US Navy Launches First LCU 1700

Austal USA has announced the historic launch of the first Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700 for the US Navy at its ship production facility in Mobile, Alabama on August 22.

LCU 1710, the first of 12 LCUs ordered by the US Navy from Austal USA, is part of a $91.5 million contract awarded in 2023. Austal USA is currently constructing three LCUs for the US Navy at its production facilities.

LCU 1700 Capabilities

The 1700 series LCUs have RO-RO (Roll On/Roll Off) capabilities, being able to load and unload both at the bow and the stern with the help of the ramps they are equipped with.

LCUs are transported on amphibious assault ships to the target area and used in a wide range of military operations to transport vehicles, personnel, and cargo from sea to shore and back.

The new connectors with a crew of 14 offer significant heavy load capacity, being able to transport up to two M1A2 Abrams tanks or 170 tons of materials, or up to 350 marines and in the case of an evacuation mission up to 400 people.

LCU 1700 Specifications

The LCU 1700s displace over 420 tons at full load and have a length of 42.3 meters, a width of 9.4 meters, and a draft of 1.6 meters.

Powered by two 600 hp diesel engines, the new LCUs reach a maximum speed of 11 knots, with a range of 1,200 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 8 knots.

Source and photo credit @Austal USA