NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Alcoa Defense is joining Textron Marine & Land Systems and L-3 Communications in pursuit of a contract to build the U.S. Navy's new landing craft.
"With more than 100,000 pounds of aluminum in every craft, you want to make sure you have the undisputed world leader in aluminum on your team," said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. "With Alcoa's unsurpassed knowledge of aluminum production and performance, proven design capability and advanced product manufacturing know-how, they are an integral part of our team's low-risk and life-cycle focused approach to SSC."
The Navy's Ship-to-Shore Connector is planned as a replacement for the Landing Craft, Air Cushion used by the Navy and Marine Corps for more than 20 years. A contract for the lead test and training craft is expected to be awarded by the Navy next year.
"Textron Marine & Land Systems and L-3 together are the experienced leaders in heavy lift air cushion design, engineering, manufacturing and integration," said Alcoa Defense Director Jimmy Williams. "Alcoa Defense gives the team another way to optimize the SSC design."
