life extension program (SLEP) is in progress to extend the life of the craft.  Payload is 60 tons (70 overload) and 23 personnel, 185 personnel if configured with the Personnel Transport Module (PTM), at up to 40kts depending on the load.

SSC: Ship-to-Shore Connector

The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) program is developing a replacement for the in-service LCACs and LCAC (SLEP) as these craft reach the end of their service lives.  Payload will be 74 tons and 26 personnel, 85 when configured with the PTM, at 35kts or greater depending on the load.   

 

LCU: Landing Craft Utility

             

The LCU-1600, often referred to as the work horse of amphibious operations, provides heavy lift ship-to-shore movement and sustainment for amphibious and expeditionary operations across the ROMO.  It is well suited for its key role in Theater Security Cooperation and Foreign Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations. Payload is 160 tons and up to 400 personnel at 8-11kts.

 

INLS: Improved Navy Lighterage System

 

           

The INLS’ powered and non-powered platforms are connected to form the Causeway Ferrys (CFs) designed to transfer cargo from military sealift command ships to shore where port facilities are damaged, inadequate or nonexistent.  The Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility (RRDF) provides the at-sea interface platform between the ship and the CF to provide offloads of vehicles and equipment.

 

MPF-UB: Maritime Prepositioning Force Utility Boat

The MPF-UB is a commercial  design utility craft used to support personnel and light equipment movement and logistics during MPF offload operations.  Additionally, the MPF UB can provide waterborne force protec­tion as well as limited medical evacuation support in a protected environment.   A bow ramp facilitates embarking and discharging personnel over a ramp, low pier, or quay.  Payload 5 tons, and or, up to 30 personnel with 150 lbs of equipment at up to 3kts with load.

 

JHSV: Joint High Speed Vessel

The Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) is an intra-theater connector that bridges the gap between low speed sea lift and high speed airlift. It enables rapid closure of forces to the sea base from advanced bases, logistics movement from pre-positioned ships, and movement of assault forces to in-theater austere ports.  Payload 20,000 square feet/600 tons at 35kts (1,200nm) and up to 312 personnel (104 berthing spaces). 

 

  Surface Connectors